A record-breaking 28 students from the University of Central Florida (UCF) have been awarded the prestigious Gilman Scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year. This scholarship, funded by the U.S. Department of State, is designed to support undergraduates who wish to study or intern abroad, reflecting UCF’s commitment to enhancing global learning experiences. The diverse group of scholarship recipients will undertake projects ranging from healthcare improvements to the psychology of art.
Highlighting the Scholars
The list of Gilman Scholars includes students from various disciplines and destinations. For instance, Cameron Alexis, a finance major, will travel to Japan to explore international project management, particularly in infrastructure development. His prior experiences with housing instability have motivated him to focus on resilient infrastructures. Alexis notes, “You can’t understand what international collaboration demands until you’re in it.”
Stefy Batres, studying communication sciences and disorders, plans to expand her knowledge in Spain by taking a course on the psychology of art. She aims to understand how creative tools can aid children with speech difficulties, particularly those from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Batres’ bilingual background and exposure to different cultures position her well for this endeavor.
Ethan Bell, a biomedical sciences major, will intern at an emergency clinic in Seville, Spain. His previous work in emergency medical settings has instilled a sense of urgency around healthcare provision, and he looks forward to learning about Spain’s healthcare system. Bell emphasizes the importance of communication in medicine, stating, “I want to be the kind of doctor who can communicate across linguistic differences.”
Berline Civil, another recipient, is set to explore Spain’s universal healthcare model. As a biomedical sciences major, she intends to observe how public health infrastructure affects patient experiences. Civil’s journey into medicine has evolved from nursing, and she now aims to address broader healthcare challenges. “To be a good doctor, you need more than clinical skills,” she explains.
Expanding Horizons Through Global Learning
For Mallorie Simpson, pursuing aerospace engineering, the Gilman Scholarship offers an opportunity to refine her programming skills in Barcelona. This summer, she will study object-oriented programming, a crucial skill for future roles in companies such as SpaceX and NASA. Simpson’s ambition to develop multilingual skills reflects her understanding of the global nature of engineering.
The scholarship not only supports academic growth but also fosters personal development. Each scholar speaks to the transformative power of international experiences. They acknowledge the challenges of adapting to new environments, yet they embrace these hurdles as opportunities for growth.
UCF’s achievement in securing 28 Gilman Scholarships this year underscores the university’s expanding global influence and dedication to providing high-impact learning experiences. As these students embark on their journeys, they carry with them the potential to make significant contributions to their fields and communities worldwide.
Students interested in similar opportunities can reach out to [email protected] for assistance with international and national award programs.
