Over the years, UConn students have been successful in being awarded this national scholarship. Read more about our recipients below.

Brooke Catellier
Brooke Catellier, Allied Health '26
Summer Mediterranean Diet and Tuscan Cuisine in Florence, Italy
Advice for future applicants:
Don't doubt yourself and don’t be afraid to share your personal journey. Whether it’s challenges you've overcome or what drives your passion for learning, be genuine, start thinking and planning early, and take advantage of UConn's, resources such as advisors and writing workshops, for guidance.
Mia Dansby
Mia Dansby, Management '26
ISI Florence in Florence, Italy
Advice for future applicants:
Don’t let anything stop you, it's never too late to try something new. Studying abroad is a chance to step out of your comfort zone, grow, and have fun while learning. If you're thinking about applying for the Gilman Scholarship, go for it. You never know where it might take you unless you try.


Ellie Sanders
Ellie Sanders, Nutritional Sciences '27
Summer Mediterranean Diet and Tuscan Cuisine in Florence, Italy
Advice for future applicants:
Take the chance!
Morgan Xu
Morgan Xu, Materials Science and Engineering '26
National University of Singapore in Singapore
Advice for future Applicants:
You are your best advocate, tell your story and be true to yourself.


Evelyn Pazan
Evelyn Pazan, Finance and German '27
Universtiy of Mannheim in Mannheim, Germany
Advice for future applicants:
Just apply! If you meet the application requirements, you should definitely apply. When you do apply, make sure to communicate your personality in your essays and explain your "why". While your transcripts say one thing, the Gilman Program wants to hear your personal story, so don't be afraid to share that.
Jocelyn Ramirez
Jocelyn Ramirez, Management '26
ISI Florence in Florence, Italy
Advice for future applicants:
My biggest advice is to tell your story in your own voice. Don’t worry about trying to sound perfect or writing what you think they want to hear. Focus on why studying abroad matters to you and how it connects to your life and goals. One thing that really helped me was going to info sessions and pre-advising hours. I learned what the scholarship was really looking for and got feedback on how to strengthen my application. You don’t have to figure it out alone. There are people who want to help, especially when it comes to planning for study abroad, understanding your options, and navigating the application process.


Danecia Henry
Danecia Henry, Management '28
Summer on the Camino de Santiago in Spain
Advice for future applicants:
1) Take a Leap of Faith; Don't hesitate to step out of your comfort Zone
2) Research: Understand what country YOU want to attend and be well-prepared
3) Be your authentic self: When writing the essays, be very clear and express why you want to study abroad.
4) Seek Guidance: Reach out to your study abroad advisor, Raquel
Gleicher, or anyone who knows about studying abroad and might help you with the process
5) Breathe!: This whole process can be stressful at times, and maybe you're second-guessing it, but please take this pace slow and steady and always reach out to friends, professors, academic advisors, tutoring centers, or anyone else who can help you with the essays and gain feedback.
6) Enjoy it! This is an experience you'll never forget, so live and enjoy every moment!
Andrea D’oleo
Andrea D'oleo, Nursing '27
Dublin Summer Applied Research for Nursing Practice in Dublin, Ireland
Advice for future applicants:
You might assume that just because you don't have as many standout achievements on your resume, you shouldn't apply. That is completely untrue. The Gilman scholarship values your story, your goals, and your potential, not just your accomplishments. If you are passionate about studying abroad and can show how it will benefit your personal, academic, or professional growth, you have a real chance. Do not count yourself out before giving yourself the opportunity.


Carina Adams-Szabo
Carina Adams-Szabo, Psychology and Political Science, '27
Summer Neuroscience in Salamanca, Spain
Advice for future applicants:
When writing your follow-on service project, choose a topic that genuinely means something to you. I focused on how challenging it is for high-need students like myself to study abroad, even though we’re often the ones who benefit most from these opportunities. I connected that passion to a real issue: the fact that students at UConn usually have just one week after being accepted into a program to decide, long before they know how much financial aid they have received. For my project, I’ll be hosting financial aid webinars to share how I made it work on a $800 budget—and how you can, too. You can follow my journey @gilmanscholar_abroad on Instagram, and I'll be hosting in-person panels in the fall, as well. Being real and purposeful in your application can make a big difference.
Adriana Garcia Vazquez
Adriana Garcia Vazquez, Cognitive Science '25
Interdisciplinary Ethnography Field School in Mauritius
Advice for future applicants:
1. Be intentional about your reasons for studying abroad (including what you will gain from the experience).
2. Allow yourself to be guided by curiosity, open-mindedness, and a willingness to learn outside of your comfort zone.
3. Honor your personal experiences that have encouraged and/or deterred you from studying abroad.


Emma Hazard
Emma Hazard, Diagnostic Genetic Sciences '27
Summer Mediterranean Diet and Tuscan Cuisine in Florence, Italy
Advice for future applicants:
Give yourself a chance! You never know what opportunities are out there, so open the door for yourself to discover your passions. Explore new things, follow your intuition, and you will find where you're meant to be. Be confident and use UConn's EGL and Gilman Scholarship resources to set yourself up for success. I found EGL advising appointments and Gilman writing workshops most helpful along my journey.
Danyelix Echevarria Figueroa
Danyelix Echevarria Figueroa, ACES - Pre Teaching '28
University of Granada in Granada, Spain
Advice for future applicants:
My advice is to go for it, even if it feels intimidating. It is better to try than to wonder what it could've happened if you did. Be honest and personal in your application, share your story and why studying abroad matters to you. There’s a lot of support out there to help you succeed, don't be afraid to ask questions!
Ashley Barragan
Ashley Barragan, Nursing Spring 2027
Dublin Summer Applied Research for Nursing Practice
Rhys Brauer
Rhys Brauer, Psychological Sciences Spring 2027
Summer Neuroscience in Salamanca
Kylene Chino
Kylene Chino, Political Science as Second | Human Rights Spring 2026
Pusan National University
Jaiyliah Cochran
Jaiyliah Cochran, MCB Summer 2025
Summer Field Ecology in South Africa
Dahiana Fernandez-Ramirez
Dahiana Fernandez-Ramirez, Psychological Sciences Spring 2026
ISI Florence
Hannah Ginste
Hannah Ginste, Communication Spring 2026
Summer Internship in London
Layan Jahaf
Layan Jahaf, Arabic & Islm Civ as a Second | Political Science Spring 2028
London Program
Ty’Laisha Huff
Ty'Laisha Huff, Nursing Spring 2027
Dublin Summer Applied Research for Nursing Practice
Jessica Glowacki
Jessica Glowacki, Biological Sciences Summer 2025
Summer Field Ecology in South Africa
Dee Jerome
Dee Jerome, Allied Health Sciences Spring 2026
Summer in Ghana
Danielle Phillips
Danielle Phillips, Individualized Spring 2027
CEPA Foundation - Interculutral Leadership Program in Stratsbourg, France
Jamie Ross
Jamie Ross, Physiology & Neurobiology Spring 2027
Fabio Silveira
Fabio Silveira, Pathobiology Spring 2026
Summer Neuroscience in Salamanca
Amber Szymanski
Amber Szymanski, Human Rights as a Second I Political Science Spring 2026
Pusan National University
Angel Uchupailla
Angel Uchupailla, Allied Health Sciences Spring 2026
Lyric Vargas
Lyric Vargas, Psychological Sci (BA) Second | Political Science Spring 2027
University of Lisbon
Erica Wong
Erica Wong, Urban Studies as Second | Political Science Spring 2026
Fudan University
Ada Yeung
Ada Yeung, Individualized Spring 2027
Fudan University
Ada Yeung
Maggie Zheng, Accounting Spring 2027
Fudan University

Alexandra Bradley
Alexandra Bradley, English ‘25
ISA: Semester French Language and Liberal Arts at Institut Catholique de Paris, Paris France
Advice for future applicants:
Deon Portes
Deon Portes, Individualized Crime, Law, & Inequality ‘25
Winter in Costa Rica, in Heredia, Costa Rica
Advice for future applicants:

Hanna Gjetaj
Hanna Gjetaj, Marketing Management ‘26
Business & Economics with Internship, in London, United Kingdom
Advice for future applicants:
Hannah Hidalgo
Hannah Hidalgo, Nursing and Human Development and Family Sciences ‘26
Summer Nursing in Rwanda, East Africa
Advice for future applicants:


Nicholas Benda
Nicholas Benda, Maritime Studies ‘25
Universidad San Francisco de Quito: Ecosystems and Biodiversity in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Advice for future applicants:
Sidratul Muntaha
Sidratul Muntaha, Political Science and Human Rights ‘26
Yonsei International Summer School in Seoul, South Korea
Advice for future applicant:


Angelina Larracuente
Angelina Larracuente, Psychological Sciences and Communications ‘26
Multicultural Psychology Program at Umbra Institute in Perugia, Italy
Advice for future applicants:
Ama Kissi
Ama Kissi, Allied Health Sciences ‘25
Summer Mediterranean Diet and Tuscan Cuisine in Florence, Italy
Advice for future applicants: My advice to students interested in studying abroad or applying for the Gilman Scholarship is to take a chance because it’s an opportunity you might regret not pursuing. For the Gilman Scholarship specifically, ensure your story is cohesive, your reasoning is clear, and your passion for your chosen program shines through. I never imagined I’d be studying abroad during my senior year, but I decided to try, and it worked out! If you’re even a little interested, explore the Experiential Global Learning (EGL) website, connect with an advisor, and give it a shot. You never know where it could take you!

Jennifer Pires
Jennifer Pires, Psychology and Sociology ‘26
Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea
Advice for future applicants:
Isabel Ayala Rodriguez
Isabel Ayala Rodriguez, Allied Health Sciences ‘25
Summer Mediterranean Diet and Tuscan Cuisine in Florence, Italy
Advice for future applicants:


Maria Lopez-Capa
Maria Lopez-Capa, Communications ‘25
Umbra Institute in Perugia - General Studies Program in Perugia, Italy
Advice for future applicants:
Donovan Brown
Donovan Brown, Economics ‘26
Summer Internship In London, United Kingdom
Advice for future applicants:


Sarah Koehler
Sarah Koehler, Anthropology ‘26
Charles University: East and Central European Studies in Prague, Czech Republic
Advice for future applicants:
Skylar Dodge
Skylar Dodge, Psychological Sciences ‘26
University of Birmingham, in Birmingham, United Kingdom
Advice for future applicant:


Anna Heqimi
Anna Heqimi, Communication and Journalism ‘26
University of Granada in Granada, Spain
Advice for future applicants:
Geraldine Odikah
Geraldine Odikah, Allied Health Sciences ‘24
Summer Internship in London, United Kingdom
Advice for future applicants:
Take the chance, go study in the country you have always wanted to visit. You can again experience and knowledge. If you are interested in applying for the Gilman Scholarship, start early. Start by attending info sessions hosted by past Gilman scholars, this will allow you to speak with them one on one and hear about their personal experiences.


Manogna Reddy
Manogna Reddy, Physiology and Neurobiology, Molecular and Cell Biology ‘25
Summer Neuroscience in Salamanca, spain
Advice for future applicants:
Abdulrahman Elrefaei
Abdulrahman Elrefaei, Analytics Information Management ‘26
Business & Economics in London, United Kingdom
Advice for future applicant:
For students interested in studying abroad or applying for the Gilman Scholarship, here are some key pieces of advice:
1. Research Thoroughly: Start by researching potential programs and destinations that align with your academic and career goals. Look into the specifics of each program, including courses offered, accommodation arrangements, and extracurricular opportunities.
2. Understand Eligibility and Requirements: For the Gilman Scholarship, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, which typically include being a U.S. citizen undergraduate receiving a Federal Pell Grant. Thoroughly understand the application requirements, deadlines, and the documentation needed.
3. Craft a Compelling Application: Your application essays should clearly articulate why you want to study abroad, how it fits into your academic and career objectives, and what makes you a strong candidate for the scholarship. Be specific about the impact this experience is expected to have on your personal and professional growth.
4. Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to reach out to advisors at your institution’s study abroad office, past scholarship recipients, or professors to seek advice and feedback on your application.
5. Plan Financially: While the Gilman Scholarship can significantly offset costs, be proactive in planning your finances. Look into additional scholarships, grants, and fundraising opportunities to cover extra expenses like travel, insurance, and personal spending.
6. Prepare for Cultural Integration: Educate yourself about the cultural norms and expectations of the country you plan to study in. This preparation can help minimize culture shock and enhance your overall experience abroad.
7. Stay Organized: Keep track of application deadlines, required documents, and correspondence. Being organized will help ensure a smooth application process and prevent last-minute scrambles.
By following these steps, you can enhance your chances of having a successful study abroad experience and securing the Gilman Scholarship to support your educational journey.

Michelle Eweka
Michelle Eweka, Political Science ‘25
University of Granada in Granada, Spain
Advice for future applicants:


Yanni Tsiranides
Yanni Tsiranides, Finance ‘25
Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan
Advice for future applicants:
Moera Kamimura
Moera Kamimura, Mechanical Engineering ‘26
Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan
Advice for future applicant:


Avery Sparks
Avery Sparks, Psychological Science ‘25
ISI Florence in Florence, Italy
Advice for future applicants:

Rebekah Bacon
Rebekah Bacon, Psychology '25
Summer Interdisciplinary Ethnography Field School in Flic en Flac, Mauritius
Advice for future applicants:
The advice that I would give is that it's worth it. Even if you spend more money than you'd like to, you can't buy back the time to go back and do it. Although you still have to be smart with your spending, an experience like this is oftentimes a once in a lifetime opportunity. Plus, there are scholarships like Gilman which can help out with that.
Zarria Bethea
Zarria Bethea, Allied Health Science '24
ISI Florence in Florence, Italy
Advice for future applicants:
When applying for the Gilman Scholarship, the overall diversity of students abroad can continue to increase on a national level - helping many improve their education. Their mission is to serve as a support system for those who have been historically underrepresented, that may face financial constraints. The Gilman is a life-changing resource that can certainly help in participating, and I highly recommend applying! I strongly encourage students to study abroad because as mentioned before: it impacts worldly perspectives, you will have the opportunity to work with diverse peers in a new environment, learn to respect other cultures, and even communicate in different languages - if needed. With that being said, if you are interested in going, go for it! Remember to always remain open-minded.


Kayla Dubbs
Kayla Dubbs, Environmental Science '24
The Umbra Institute in Perugia, Italy
Advice for future applicants:
In terms of studying abroad, just know it’s never too late to decide. I didn’t decide to study abroad until late into my junior year. It helps to plan early, but it won’t make or break your experience. As for the Gilman Scholarship, make sure you work with the advisors and start early. I definitely wouldn’t have been awarded this scholarship if I hadn’t. I revised multiple drafts of my essays until the advisors deemed them fit of Gilman criteria.
Valerie Duque
Valerie Duque, Psychological Sciences '24
Neuroscience in Salamanca Spain
Advice for future applicants:
I would say to believe in yourself when applying to Gilman. I know a lot of people that don’t bother applying because they think they can’t get it. But if you don't at least try, you’ll never know. I was unsure at first when applying, but I reached out to EGL advisors and previous recipients of Gilman for help. I applied in October and got waitlisted, and although that did discourage me a little I decided to reapply. I worked on my essays more and tried again for the March deadline because I knew that I had a chance.


Amy Eweka
Amy Eweka, Psychology '24
University of Konstanz in Konstanz, Germany
Advice for future applicants:
Never shy away from new experiences, especially those in which you can learn new skills.
Sarah Khouja
Sarah Khouja, Elementary Education '25
Umbra Institute in Perugia, Italy
Advice for future applicants:
I would advise students applying to Gilman or studying abroad in general to be completely authentic and exhibit intersectionality to make meaning out of your time abroad!


Alexandra Luhrs
Alexandra Luhrs, Nursing '24
End-of-Life Palliative Care at the University of Arteveldehogeschool in Ghent, Belgium
Advice for future applicants:
If you are even a little interested in studying abroad, apply! It can be difficult to travel and get to see the world while we are in college, but UConn offers us so many opportunities with study abroad programs. Financial support is available as well through the Gilman Scholarship, EGL scholarships and many more. It can be a huge step out of your comfort zone, but it is so worth it!
Yelena Muralles
Yelena Muralles, International Relations and French '25
Lund University in Lund, Sweden
Advice for future applicants:
In addition to planning and research, my advice for students interested in studying abroad or applying to the Gilman Scholarship is to embrace independence and take risks! Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and explore new cultures and perspectives. Living and studying in a foreign country can be challenging, but it also offers tremendous opportunities for personal growth and development. We often live in a bubble, but studying abroad allows us to break out of that and experience the world in a new and exciting way. So, go for it and seize the chance to expand your horizon.


Patrick Murphy
Patrick Murphy, Paleontology as Outreach and Education '24
South African Field Ecology in Entabeni Game Reserve, South Africa
Advice for future applicants:
Try not to be intimidated by the prospect - follow your heart, no matter where in this incredible world it takes you.
Kasidy Quiles
Kasidy Quiles, Allied Health Sciences '23
Neuroscience in Salamanca, Spain
Advice for future applicant:
Do. Your. Research! Look up cultural norms, eating schedules, dressing attire, technology, language, things you want to do while you're there, currency... everything. Talk to your program professors as much as you can because their job is to help you succeed and feel comfortable while studying abroad. Talk to other people who have studied abroad and get their insight or speak with people you know outside of school who have experienced your country first hand. When applying the scholarship, prepare in advance so that you have time to finish the application to your fullest potential.


Julio Tozetto
Julio Tozetto, Natural Resources '25
OTS African Ecology & Conservation in Kruger National Park, South Africa
Advice for future applicants:
Go for it and take a leap, you're only in college once so take advantage of the resources EGL provides you to go abroad.