2015 Gilman Alumni Ambassadors

26 Pages·2016·1.73 MB·English

by  Gutshall, Allie

Gilman Alumni Ambassador Program

The Gilman Alumni Ambassador Program is a diverse group of Gilman Scholarship recipients who have
studied abroad in various countries around the world. They are official ambassadors of the U.S.
Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ Benjamin A. Gilman International
Scholarship Program, providing presentations and promotional outreach to university and college
campuses around the nation to students and advisors interested in learning more about the Gilman
Scholarship Program. The Gilman Alumni Ambassadors have been trained by the Gilman Scholarship
Program.

If you would like to request a Gilman Alumni Ambassador to present at your campus or if you are
interested in becoming a Gilman Alumni Ambassador, please contact Gilman Scholars by email at
[email protected] if you have any questions.

2015 Gilman Alumni Ambassadors:

Recipients Page
Carolina Amesty, Seminole State College, 2014, Russia 2
Nadine Channaoui, Brandeis University, 2008, Bolivia 3
Brienne Coates, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2015, Brazil 4
Susanne DeKeyrel, Weber State University, 2015, Ireland 5
Mindy Diez, Centenary College of Louisiana, 2007, Hong Kong 6
Jelicia Diggs, Howard University, 2015, Morocco 7
Dalayna Gardner, University of California, Riverside, 2015, India 8
Nathan Gwira, Rutgers University, 2011, China 9
Joseph Hackman, University of Rhode Island, 2010, China 10
William Haynes, St. Edwards University, 2012-2013, United Arab Emirates 11
Charlotte Humes, University of Rochester, 2015, Jordan 12
Islam Ibrahim, University of South Florida, 2015, Italy 13
Grace Kerschensteiner, Drexel University, 2014, Singapore 14
Elizabeth Lohrenz, Minnesota State University, 2012, Russia 15
Zechariah Meunier, Lawrence University, 2013, Madagascar 16
Alex Montoya, West Texas A&M University, 2014, China 17
Yves Orsino, University of Memphis, 2013, Morocco 18
BaDoi Phan, Johns Hopkins University, 2013, Singapore 19
Sara Rasenack, Oklahoma State University, 2002-2003, Germany 20
Aaron Records, Colby-Sawyer College, 2013, China 21
Catherine Tabor, Auburn University, 2015, Austria 22
Anthony Treas, Oregon State University, 2014, Ecuador 23
Bryce Wied, DePaul University, 2014, Hungary 24
Chadwick Wohletz, Johnson County Community College, 2015, Peru 25
Bianca Zachary, University of Missouri, 2014, India 26
C(cid:131)(cid:217)(cid:202)(cid:189)(cid:174)(cid:196)(cid:131) A(cid:195)(cid:155)(cid:221)(cid:227)(cid:249), R(cid:231)(cid:221)(cid:221)(cid:174)(cid:131), 2014
University of Central Florida 
Florida
and Western Russia is. The best opportunities. Living in Russia for 45
part of my trip was the ability to days not only impacted me
interact with the Russian culture, personally and academically but also
learning their views on America and professionally. It strengthened my
their political perspectives. career goals in foreign policy and
Attending Moscow State University opened doors to intern for a local
introduced me to a different U.S. senator who is part of the U.S.
academic environment, allowing me Foreign Policy Committee upon my
to leave my comfort zone and relate return from abroad.
to people I barely understood yet
had many things in common with.
D
uring the summer of 2014, I On July 4, 2014, thanks to the “Receiving the Gilman
had the privilege to study abroad in Gilman Scholarship I was invited to award not only provided
Moscow, Russia. I studied celebrate U.S. Independence Day at the funds to study
Contemporary Russian Culture and the “Spaso House,” which has been abroad but opened a
Politics & Economics in Post-Soviet the house of the U.S. Ambassador world of opportunities.”
Russia at Moscow State University. since the establishment of
My study abroad experience gave diplomatic relations between the
me a better understanding about United States and the former Soviet
the complex factors that have Union, a unique experience I can
shaped Russia’s evolution in a never forget. The most significant I continued to take Russian language
modern society. attribute I gained from my study classes as well as more courses not
abroad experience was the just on Russia, but of other Eastern
In addition to the study of Russian knowledge acquired on Russian European countries at my home
politics and culture, I was able to politics and culture, providing a institution. I am currently in the
learn and engage in the Russian deep insight into the differences transition of applying to law school
language. I lived in the main building between the eastern and western to further my studies in
of Moscow State University with perspectives. International Law. Taking this
Russian college students. I also direction will allow me to pursue
visited the cities of Vladimir and St. Receiving the Gilman award not my dream career in Foreign Policy
Petersburg and got the opportunity only provided the funds to study and International Affairs.
to see how big and different Eastern abroad but opened a world of
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My project was to promote the privilege to inform the Board of students and how the Gilman
Gilman Scholarship at my home Trustees and President McGee from Scholarship is a door of
institution at that time, Seminole Seminole State College on the opportunities for them. It had a
State College. My goal was to make importance of every student being great impact on the students, faculty
more students aware that it exists globally aware by having a strategic and myself for a Hispanic
by visiting every political science study abroad experience during community college student like me
class and attending every campus their college years. I informed them to be a living example of being
study abroad fair in the fall of 2014. that studying abroad is not granted a prestigious study abroad
As part of my project, I had the impossible for community college scholarship.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE)
N(cid:131)(cid:151)(cid:174)(cid:196)(cid:155) C(cid:171)(cid:131)(cid:196)(cid:196)(cid:131)(cid:202)(cid:231)(cid:174), B(cid:202)(cid:189)(cid:174)(cid:242)(cid:174)(cid:131), 2008
Brandeis University
Massachuse(cid:425)s
Monumental it was. My time abroad Health Science to Psychology upon
exposed and strengthened so many my return to the U.S..
qualities of myself, perhaps most
importantly how to be patient with My favorite and most influential
myself and with others. I had to be experience abroad was writing a
patient when I could not express children’s book about Bolivian
myself fully in Spanish, and I had to emigration as my independent study
practice patience when the pace of project. Not only was the field work
Bolivian society did not compare to of talking and doing art work with
that of the U.S. children richly rewarding, but the
process of getting the research into
W the format of a publishable children’s
hen I selected a study abroad “For me, being awarded book was fun and exciting. This
program, the two features I sought with the Gilman project ended up spear-heading my
were the opportunity to improve my Scholarship served as a application for a Fulbright grant,
Spanish skills and to learn from a reminder that, not only which I was awarded and completed
country developmentally different was I capable of the year after I graduated.
from the United States. The School accomplishing the
for International Training (SIT) offers semester abroad, but that Since studying abroad, I have pursued
a program in Bolivia that beautifully the experience could a career as a cancer genetic
laces those two features together. At potentially be monumental counselor. In addition to counseling
the time, travel had not been part of in my development as an patients about their risks to carry a
my life, and while I was incredibly individual.” hereditary cancer syndrome, I have
eager to get started, I was also found ways to tie in my passion for
intimidated by my capacity to international perspectives. For
integrate into the culture, program, During the semester, I lived with a example, during graduate school I
and academic environment. For me, Bolivian host family and took classes created a novel clinical rotation in
being awarded with the Gilman with a group of students from Spain and wrote my thesis about
Scholarship served as a reminder that, different U.S. institutions. Our communicating difficult health
not only was I capable of courses focused on culture and diagnoses to relatives in other
accomplishing the semester abroad, development and were led by Bolivian countries. I currently serve as the
but that the experience could experts in the topics that were Chair of the Cultural Competency
potentially be monumental in my addressed. I was exposed to academic Sub-Committee for the National
development as an individual. interests I did not know I had and Society of Genetic Counselors.
ended up changing my major from

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For my Follow-on Service Project, I the Gilman Scholarship helped make distribute my children’s book, which
presented at my home university my study abroad experience possible, is part of a series called Kids’ Books
about the bilingual children’s book I it inevitably promoted my ability to Bolivia.
wrote while I was abroad. I discussed write the book. In my presentation I
the experience of completing field explained the Gilman Scholarship, my
work, writing the story, illustrating, time abroad, and how to get
and getting the book published. Since involved. I continue to present and
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE)
B(cid:217)(cid:174)(cid:155)(cid:196)(cid:196)(cid:157) C(cid:202)(cid:131)(cid:227)(cid:155)(cid:221), B(cid:217)(cid:131)(cid:254)(cid:174)(cid:189), 2015
Georgia Ins(cid:415)tute of Technology
Georgia
and professional development. merely beyond existing; we connect
I gained a broader perspective of through language and culture and as
the history of Brazil, the people, and we all strive for well-being. Born in
unique cultural practices. I also Guyana, I was pleased to see that
obtained first-hand knowledge of the energetic spirit of celebration
the similarities and differences and inclusiveness of festivals such as
between the U.S. and Brazil. Carnival is a shared sensation.
Exploring a new language and Making history as we speak, the U.S.
culture was enlightening because it and Brazil working together is key
provided insight into my role and to making progress and achieving
R
purpose as a student and global liberty and justice for all. When we
eceiving the Gilman citizen. The opportunities are have discussions about race, police
International Scholarship has given endless given the chance to share brutality, lack of education, and
me a great opportunity to travel, ideas, create bonds of friendship, STEM opportunity, or what’s best
learn, and experience life in the and even find solutions to overcome for both countries socially,
largest Latin American country: life’s challenges, internationally. politically, and economically, we
Brazil. It has been quite rewarding! I It’s amazing to see how language become critical thinkers who have
studied Portuguese and Afro- influences and embodies cultural the capacity to make change:
Brazilian Culture at a local university perceptions around the world. Two globally, side-by-side.
in Salvador, Bahia, while living with a months of practicing Portuguese
home-stay family. As a dual degree helped me to become more fluent.
student enrolled at Spelman College This acquired skill has opened up
and Georgia Institute of Technology new career options, motivating me “Exploring a new
majoring in mathematics and to explore new volunteer and language and culture was
industrial engineering respectively, service learning projects. I truly enlightening because it
studying abroad initially seemed out enjoyed traveling to various cities provided insight into my
of reach. However, with a proactive and sites to learn more about the role and purpose as a
approach, funding, and support from origins, religion, and the livelihood student and global
family, participating in a Brazil of Brazilians. The English exchange citizen.”
summer study abroad quickly student leaders embraced us as they
became a reality. It has always been helped coordinate our group trips.
a goal, especially for my personal I realized that through travel we go
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I am creating a memoir for my available resources, especially, the individuals looking to pursue their
project that will be shared with my Gilman Scholarship. own foreign adventure. I am truly
school’s study abroad department grateful for my homestay
and to promote study abroad The goal of my project is to experience in Brazil. As an
within student organizations on promote and increase awareness incentive, it is instrumental in
campus. Giving back to my about international education. In fostering unity and bonds in an even
community in this way allows me to capturing my journey, expectations, larger community.
encourage other students like and the reality of studying abroad, I
myself to study abroad and seek hope to inspire and motivate
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE)
S(cid:231)(cid:221)(cid:131)(cid:196)(cid:196)(cid:155) D(cid:155)K(cid:155)(cid:249)(cid:217)(cid:155)(cid:189), I(cid:217)(cid:155)(cid:189)(cid:131)(cid:196)(cid:151), 2015
Weber State University
Utah
interest and ability that will enhance learned that even if you do not have
my professional life. a disability, you should not limit
yourself to what you think you cannot
My Methods of Medieval Archaeology do.
course allowed me to follow an
interest in the subject of What I gained from my study abroad
archaeological excavations. Most of experience as a whole is that I now
my work revolved around data entry have a sense that I am pursuing the
and cataloging the variety of remains correct field for myself and have
that were found at our excavation developed a much stronger sense of
site, as well as basic troweling and accomplishment and self-confidence
I samples of dirt colorations, within myself when it comes to facing
n the summer of 2015, I spent 8 building floorplans, and geographical new experiences, places, and cultures,
weeks studying abroad in Galway, coordination. Some of the most which are basic principles of my
Ireland. During those weeks I studied significant aspects of my studies chosen field.
both medieval architecture and included daily trips to a variety of
medieval archaeological methods local sites around Ireland that enabled
in the Galway Archaeological Field me to note the connections between
School in connection with the the past and the present culture that “What I gained from my
National University of Ireland, were strengthened by discussions study abroad experience
Galway. with locals. is.. a much stronger sense
of accomplishment and
My experience with the study abroad My academic and personal self-confidence within
program enabled me to learn how to experiences enabled me to face my myself when it comes to
examine and note the differences in disabilities on a new level that allowed facing new experiences.”
medieval architecture; a skill that I me to not feel so limited by them.
previously had no knowledge of, Due to my loss of vision, the
which gave me the ability to feel most impactful accomplishment on
confident in developing a future this study abroad trip was that I
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Through the aid of the Gilman institution’s study abroad office to Scholarship, as it encourages
Scholarship, I feel very privileged and
encourage other students with students who may not have
honored to have been able to
disabilities to also participate in study previously felt they were able to
achieve not only a school
abroad opportunities. By sharing my study abroad to apply and learn
requirement for my Honors
program, but also to have achieved a experience with other students with about this program. I will continue to
personal goal of being able to disabilities, I am able to expand the use my platform in the study abroad
participate in a very visual and hands- study abroad office’s outreach to office to connect with disabled
on opportunity and finish my students and to bring disabled and students and share my experiences
experience knowing that I met all the
non-disabled students together to to hopefully encourage them to
challenges and goals with success.
support one another to achieve the pursue a similar opportunity.

same goals. Through this approach, I
For my Follow-on-Service Project, I
was able to promote the Gilman
chose to work with my home
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE)
M(cid:174)(cid:196)(cid:151)(cid:249) D(cid:174)(cid:155)(cid:254), H(cid:202)(cid:196)(cid:166) K(cid:202)(cid:196)(cid:166), 2007
Centenary College of Louisiana
Louisiana
the first Youth Works Summer International Dragon Boat Race in
Program for students with Macau.
disabilities in New Orleans in
conjunction with the Mayor’s Before moving to Hong Kong, I
Office, The Louisiana Green had never left the country. I have
Corps, and the ARC, as well as now been to over twenty
been a special education teacher countries for professional and
with Alice Harte Charter School personal reasons. I never would
and the Algiers Charter School have thought this was possible if I
Association. I am finishing my had not been able to study abroad
I
Master of Arts in Teaching at the with the Gilman Scholarship.
studied abroad at Lingnan University of New Orleans,
University in Tuen Mun, Hong studying both special education
Kong, during the Spring of 2007. and secondary social studies.
At the time the institution was
“Studying at Lingnan set
billed as the only public, liberal arts My dream is to one day open a
me on the path to
university in Hong Kong and the system of charter schools that are
become an international
surrounding areas. multi–lingual, and blend eastern
educator.”
and western culture and
Studying at Lingnan set me on the educational methods. Hong Kong
path to become an international provided me with an east meets
educator. I am currently a west perspective that I have Studying abroad made me the
freelance teacher for EF Education carried through into all my person I am today. I am forever
First, the world’s largest private endeavors. grateful for the opportunities it
education company, as well as afforded me. I believe my
Enriched Schools New Orleans. I Studying in Hong Kong also experiences in Hong Kong were
have also written curriculum for provided me with life long friends. the most important part of my
Volunteers Colombia and the I still talk to them to this day and time as in undergraduate.
Colombian Ministry of Education, we meet up from time to time at
taught at a teacher training different destinations around the
institute in Barranquila with World world. I will never forget the time
Teach, worked in gifted education I spent living with a Chinese family
in Costa Rica, taught and managed and placing third in an
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During my time abroad, I was a Study Abroad Advisor. I worked funding that was available such as
featured blogger on the website at the Intercultural Affairs Office the Gilman. Upon my return to
of my home university. I regularly at Centenary College of Louisiana. the U.S. I was able to regularly
discussed the Gilman Scholarship I organized workshops and a share my experiences living
in my blog and in featured articles. webpage in order to educate abroad and connect people with
I also combined my service fellow students on their options the resources of the Institute of
project with my work as a Peer for study abroad, as well as the International Education.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE)
J(cid:155)(cid:189)(cid:174)(cid:145)(cid:174)(cid:131) D(cid:174)(cid:166)(cid:166)(cid:221), M(cid:202)(cid:217)(cid:202)(cid:145)(cid:145)(cid:202), 2015
Howard University
North Carolina
development of U.S. – MENA region weeks, my host family began to feel
relations and Morocco’s growing just like “family” and Morocco more
migrant population. I had spent time like “home.” They were also very
studying Arabic at my home instrumental to many of the
university, but I knew that I would be connections I made to complete
able to strengthen my skills when in a interviews for my research project.
native-speaking country. My
Moroccan professors helped me push I chose to focus heavily on the topic
towards the academic and personal of immigration because I felt a
goals I set for the semester, but I was connection with many of the migrants
even more grateful that the learning in Morocco. It began with me starting
I experience did not stop after classes a conversation with two women I
always knew that the desire to step ended. passed on my walk to school
outside of my comfort zone would everyday. I listened to their stories of
take me amazing places, but I never journeying to Morocco and the
once thought it would take me “My Moroccan professors difficulties they faced building a new
halfway across the world for five helped me push towards life in a country where they did not
months during my undergraduate the academic and personal know the language or culture. With
career. However, looking back, I can goals I set for the my research, I told their stories and
say that the timing of my study abroad semester, but I was even proposed reasonable solutions to
journey to Morocco was nothing more grateful that the Morocco’s influx of migrants. Forming
short of perfect, and I have the learning experience did connections with people from all over
Gilman Scholarship to thank for that. not stop after classes the world is truly an amazing feeling
The opportunity to study, live, and ended.” because of the wisdom, stories, and
adapt in another country is one unique perspectives we all have to
unmatched by any other. In addition offer one other.
to a slew of transferrable academic, In Morocco, I lived with an amazing
personal, and career skills, I gained a host family, which eased my transition I am truly thankful that the Gilman
network of amazing Gilman scholars, into such a distinct place. Every Scholarship helped to alleviate the
American and Moroccan students, evening I would come home and financial strain of my study abroad
and so much more! speak with my host family about my expenses, as well as open up my eyes
day, my host siblings would share to a diverse array of international
I spent my spring academic semester their experiences, and I would help affairs careers such as the U.S.
studying abroad in Rabat, Morocco. them with their English homework in Foreign Service.
My studies were concentrated on the return for their assistance with my
Arabic language and I researched the Arabic homework. In only a few
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I had the awesome opportunity to into my study abroad experience Since returning to the U.S., I have
complete my Follow-on Service through stories, pictures, and videos. also hosted a forum at my home
Project while in Morocco through I found the blog to be a great way for university to inform others about the
the Gilman Scholarship’s partnership me to reflect upon my study abroad Gilman Scholarship. As a first-
with Reach the World. With this experience, and gave me the chance generation college student and the
project, I created a minimum of two to bring an amazing group of first individual in my family to study
blog posts each week for classes of students along with me on my abroad, I want to ensure that others
third-grade students in New York. journey. benefit from similar life-changing
The posts included an inside look study abroad experiences that I had.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE)
D(cid:131)(cid:189)(cid:131)(cid:249)(cid:196)(cid:131) G(cid:131)(cid:217)(cid:151)(cid:196)(cid:155)(cid:217), I(cid:196)(cid:151)(cid:174)(cid:131), 2015
University of California, Riverside
California
education. Specifically, I worked managed to travel across the
with deaf children and assessed if a world from America to India.
child’s gender has any impact on
the education they receive. Doing
research in a developing country “Traveling to India, I
allowed me to work with children learned that my
from different walks of life and laid disability could only
the foundation for my future hinder me if I allowed it
career. As an Anthropology major, to. My “disability” did
this opened my eyes and gave me not take away my ability
a different perspective on what an to do anything I put my
I education is as well as how it is mind to.”
certainly beat the odds when it perceived around the world.
comes to students who study
abroad. My identity consists of an Traveling to India, I learned that Given the privilege of visiting the
African American, first generation my disability could only hinder me second-largest growing economy
college student who has epilepsy if I allowed it to. My “disability” did in the world, I have developed an
as well. But, with faith all things are not take away my ability to do enhanced understanding of global
possible and despite the odds, the anything I put my mind to. issues in the education system.
Gilman Scholarship allowed me to My experience in India has inspired
pursue a dream I never thought I explored the world like never me to continue working with
would be possible and be the first before and traveled to other cities underprivileged children. It has
in my family to leave the United in India such as Mumbai, Jaipur, helped me see the value of
States of America. and Durshet, where I saw the education, the impact teachers
diversity of India composed of make every day, and how
In the summer of 2015, I diverse creeds, customs, and significant education is to the
participated in a research program vibrant colors with endless future of our nation.
in India in a small city called Pune varieties of food, traditions, and
for 8 weeks. This gave me the languages. Not only did I learn
opportunity to study the education about their culture, but I became
curriculum, educational traditions, more in touch with my own,
and teaching strategies for children finding cultural artifacts and
in India in comparison to American discovering black history that
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My Follow-on Service Project Abroad Program (EAP) using abroad to access, creating a
consists of me bringing awareness outreach and recruitment as the brochure, advertising at various
to disabled students that studying main keys to my Follow-on study abroad fairs, hosting
abroad is possible and there are Service Project. Some of my workshops, and giving
resources that can accommodate strategies include creating a web presentations that can potentially
their needs. My goal is to truly page for potential disabled increase the amount of disabled
diversify the UC Education students interested in studying students applying to study abroad.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE)
N(cid:131)(cid:227)(cid:171)(cid:131)(cid:196) G(cid:243)(cid:174)(cid:217)(cid:131), C(cid:171)(cid:174)(cid:196)(cid:131), 2011
Rutgers University
New Jersey
friends with Korean students after becoming an English teacher in Jinan,
calligraphy lessons, to learning how China for eighteen months after
to make Okonomiyaki in our shared graduating from Rutgers University.
dorm kitchen with the Japanese My study abroad experience also
exchange students. During these
experiences, I was also able to share
stories about American culture and “Contrary to the popular
teach my Russian classmates how to belief that cultures shift
play American football. The defining people from different
lesson within this experience was regions apart, our unique
I that people are just people. cultures actually brought
see life as a jigsaw puzzle. A Contrary to the popular belief that us together.”
beautiful mosaic created by putting cultures shift people from different
together life experiences. Studying regions apart, our unique cultures
abroad in China through the Gilman actually brought us together. helped me find several other
Scholarship added yet another piece interlocking pieces of my life puzzle.
to my puzzle. These multi-ethnic experiences have The Gilman Scholarship opened up
helped me to analyze situations opportunities that led me back to
Learning Mandarin Chinese and more objectively by integrating the U.S. Department of State, first
Chinese culture abroad was only a varied perspectives into my way of as an intern and now as an
dream without the Gilman thinking. I realized how much study employee with the Bureau of
Scholarship. My semester abroad in abroad deepened my universal Educational and Cultural Affairs. I
Changchun, China was a life- perspective when I returned to the look forward to becoming a future
changing experience for me not only United States from China. I became U.S. Ambassador to continue to
because it enriched my worldview, an extremely active leader on my utilize my language skills and my
but also because it was a two-way campus and represented various multicultural approach to help
cultural exchange experience. multicultural organizations. After my promote mutual understanding
During my study abroad experience, experience in China, I was inspired between the U.S. and other
I was exposed to students from all to forgo the traditional route of countries on a much larger scale.
over the world. My curiosity led to applying to entry-level job positions,
conversations with Chinese and instead pursued my passion of
students over lunch and making connecting with other cultures by
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During my study abroad experience about my event and encouraging encourage many others to pursue
in China, I used my video people to attend. There were also a study abroad. After hearing about
production skills to create a short few campus clubs that sponsored my experience, five friends of mine
film. When I returned to my home the event by providing food and decided to study abroad in China as
campus of Rutgers University, I was snacks. After the 30 minute well. This made my experience
able to host an event to screen my screening of my experiences in more fulfilling. I cannot thank the
video about China. Professors and China, I answer questions from the Gilman Scholarship and the
popular multicultural student audience about studying abroad. I Institute of International Education
organizations on campus were very was glad I was able to share about enough for such an experience.
supportive by spreading the word my experiences in China and
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE)
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University of Rhode Island
Rhode Island
understanding of the concept of Medicine, and finishing my Master’s
offshoring engineering work degree with a year as a visiting
before my internship, but became student at Columbia University in
intimately aware of this process New York City.
within an international setting.

These experiences have defined
my professional and academic “As a technical leader,
careers. Upon graduating from my experiences have
University of Rhode Island (URI), I helped me understand
worked for Intel. Being part of a and lead my colleagues,
S multinational corporation allowed who are drawn from all
tudying abroad in China for a me to flex my international corners of the earth.”
year gave me the fantastic muscles. Being able to fly alone to
opportunity to take Computer Beijing at a moment’s notice to
Engineering classes alongside solve business and technical
Chinese students. I learned about problems for Intel partners isn’t The world is a competitive place,
the fundamental differences something I would be able to do as and too many students overlook
between Western and Eastern confidently without my Gilman study abroad, especially in
education systems, and what it experience. Furthermore, as a technical fields where it can be a
feels like to move from one to technical leader, my experiences strong differentiation factor. There
another. Not only did this help me have helped me understand and are not terms strong enough to
understand my classmates at the lead my colleagues, who are drawn express how valuable this
time, but long after returning from all corners of the earth. experience can be for a student,
home, I still draw upon this or how grateful I am to the Gilman
experience to understand what it Academically immersing myself in Program for making it possible for
feels like for my Chinese the Chinese language ignited a me.
colleagues to be new to America. passion for linguistics and using
computers to solve language
I participated in an internship that problems. I am currently a student
was also profoundly enlightening, at the Center for Spoken Language
above and beyond the technical Understanding at Oregon Health
experience I gained. I had a vague and Science University’s School of
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For my Follow-on Service Project, studying abroad can be useful Now, helping students study
I spoke to high school seniors to across academic disciplines, and abroad has become a passion in
share some of the benefits I’ve information about the and of itself for me. As a Gilman
received from my experience International Engineering Program Alumni Ambassador, I hope to
abroad. This included a lot of at URI that helped me prepare for continue helping students make
information about the resources my time abroad. their study abroad dreams come
available to study abroad, how true.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE)