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

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From refugee support in Central Europe to sustainability policy in Scandinavia, Florida State University students shared research shaped by firsthand global experiences at the annual Global Scholars Showcase. 

Thirty-three undergraduates presented independent research and community-based projects Dec. 5, 2025, in the Nancy H. Marcus Great Hall, marking the culmination of a yearlong program that blends international engagement with inquiry. 

Designing an independent research project or international experience is no simple undertaking. At Florida State, the Global Scholars Program helps students turn global interests into structured, ethical research through close mentorship and academic support. 

This year’s cohort presented projects ranging from sustainability culture in Sweden and the Netherlands to Ukrainian refugee support in the Czech Republic and efforts to strengthen information technology (IT) infrastructure at mental health clinics in Peru. 

As part of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement (CRE) at FSU, the Global Scholars Program supports students in designing and carrying out independent, community-based learning opportunities. The program offers undergraduate students the unique chance to engage in experiences tailored to their specific global interests. Through internships, research, and service-learning projects, students can explore questions related to social impact, social justice and social change.  

“Global Scholars is a sort of ‘choose-your-own-adventure program,’ where students are introduced to the idea that research is something that is inherently personal, yet still grounded to academic frameworks,” said Cary Wall, associate director for global programming at the CRE. “Students design their own research in global contexts, engage directly with communities and carry projects from early ideas through public presentation.” 

The program follows a three-phase structure that supports students before, during and after their experiences.  

In the spring semester prior to departure, students enroll in a preparatory course focused on the ethics of community-based work and qualitative research methods.  

The following summer, students participate in their chosen experiences. This can include an in-person or online internship with a social-impact organization domestically or internationally, or a self-directed research project addressing a social issue in a local context.  

The final phase takes place during the fall semester, when students reflect on their work, complete capstone projects and prepare to present their findings at the Global Scholars Showcase.  

“At the heart of Global Scholars is an ethos that urges students to ask questions rather than propose solutions, and to leverage research as a tool for engaging with issues of global and collective importance,” Wall said.  

This year’s cohort conducted research in 13 countries.  

Jordyn Bain, a junior studying International Affairs and Economics, presented her project “From Arrival to Integration: The Role of NGOs in Assisting Ukrainian Refugees in Prague” at the showcase. She studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic, through International Programs’ Human Rights and Social Work program.  

While there, she interviewed representatives from different non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the area and found that community isolation, limited career opportunities and insufficient mental health resources most hinder the long-term integration of Ukrainian refugees in Prague. 

“I’d never done a professional research project like this before, so this program really did help me learn how to go about it ethically, especially since I was dealing with people from a different culture,” she said.  

Sebastian Abril, a senior majoring in Psychology and Information Technology, presented his project “The Health, Technology, and the Passion of a Community: Modernizing Peruvian Healthcare” at the showcase. He traveled to Cusco, Peru over the summer to intern at a mental health clinic through Proyecto Peru, an organization dedicated to supporting sustainable development in the country.  

While there, he found that health care workers at the clinic were spending unnecessary amounts of time doing tasks that could be significantly expedited with digital services. He found that an increase in digital infrastructure, government policy and education could enhance the efficiency of the clinic.  

“I like research and I like traveling, and this felt like the perfect blend of the two,” Abril said. “You really can design your own research, but you always know that they (the Global Scholars Program) are right there to push you, keep you going and make sure that you’re on the right track.” 

Kaetlyn Patnaude, a junior studying Environmental Science and Urban Planning, presented her project “Allemansratten” at the showcase, which looked at environmental justice in Sweden and the Netherlands, focusing on how cultural values and citizen mindsets shape these nations’ approaches to sustainability.  

She started in Sweden, serving as a field technician at the Abisko Scientific Research Station. Located roughly 124 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the station hosts about 500 scientists annually who conduct research in ecology, biology and meteorology. Patnaude found this opportunity with the help of Jeff Chanton, Robert O. Lawton Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences. 

In Sweden, Patnaude conducted interviews to explore how cultural values shape relationships with nature and perspectives on paths toward sustainable cities. The phrase “Allemansratten” kept coming up, a Swedish saying meaning “every man’s right” to nature which refers to a cultural principle allowing free access to uncultivated nature. The phrase made Patnaude seek to further understand the shift from cultural concept to policy, so, she enrolled in an urban planning course at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.  

Next, Patnaude went to the Netherlands and enrolled in Delft University of Technology’s “Summer School Planning and Design for the Just City.” The program combines spatial planning, urban design and environmental technology to tackle issues of spatial justice, sustainability, climate adaptation and water management in urban transitions to sustainability.  

For Patnaude, the course helped her understand how urban planning projects in the Netherlands influence environmental governance and urban sustainability transitions.  

“I really learned a lot about communication and talking to people from different cultures,” Patnaude said. “I feel like I can talk to anyone now and approach interactions with curiosity.” 

Natalia Arroyo, who graduated with her degree in Social Work and Political Science last semester, presented her project “Bridging Communities in Tallahassee: Through Education, Refugee Support and Justice” at the showcase. Focusing on how education, refugee resettlement and legal advocacy work together to strengthen community systems, Arroyo drew from three different experiences to combine the lessons learned. 

From working with the International Rescue Committee to supporting refugees in Tallahassee to serving as an early childhood educator for underprivileged kids and helping victims of violent crimes through the State Attorney’s office, Arroyo found one common theme: that compassion in the structures of social services is key to creating lasting change.  

“Day-to-day things might be a little more difficult for other individuals,” she said. “Being empathetic and an advocate in the workforce, no matter what you decide to go into, can really make a difference.” 

For more information about the Global Scholars Program, visit cre.fsu.edu/global/globalscholars. To read the Global Scholars blogposts, visit hsfhouseblogs.fsu.edu/blog/global-scholars/.

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Florida State University has named its largest cohort of Tyler Center for Global Studies Fellows, awarding nine students for their academic ambition and global curiosity. 

The award, sponsored by the national Tyler Center for Global Studies, is one of many among the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement’s IDEA Grants program, which funds original research projects and creative endeavors for students of all majors. 

“These fellowships combine undergraduate research, global learning and mentorship,” said Latika Young, executive director of the Tyler Center. “We are proud to offer these opportunities to our fellows, who grow as researchers and global citizens while preparing for future careers.”  

Hosted and coordinated by FSU, the Tyler Center was established through a generous gift from the Tyler Foundation in 2022. The goal was to cultivate a community of global scholars who shape the future through research, innovation and collaboration.  

With FSU as the coordinating institution, the Tyler Center acts as a network of schools, connecting undergraduate students across the country with goals of pursuing research to opportunities for global inquiry. This year’s fellows traveled to countries across Europe, South America, Africa and the Caribbean, exploring topics from human rights and migration to coral reef health and art history. 

The Tyler Center will host its second annual Virtual Summit from 4-6 p.m. ET on Thursday, Nov. 20. During this online event, Tyler Fellows from each institution will present their research findings and experiences abroad with the wider Tyler Center community. Afterward, a moderated Q&A panel will invite questions from the audience. Those wishing to attend must register for the Virtual Summit by the end of the day Monday, Nov. 10. Register here.

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Zeron has received funding from the Social Science Scholars Program, the American Institute of Physics and an IDEA Grant to pursue her research on space diplomacy. She is a leader with TEDxFSU and a former member of FSU’s Community Ambassador Program and encourages other students to get involved in their community.

As an international student, what made FSU stand out to you?

I chose to attend FSU because I wanted to attend a university that upheld academic excellence and fostered a multicultural environment through an array of experiences, ideas and beliefs. As an international student, I was instantly embraced by the FSU community in a way that has always made me feel welcome and constantly encourages me to get involved. Through FSU’s vibrant campus, I have found a range of programs, classes, activities and events that have embraced the culturally rich learning environment I wanted. I was drawn to the International Affairs Program and its interdisciplinary approach to prepare students for global careers. The First Year Abroad program was also a big motivation for my enrollment. The opportunity to study abroad in London and Florence has been one of the greatest experiences in my life.

What academic achievements are you most proud of?

For the past two semesters, I have worked on my Honors in the Major research project on space diplomacy. Under the direction of Associate Professor of History Ronald Doel, I’ve analyzed the role of diplomacy in the development of multinational space missions through a case study on the James Webb Space Telescope. Throughout the development of this project, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to multiple cities across the world and visit various facilities, archival collections and meet with scientists and space policy experts.

With funding support from an IDEA Grant, the Social Science Scholars Program and a grant-in-aid from the American Institute of Physics, I’ve had overwhelming support to research the fascinating intersection between diplomacy, international collaboration and the development of multi-billion space science missions.

What has been an impactful community service opportunity at FSU?

I have been involved with TEDxFSU for as long as I’ve been on campus. From being a speaker coach and a member of the steering committee to currently serving on the executive board, I’ve embraced the belief of “ideas worth spreading.” I encourage others to share their stories, ideas and research projects with the FSU and Tallahassee communities. Through my leadership roles in speaker recruitment and design coordination, I help create a platform where new ideas will provide an impactful learning experience for people attending our events.

Community service has also been something I strive to participate in. As a member of the Community Ambassador Program, I help spread awareness on blood cancer disorders by encouraging involvement and supporting partnerships between Gift of Life Marrow Registry and the FSU community. I took on a student ambassador leadership role by coordinating multiple swabbing drives, events, presentations and Market Wednesday appearances to highlight the cause.

How have you contributed to the FSU and Tallahassee community?

My multifaceted involvement at FSU reflects my wish to contribute to the academic, global and service spheres. My contributions to the Global Scholars Program and Social Science Scholars Programs have included research projects that embrace the intersection between local and global communities, particularly highlighting the ways that those two communities interact and collaborate with each other.

As a Global Media Division intern with the Office of University Communications, I have helped to streamline and promote international activities at our university to both the FSU and Tallahassee communities. From writing news stories and conducting interviews to creating digital content and covering multicultural events, my experiences have highlighted the different international achievements of fellow FSU students, faculty and staff.

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Florida State will face Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday for the first overseas football game in university history.   

The 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic kicks off at noon ET at Aviva Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN. 

Dublin will welcome over 27,000 international fans for the event. FSU’s presence in Dublin represents an effort to deepen connections between the university, the state of Florida, and Ireland, and for students, faculty, alumni and football fans to participate in this historic event and experience Irish culture. 

Multiple events will take place across the city leading up to the game, including pep rallies, Irish cultural experiences, and business and academic events. 

The FSU Marching Chiefs will deliver a halftime performance that includes a rendition of the classic Irish song, “Danny Boy.” The Marching Chiefs will also perform at the Irish Immigration Museum, Slane Castle, the Royal Dublin Society and the FSU Pep Rally in Dublin’s Smithfield Plaza. 

The FSU Men’s Rugby Club will take on Trinity College in Dublin for another historic sporting event on Friday. The event is the first European match in the club’s 52-year history and the second time the club has traveled abroad since playing a match in the Bahamas in the 1980s. FSU alumni, fans and family raised more than $56,000 to help send the team to Dublin for the match.  

Days before the game, four students from the FSU College of Business — Sean Cliff, Mason Pullum, Sebastian Mehlum and Daniel White — will participate in the Future Leaders Challenge, a Shark Tank-like competition that culminates students’ work and pairs them with representatives from Grant Thornton and Eversheds through the summer. Students will face a judging panel that includes College of Business alumni. 

The FSU College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences is making an appearance overseas through its Project ElevatED, which will honor teachers from Florida, Georgia and Ireland on Friday. The football game isn’t the only thing bringing FSU to Ireland this year. Other notable connections include: 

• FSU’s College of Social Work offers internships in Dublin through International Programs.  

• FSU’s College of Music has an Irish Ensemble, which focuses on traditional and neo-traditional Irish fiddle repertoire taught in a traditional oral-aural manner. Singing and dance traditions are encompassed in the repertoire, and other instruments used in Irish traditional music are included in the ensemble as well.
• Last spring, the FSU Museum of Fine Arts brought Irish contemporary art to Tallahassee through a multidisciplinary exhibition that considers relationships between people, language, land and sea through the work of 10 Irish artists. Associate Professor of Indigenous Art & Film Kristin Dowell, a proud speaker of the endangered Irish language, curated the exhibition, “Talamh agus Teanga: Land and Language in Contemporary Irish Art”.
• Over the summer, the FSU Global Scholars Program participated in Alanna Desmore’s project at University College Dublin, where she conducted research on integrating Large Language Models into digital forensic investigations. 

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