Out of thousands of applicants nationwide, 10 students from the University of Iowa (UI), all hailing from hometowns in Iowa, have been granted a prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which awards the recipient up to $5,000 to study abroad.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, these experiences offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in diverse cultures, languages, and economies, fostering a deeper understanding of the world, and better equipping them with skills to excel in leadership positions within both government and the private sector.
“These Gilman recipients are incredible individuals who will study abroad in varied and unique locations,” said Teresa Kout, participant services coordinator in UI International Programs. “One of the most satisfying aspects of my position is to interact with students who are applying for the Gilman Scholarship.”
Meet this year's recipients:
Shahad Elnour is a fourth-year public health major from North Liberty, Iowa. She will study abroad this summer in the United Kingdom on the IES London UK Today program.
“I decided to study abroad in the United Kingdom because I've always wanted to visit London, and I love having the opportunity to finally visit there in a way that will benefit me academically while still being able to explore the beautiful city.
Regardless of what I end up doing in the future, I believe having that global experience and learning to adapt to new cultures/environments will have a huge positive impact on how I navigate through my future career.
As a public health major with a minor in global health studies, it's very beneficial to me to gain as much global knowledge and experience as possible. This experience will provide me with valuable insight on how health practices differ in different parts of the world.”
Andrew Kelleher is a fourth-year political science major from New Albin, Iowa. He will study abroad this summer in Spain on the Iowa Hispanic Institute program.
“I studied Spanish in high school and at the university, and an immersion experience will take my language skills to the next level while also allowing me to experience some of the culture I've been learning about for years.
I hope to become a foreign service officer (diplomat), and my study abroad will help prepare me for that career. In Spain, I will be able to interact with a new culture, and I will have to navigate a country where I may not always understand the language. Both of those skills will be invaluable for a diplomatic career.”
Kate Monroy is a second-year human physiology major from Iowa City, Iowa. She will study abroad this summer in Spain on the Cultures of Spain program.
“I believe that this experience abroad will be life changing. I hope that due to this experience, my Spanish speaking and listening skills will have improved, as well as my understanding of the Spanish culture. As someone who has never left the country, nor flown on an airplane, I know that my time abroad in Spain will bring me so many new opportunities.
Studying abroad is important to me because it grants me the opportunity to feel closer to my own culture. While I am Guatemalan, studying abroad in Spain makes it easier to feel closer to a Hispanic lifestyle. Going to Spain will surround me with Spanish speakers, an experience that would be hard to achieve if I were studying in the United States.”
Kelly Monroy is a first-year open major from Iowa City, Iowa. She will study abroad this summer in Spain on the Cultures of Spain program.
“I've always wanted to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country. I hope that studying abroad will allow me to improve my Spanish-speaking skills. In addition, studying abroad will broaden my perspective on other cultures. Immersing myself in another culture will allow me to be more connected to the world throughout my future studies and career. When I discovered the Cultures of Spain rogram, I knew this was the opportunity I was looking for!
Studying abroad is extremely important to me, especially as a Hispanic and first-generation student. Having the opportunity to continue my studies has been an amazing accomplishment on its own but to be able to further my education on another continent is a dream come true. Overall, I am confident that studying abroad in Spain will allow me to build a stronger sense of identity, independence, and adaptability.”
Nancy Nahra is a third-year computer science major from North Liberty, Iowa. She will study abroad this summer in Ireland on the Irish Writing program.
“I am captivated by the writings of authors such as James Joyce and William Yeats, and I am excited to immerse myself in the country which is the backdrop for many of their works. Additionally, I am deeply interested in learning more about Ireland's history of resistance against colonialism and the influence of its unique geographical features, like its plains and coastal mountains, on its literature.
I envision the Irish Writing Program serving me well as a lifelong writer by allowing me to draw on the rich memories and experiences from Dublin and the Irish countryside for material and inspiration. The knowledge of writing techniques and the invaluable advice I will gain from Irish teachers abroad will undoubtedly help enhance my craft.
Studying abroad is an important experience to me because I believe that when I'm put in an unfamiliar space, I am pushed to become more observant of the world. That heightened awareness typically serves as a launching point for my creativity and helps me transform my new experiences into language. I also think my study abroad will create vivid memories and mark an exciting season in my writing journey that I will cherish forever.”
Jade Nguyen is a third-year social justice major from Des Moines, Iowa. She will study abroad this summer in the Netherlands on the Contemporary Netherlands Studies program.
“The Netherlands is renowned for its progressive stance on social justice issues, making it an ideal location for someone in my field of study. The country's commitment to equality, human rights, and sustainability offers a unique environment to deepen my understanding and knowledge of social justice in practice. Amsterdam's rich cultural diversity and history also provide a vibrant backdrop for academic and personal growth. The Dutch educational system is highly regarded for its innovative approaches and high-quality teaching, which will enhance my academic experience. Lastly, studying in a country with such a strong emphasis on social justice aligns perfectly with my career aspirations and will equip me with valuable insights and experiences that I can apply in my future endeavors.
Studying abroad is important to me because it offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Most people don't attend college more than once, and I can only experience my early twenties once. Traveling abroad with people I don't yet know introduces uncertainty and doubts about how positive the experience will be, but I trust that the structure and support of the study abroad program will ensure everything works out just fine and leads to an enriching experience. If I don't seize this opportunity to study abroad now, I may never have the chance to experience something like this again.”
Ellen (Ellie) Crock is a fourth-year Spanish and ethics and public policy major from Mount Vernon, Iowa. She will study abroad this fall in Argentina on the CIEE Buenos Aires Liberal Arts program.
“There is so much to do and learn in Buenos Aires and I am so excited to explore the city! My future career goals hopefully will take me to new cities and places; developing skills to navigate different environments is important to being able to be confident and successful in my future. Overall studying abroad is an opportunity to challenge myself and improve my fluency and cultural understanding of Argentina, as well as a chance to develop new skills for my future.
To me studying abroad is an incredible opportunity to take steps in not only my academic and language goals, but also challenge myself to experience new people, places, and all that comes with living abroad. One thing that holds importance for me in both my education and personal life is the ability to connect with others. Studying abroad provides me with a unique opportunity to engage with people, share experiences, and learn alongside them.”
Shahd Ibrahim is a third-year public health major from Coralville, Iowa. She will study abroad this fall in Jordan on the SIT Jordan Refugees, Health, and Humanitarian Action, Jordan program.
“I decided to study abroad in Jordan because as a public health major the Refugee, Health and Humanitarian Action program in Amman will give me the opportunity to see humanitarian efforts firsthand in Jordan. Jordan offers a rare chance to examine the humanitarian response such as food, water, sanitation, protection, and health. It will give me the opportunity to gain knowledge on health and psychosocial treatments, policies, and protective status to improve the well-being of displaced people in Amman.
I envision that this experience will impact my future because Jordan is a regional hub for humanitarian institutions and upholds important humanitarian values such as access to basic resources. Jordan is one of the world's largest hubs for international public health, so I believe that collaborating on a global scale to address international health issues and respond to global humanitarian health threats will help advance my academic and professional career. I believe that my academic and professional profile will be improved by this exposure to international networks, which will help me provide a more comprehensive and globally aware viewpoint in the field of public health.
Studying abroad will enhance my academic journey by allowing me to explore my field of study from a global perspective by reaching out to NGOs, relief centers and incorporating my language learning while also expanding my knowledge of public health in the Middle East, especially regarding the refugee population that resides in Jordan from surrounding countries like Syria, Palestine, and Iraq. Overall studying abroad is a transformative experience that leaves people with lifelong memories, friendships, and opportunities for personal growth.”
Ekhlas Khalil is a third-year public health major from North Liberty, Iowa. She will study abroad this fall in Morocco on the SIT Morocco Human Rights, Social Justice & Cultural Transformation program. “I am eager to engage with the culturally rich Moroccan society and history, and explore the complexities of its social, political, and cultural dynamics.
Given my deep commitment to social justice and human rights, this program aligns perfectly with my passion for public health and social justice. I believe that I will gain a holistic understanding of the interactions of different identities in a global perspective. I'm also eager to explore how social, cultural values, and political and economic relations influence different human interactions in a global context.
Study abroad is important to me because as a first-generation immigrant and growing up in a multicultural environment, I have always been curious about the world beyond my immediate surroundings. Studying abroad allows me to explore my heritage, connect with new cultures, and gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity that exists globally.”
Mitchell Winterlin is a fourth-year psychology major from Bettendorf, Iowa. He will study abroad this fall in Denmark on the CIEE Copenhagen Open Campus program.
“I have always wanted to study abroad, yet I have been so involved on the campus the last four years that it seemed impossible to leave and explore a new country. Around a year ago, I realized I would need to take an extra semester for student teaching, so I knew it was my chance to add another semester to pursue my dream of studying abroad. I chose Denmark because the Nordic countries have always seemed so positive and have wonderful education systems, so I want to better understand and see the culture they create around that happy living.
I hope this experience helps me learn a lot more about myself as well as cultivating positivity in my personal and professional life as an educator.
I feel it is essential for everyone to try to surround yourself with new cultures and people to become a better citizen of the world. The more you are able to explore, the more you are able to discover about yourself and others.”
International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement. IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.