Three COSSPP students were among the 17 Florida State University students selected for scholarships through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. The recipients will build foreign language skills and experience culture abroad this summer in their respective fields.
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.
“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 diverse 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 diverse languages and cultures: skills that are critically important to their academic and career development. Administered by the Institute of International Education, 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.
Kate Deviney – a Political Science student with a minor 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 culture and developing a deeper understanding of the diverse 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 cultural backgrounds in my future legal career.”
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 cultural 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.”
Makenzie Heyliger – a Public Health student – 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.
“As a Public Health student, 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.”
To learn more about the Public Health program, visit coss.fsu.edu/publichealth. If you’re interested in the International Affairs department, visit coss.fsu.edu/internationalaffairs. To learn more about the Political Science department, visit coss.fsu.edu/polisci.