Eighteen Florida State University students will be studying abroad this summer and school year through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.

The Gilman Scholarship provides undergraduate students with high financial need the opportunity to study or intern in a foreign country. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the scholarship gives students the chance to become global citizens and active participants in their international community while gaining critical thinking and cultural awareness.

Chelsea James, a junior majoring in social science education with a minor in child development, will participate in the Broad Curriculum Program at the FSU London Study Centre through FSU International Programs. The Broad Curriculum Program includes FSU courses that satisfy requirements for graduation, CoreFSU and some majors or minors while living abroad.

After graduation next year, she plans to pursue a career in school leadership and hopes to expand student opportunities and transform the education landscape.

“I am excited to go to London because it will allow me to experience a diverse global culture firsthand while gaining new perspectives that will shape my growth as a future educator and leader,” James said.

Lana Abboud, a sophomore majoring in international affairs with a minor in economics, will participate in the Intensive French program in Paris through FSU International Programs. Students are placed in a language course based on their level of understanding and are taught entirely in French by native French-speaking faculty.

“This experience will strengthen my ability to engage across cultures and operate in international settings, while building the communication skills essential for diplomacy and global policy work,” Abboud said.

After graduation next fall, Abboud hopes to attend law school or pursue a career as a U.S. diplomat. She is interested in the intersection of international law and foreign policy and how they drive global corporations.

Niki Navarro Gutierrez, a junior majoring in digital media production and minoring in Italian and film, will attend the University of Foreigners of Perugia in Umbria, Italy, through FSU Global Exchanges.

“I am extremely interested in the appreciation that Italy, and Europe as a whole, has for film and the resources that are put into it,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez has a passion for creating documentaries or fiction films that tell a story about the culture they portray. She says she will benefit from traveling abroad and learning from diverse communities.

“Ultimately, I hope to return from Perugia not only with greater fluency in Italian, but also with the personal insight and professional skills to pursue documentary filmmaking on an international scale,” Gutierrez said.

Giselle Martinez, a junior majoring in biological science, will participate in FSU’s Biology in London program with FSU International Programs. Martinez will take two courses: Walking in Van Leeuwenhoek’s Shoes: Rediscovering Cell Biology, where students recreate classical experiments that shaped understanding of the cell, and Investigating Questions in Animal Behavior, which examines how development, genetics, and physiology shape behaviors like communication, aggression and sociality.

After graduation next year, Martinez plans to continue studying medicine as a women’s health researcher focusing on endometriosis and other women’s health concerns.

“I want to contribute to the under-researched and underrepresented areas of medicine in which many women find themselves struggling,” Martinez said.

Zorianna Starks, a junior majoring in psychology and minoring in social welfare, will study abroad in London and Amsterdam this summer through the Council on International Educational Exchange’s (CIEE) Comparative Public Health Systems program.

She plans to explore how cultural, social and economic factors influence the delivery of care and access to mental and public health.

“This experience will allow me to expand my perspective on mental health and public health systems while learning how different cultures address challenges in care and accessibility,” Starks said.

Starks also received funding through the Global Scholars Program, run by the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement, and the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement to support her study abroad experience.

“As someone pursuing a career in psychology and social work, it is important for me to understand diverse populations so I can better support and advocate for individuals from all backgrounds,” Starks said.

She plans to pursue a career as a child therapist, focusing on supporting underserved communities and addressing mental health disparities. Starks hopes this experience will strengthen her cultural awareness and provide insight that will help her make a meaningful impact in both clinical and community-based settings.

Silvia Rodriguez, a freshman majoring in economics, will participate in the Oxford University Consortium on Human Rights and New Technology in England with the FSU Honors Program.

During the consortium, she will present her findings about the impacts of artificial intelligence on the Florida criminal justice system. Her research focuses on predictive policing, sentencing algorithms and AI-driven immigration enforcement, and analyzing whether these technologies reinforce social biases in an international setting.

“Through the consortium, I will conduct interdisciplinary research on the ethical and legal implications of AI in the justice system and explore how policy can better protect civil rights in the digital age,” Rodriguez said.

After graduating from FSU, Rodriguez plans to attend law school.

Nashley Gabriel Cardenas, a junior majoring in accounting and minoring in criminology, will study abroad this summer in Strasbourg, France, through FSU Global Exchanges with a focus on business.

“This summer, I am looking forward to expanding my horizons and networking with students of different backgrounds,” Cardenas said. “Going abroad will give me the opportunity to understand how Europe approaches sustainability within business organizations with methods that I could apply to my business career.”

She is most excited to create new connections and to make her own path while being exposed to different cultures, branching out of her comfort zone in a new place.

“I never thought I would leave the U.S. during my time studying, and this means I have the power to create my own experiences and learn how to overcome impostor syndrome,” Cardenas said.

Madison Mager, a senior biological science major pursuing veterinary medicine, will intern this summer in Costa Rica through Loop Abroad, an educational veterinary service organization. She will work at the Toucan Rescue Ranch in San José, the country’s capital, to learn how another culture engages in animal care.

“I’m especially excited to learn from a completely different veterinary environment and gain new perspectives on wildlife care and conservation medicine,” Mager said. “I’m also looking forward to meeting new people, hearing their stories and experiencing another culture firsthand.”

After graduation, Mager plans to attend veterinary school and pursue exotic veterinary and conservation medicine.

Sophia Castro, a sophomore majoring in public health, will participate in the Broad Curriculum Program at the Valencia Study Center in Spain through FSU International Programs.

“Studying abroad in Valencia will challenge me to step outside of my comfort zone and engage with new cultures, perspectives, and ways of thinking,” Castro said. “This experience will help me develop the cultural awareness and adaptability needed to better serve diverse communities and become a more well-rounded and compassionate provider.”

After graduation, Castro hopes to earn a master’s degree in nursing with a long-term career plan of owning a medical spa.

Lizzie Alba, a freshman pursuing a dual degree in psychology and human development and family sciences, will intern abroad in Madrid, this summer with the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS). She will work with the nonprofit organization YMCA to support parents and children in the community. She also received funding through FSU’s Global Scholars Program.

“As someone who aspires to become a marriage and family therapist, these interactions with both parents and children will provide me with valuable hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of the field,” Alba said. “Through this experience, I hope to become even more culturally sensitive.”

Alba is excited about the opportunity to work with families in a new environment and learn about the cultural implications that come with a new domain.

Brianna Zapata, a junior majoring in environment and society and interdisciplinary social sciences, will participate in a language-intensive program in São Paulo, Brazil, this summer through the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE).

“During the program, I will be studying topics related to urban sustainability, culture and global perspectives while gaining immersive international experience through coursework and community engagement,” Zapata said.

Zapata also earned a Critical Need Language Award, a supplemental scholarship offered through the Gilman Program. After graduation, she plans to focus on sustainability and conservation and how they impact underserved communities.

To learn more about the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, students can email FSU’s Office of National Fellowships for an advising appointment. For more information about International Programs, visit international.fsu.edu. To learn more about Global Exchanges, visit cge.fsu.edu/global-programs.

This year’s Gilman Scholarship recipients, their destinations and majors are:

Yecenia Padron; Panama; Human Development and Family Sciences

Lana Abboud; France; International Affairs

Mya Ncastanedo; Spain; Media and Communication Studies

Nicole Navarro Gutiérrez; Italy; Digital Media Production

Chelsea James; United Kingdom; Social Science Education

Brianna Zapata; Brazil; Environment and Society and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Zorianna Starks; United Kingdom and the Netherlands; Psychology

Lizzie Alba; Spain; Psychology and Human Development and Family Sciences

Giselle Martinez; United Kingdom; Biological Science

Yemaya Adams; South Korea; Information Technology

Silvia Rodriguez; United Kingdom; Economics

Nashely Gabriel Cardenas; France; Accounting

Sacha Chiche Gallardo; France; Behavioral Neuroscience

Madison Northcutt; United Kingdom; Communication Science & Disorders

Sophia Castro; Spain; Public Health

Madison Mager; Costa Rica; Biological Science

Gianna Spadafino; Thailand; Communication and Public Relations

Adwoa Birago Nsiah Ababio; Spain; Food Science and Nutrition

The post 18 FSU students earn 2026 Gilman Scholarships to study abroad appeared first on Florida State University News.

Seventeen Florida State University students will build foreign language skills and study abroad this summer after earning scholarships through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.

The Gilman Scholarship is awarded by the U.S. Department of State and gives students the opportunity to study or intern in foreign countries with the aim of building proficiency in languages and preparing individuals for a globalized world.

“We are thrilled for the 17 FSU students nominated for Gilman Scholarships this year and are excited to see their dreams of studying abroad come to life,” said Jesse Wieland, associate director of the Office of National Fellowships. “We have students representing our Tallahassee and Panama City campuses engaging in different programs that fit their academic and personal interests, which highlights the flexibility of this award and how our students put in the effort to find opportunities crucial to their own growth and development.”

The Gilman Scholarship program was founded in 2001 and is named after the late Benjamin Gilman, who served for 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and chaired its House Foreign Relations Committee. The scholarship enables American students to gain proficiency in languages, skills that are critically important to their academic and career development. More than 28,000 students have taken part in the program since its inception.

The scholarship enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to national security and economic prosperity. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship. The Institute of International Education has administered the program since its inception.

Two students will use the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in Costa Rica this summer. Kate Deviney, a political science major minoring in Spanish, will study the Spanish language and conversation through an external provider in San Joaquin de Flores, Heredia Province in Costa Rica. She looks forward to immersing herself in the Spanish language and developing a deeper understanding of the different backgrounds and perspectives in the region.

“As a pre-law student from South Florida, I’ve observed the increasing significance of Spanish as a predominant language in the region,” Deviney said. “I aspire to bridge the communication gap and provide legal assistance to Spanish-speaking communities. This experience will not only enhance my professional capabilities but also enable me to effectively connect with and advocate for clients from varied backgrounds in my future legal career.”

Chelsea Brown will also study abroad in the Heredia Province in Costa Rica this summer. She’s using her Gilman Scholarship to participate in the Spanish Immersion Experience Program administered through International Programs. The program offers students a unique opportunity for complete immersion in the Spanish language and Costa Rican culture.

Several recipients are using the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in London this summer. Alexis Rister, a criminology major, and Sabrina Jacques, a nursing major, will participate in the Broad Curriculum Program at the FSU London Study Centre through International Programs.

“I wanted an experience so similar yet so different from the U.S.,” Jacques said. “I hope to broaden my horizons when it comes to European history.”

Rister said she looks forward to exploring and building memories abroad.

“The Gilman Scholarship has given me an experience I will forever cherish as a first-generational student,” Rister said.

Michael Ackeret, a psychology major, will study abroad at FSU London this summer through the Psychology Program administered by International Programs. Students in this program study the principles of psychology across many domains and explore London to compare how applications of psychology differ across cultures.

“As a first-generation student and recovered addict, winning the Gilman Scholarship isn’t just a financial relief, it is the realization of my wildest dreams come true,” Ackeret said. “Transformation is what I’m all about, and this scholarship opens doors for me to grow personally and academically.”

Theatre major Jason Alvarez will study abroad in London during the Fall 2024 semester through the Theatre Academy London Program. Located in the heart of the West End, Theatre Academy London provides an immersive experience through theater training to develop and add depth to students’ work.

“With studying abroad and coming from a low-income family, I wanted to see what resources I could use to help me get to where I want to be,” Alvarez said. “Gilman challenged me to envision how my goals could shape me into the artist I want to become upon returning to Tallahassee.”

Rose Clermont, a student double-majoring in public health and international affairs, participated in the International Affairs in London Program over spring break through International Programs. The weeklong program is a component of the Introduction to International Affairs (INS 3003) course for students enrolled in the International Programs section. The trip includes a visit to Parliament, a walking tour in central London and visits to various sites and museums like the Tower of London and the British Museum.

“As a first-generation college student and American, my desire to study abroad was initially hindered by financial constraints,” Clermont said. “The Gilman Program not only provided the financial means for me to pursue this opportunity but also welcomed me into a network of individuals who utilized their international experiences in their professional careers, offering numerous professional opportunities. During my time abroad, I was able to further integrate the principles of international affairs and public health, gaining a deeper understanding of global NGOs such as A21, and broadening my comprehension of frameworks addressing global issues.”

Some students are using their Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in Florence, Italy. Tessa Mahurin, a student double-majoring in art history and business management, and Makenzie Heyliger, a public health major, will participate in the Broad Curriculum Program at the FSU Florence Study Center through International Programs. This experience will allow them to earn credits in both general requirements and elective courses in a variety of disciplines while living in the birthplace of the Renaissance.

“I applied for the Gilman Scholarship to fulfill my dream of studying in Florence, Italy to engage in Italian art and language,” Mahurin said. “As an art history and business management major with minors in Italian and museum studies, I am deeply fascinated with Italy’s contributions to the art and business world.”

“As a public health major, I learn of many cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds and locations worldwide and how health and health disparities differ across the country and the globe,” Heyliger said. “The ability to experience these various differences on a greater scale firsthand will be an opportunity to expand my knowledge within my major and apply what I have learned in class to the real world.”

Kaylan Williams, a public relations major, will participate in the Communication and Media in Florence Program at FSU Florence this summer through International Programs. The program focuses on providing students with unique hands-on communication and media experience through direct interactions with Italian clients. Students compose “ItaliaNoles,” the campus magazine at FSU Florence.

“I applied to the Gilman Scholarship to help make studying abroad more accessible for me,” Williams said. “I hope to fully immerse myself in Italy’s culture and learn more about my major through FSU’s Communication and Media program.”

Tafari D’Aguilar, a mechanical engineering major, will participate in a study abroad experience in Rome this summer through an external provider.

“Thanks to the amazing guidance from the ONF faculty and Presidential Scholars program staff I was able to learn and plan for this amazing fellowship,” D’Aguilar said. “Being so fortunate to receive this opportunity, I hope to gain a holistic view of the world as I learn more about the culture, history and people of Rome, while simultaneously continuing the pursuit of higher education.”

Other students will use their Gilman to take them to Valencia, Spain, this summer. Adrian Vivas-Nambo, a student double-majoring in biological science and Spanish, will participate in an internship at a physical therapy clinic through International Studies Abroad.

“I aim to enhance my clinical experience while respecting Spain’s privacy regulations, and hope to influence the health care system positively, assisting me in deciding whether to pursue a career as a medical doctor or a physician assistant,” he said.

Samantha Prophete, a human development and family sciences major, will participate in the Taking Family Science Abroad Program at the FSU Valencia Study Center this summer through International Programs. Students in this program gain an understanding of Spanish culture and family life through visits to museums, schools, daycares, neighborhoods and local communities.

“I applied to the Gilman Scholarship program because of its generous financial support for studying abroad, which would alleviate the financial burden on my family,” Prophete said. “Additionally, I saw it as an opportunity to challenge myself in a competitive arena. Studying in Valencia, Spain this summer, I aim to immerse myself in Spanish culture, language and way of life, returning with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the country.”

Natalia Lopez and Gabriela Gonzalez, both psychology majors, will study abroad at FSU Valencia this summer as participants in the Broad Curriculum Program through International Programs. Through the broad curriculum program, students can pursue general requirements and elective courses in a variety of disciplines while experiencing Valencia and its surrounding areas.

“I chose to apply for this fellowship because several professors and mentors encouraged me to study abroad and take advantage of all of the resources offered in the program,” Lopez said. “I hope that during this abroad experience I will develop a better understanding of my own personal and professional values, as well as strengthen them to make my career path clearer.”

“Facing financial struggles is precisely why I applied for the Gilman scholarship,” Gonzalez said. “I saw it as a crucial opportunity to study abroad, enrich my Spanish proficiency and deepen my understanding. These skills are vital for my future as a health care provider, enabling me to connect with various patients on a deeper level.”

Freddy Mendoza, a human development and family sciences major, will study abroad at FSU Valencia during the Fall 2024 semester as a participant in the Broad Curriculum Program through International Programs.

“Studying abroad is an opportunity I might not have again,” Mendoza said. “I wanted to take the opportunities I have at FSU to apply for scholarships and study abroad without worrying about the financials.”

One student, India Lambert, will participate in a direct enroll program at Waseda University in Tokyo this summer. One of FSU’s more than 45 international partner universities, Waseda University offers a unique summer program for international students to take courses on various topics and learn more about Tokyo and Japanese culture.

Students interested in learning more about the Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship can email FSU’s Office of National Fellowships to set up an advising appointment. To learn more about International Programs, visit international.fsu.edu. For more information about global exchanges, visit cge.fsu.edu/global-programs.

This year’s Gilman winners, their destination country and major are:

• Adrian Vivas-Nambo | Spain | Biological Science/Spanish
• Samantha Prophete | Spain | Human Development & Family Sciences
• Rose Clermont | United Kingdom | Public Health/International Affairs
• Kate Deviney | Costa Rica | Political Science
• Alexis Rister | United Kingdom | Criminology
• Tessa Mahurin | Italy | Art History/Business Management
• Michael Ackeret | United Kingdom | Psychology
• Makenzie Heyliger | Italy | Public Health
• Tafari D’Aguilar | Italy | Mechanical Engineering
• Kaylan Williams | Italy | Public Relations
• Jason Alvarez | United Kingdom | Theatre
• Natalia Lopez | Spain | Psychology
• Gabriela Gonzalez | Spain | Psychology
• Sabrina Jacques | United Kingdom | Nursing
• Freddy Mendoza | Spain | Human Development and Family Sciences
• India Lambert | Japan | Psychology
• Chelsea Brown | Costa Rica | Elementary Education

The post 17 FSU students earn Gilman Scholarship to study abroad  appeared first on Florida State University News.

Fifteen Florida State University students will build foreign language skills and experience culture abroad this summer after earning scholarships through the  Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.  

The Gilman Scholarship is awarded by the U.S. Department of State and gives students the opportunity to study or intern in foreign countries with the aim of building proficiency in diverse languages and cultures and preparing individuals for a globalized world.  

The Gilman allows participants to tailor the program toward their education and interests, said Jesse Wieland, associate director of the Office of National Fellowships.    

“What makes the Gilman Scholarship such a fantastic award is its degree of malleability,” Weiland said. “Students can apply their funding toward research opportunities, traditional study and classroom-based experiences, or internships. FSU’s robust network of international opportunities makes it significantly easier for students to find programs that align with their academic or professional aspirations.” 

The Gilman Scholarship program was founded in 2001 and is named after the late Benjamin Gilman, who served for 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and chaired its House Foreign Relations Committee.  

Sophie Allen is a double major in psychology and biomathematics whose research interest focuses on memory. She’s continuing that work at the University of Toronto, in Canada, where she’s already attended a conference on memory research. 

“I really want to gain more knowledge about memory and really hone the questions I want to ask as I look to go to graduate school,” she said. “Toronto is a hub for memory research so I was really excited to have an opportunity to not only go abroad but come here.” 

Allen, who hails from Wauchula, Florida, joked that earning the Gilman meant she finally had to get her passport.  

Juliana Cano, of Miami, said she also hasn’t traveled much and is excited to be heading to Valencia, Spain, for two months. Cano called the Gilman win “surreal.” 

“I’ve always been a big dreamer and wanted to explore and my mom always encouraged that,” she said. “Growing up with a single mom, I never really traveled so I want to take every opportunity to travel and learn about different cultures.”    

Cano is an English major concentrating in editing, writing and media who is heading into her senior year this fall. Thanks to her Colombian roots she speaks Spanish.  

“Latin-American Spanish is different but I’ll take a bit of the language with me,” she said. “I’ve always been fascinated with Spain and wanted to connect with people who speak Spanish.”   

Shantae James is a double major in international affairs and political science and will be a senior year this fall. She will travel to various spots in Europe from Prague, Czech Republic, while she pursues her interest in human rights.  

“Prague’s location allows travel to a lot of other countries with ease,” she said. “We are doing an excursion to Auschwitz in Poland for more in-depth knowledge of the Holocaust.”  

James, who is from Montego Bay, Jamaica, said before she lands in Prague, she’ll be stopping in Barcelona for two weeks to work with a food-rescue organization providing aid to migrants in Spain. The Gilman experience is one she thinks will benefit her for years.  

“Gilman offers all kinds of networking opportunities and engagement with their alumni,” she said. “I’m looking forward to that in the future. Right now, I am really excited about going.” 

Wieland encouraged interested students to pursue the Gilman.  

“Students are able to apply for and secure funding through the Gilman Scholarship up to a full year in advance of their program abroad and there are two separate application cycles in fall and spring,” he said.  

For more information, visit https://onf.fsu.edu. 

This year’s Gilman winners, their major and destination country are:  

Sophie Allen
Double major in Psychology and Biomathematics, Canada 

Mishalynn Brown
Communications, United Kingdom 

Juliana Cano
English, Spain

Kayla Costume
Finance, United Kingdom 

Lucas Deininger
Engineering, United Kingdom 

Valentina Fajardo
Engineering, France 

Nicolas Florez-Ortiz
Theater, United Kingdom 

Laila Hayes
Medicine, Spain 

Shantae James
Double major in International Affairs and Political Science, Czech Republic 

Jasmyn LaCue
International Affairs, Japan 

Lindsey Loheac
Biological Science, Costa Rica, Thailand, South Africa 

Diana Morillo
International Affairs, Morocco 

Ari Rodriguez Urdaneta
Hospitality and Tourism, Taiwan 

Vi Rogers-Rivera
Political Science, Spain 

Maria Taylor
Psychology, United Kingdom  

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