UConn Gilman Recipients | Experiential Global Learning

March 2025 Recipients

October 2024 Recipients

Alexandra Bradley, English ‘25

ISA: Semester French Language and Liberal Arts at Institut Catholique de Paris, Paris France

Advice for future applicants:

The best piece of writing advice that I received was that you should try not to sound like a tourist in your essay. Focus on how this will help not just your education, but how your experiences in another country can enrich the people around you as well. In terms of planning advice, start your essays ahead of time if you can. The deadline really snuck up on me and I found myself rushing to complete it, which was especially difficult while trying to stay on top of coursework. You will also want to run your essays by the Gilman advisors more than a week before the deadline because I missed my chance to have their eyes on my paper! You can also get essay help from the writing center.

Hanna Gjetaj, Marketing Management ‘26

Business & Economics with Internship, in London, United Kingdom

Advice for future applicants:

If you’re thinking about studying abroad, don’t let financial worries stop you—it really is possible! Start early, apply to every scholarship you can find, and don’t be afraid to tell your story. When applying for the Gilman Scholarship, be honest and share what makes you unique. They value real, diverse experiences, so don’t hold back. Also, take the time to research your destination and think about what you want to get out of the experience—it’ll make your time abroad so much more meaningful. Most importantly, believe in yourself. If I can do it, so can you!

Hannah Hidalgo, Nursing and Human Development and Family Sciences ‘26

Summer Nursing in Rwanda, East Africa

Advice for future applicants:

My advice to students interested in studying abroad or applying for the Gilman Scholarship is simple: don’t be afraid to go for it. Even if you think you might not get it or feel unsure, take the chance it could open doors to experiences you never imagined. Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, learn about the world in new ways, and grow as a person. When applying, be genuine and share your story. Talk about why studying abroad matters to you and how it connects to your goals. Once you’re there, make the most of the experience. Try new things, immerse yourself in the culture, and don’t be afraid to take risks. College is a time to explore, and opportunities like this can have a lasting impact on your life.

Nicholas Benda, Maritime Studies ‘25

Universidad San Francisco de Quito: Ecosystems and Biodiversity in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Advice for future applicants:

I recommend talking about things that would make you a unique candidate when writing your essays. For example, I talked about my experiences as a non-traditional student that had never gone abroad before. You also want to talk about how the program of your choice relates to your goals, academically or otherwise. Finally, think about the connections you can make between your host country and the United States; what institutions or communities in both countries could you bring together? Do not limit yourself to academic or career related connections. Talk about your volunteer experiences, your artistic interests, the sports you play, or other personal interests that would let you connect with people in your host country.

Sidratul Muntaha, Political Science and Human Rights ‘26

Yonsei International Summer School in Seoul, South Korea

Advice for future applicant:

For students interested in studying abroad, my biggest advice is to start planning early and be intentional about your goals. Research programs that align with your academic interests and personal aspirations, and consider how studying abroad can expand your perspective in ways that are unique to your field of study. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—growth often comes from exploring the unfamiliar. When applying for the Gilman Scholarship, take time to craft a strong, authentic application that highlights your story and why studying abroad is meaningful to you. Clearly articulate how the experience will help you grow academically, personally, and professionally, and be specific about how you plan to use the opportunity to give back to your community. Lastly, lean on the resources available to you, such as advisors, writing centers, or previous scholarship recipients. Their insights can make a huge difference in helping you present a compelling application. Remember, your unique background and experiences are your greatest strengths—use them to stand out.

Angelina Larracuente, Psychological Sciences and Communications ‘26

Multicultural Psychology Program at Umbra Institute in Perugia, Italy

Advice for future applicants:

If you qualify, take advantage of the resources available and go for it! The Gilman Scholarship is competitive, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Start early so you have enough time to work on your essays and put your best work forward—and if you don’t get it the first time, don’t be afraid to apply again. Also, focus on telling your unique story and how studying abroad will make a difference in your life and career goals. Be clear, genuine, and specific in your application, you want to show you’re passionate and committed. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for feedback from advisors or peers.

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!

March 2024 Recipients

Maria Lopez-Capa, Communications ‘25

Umbra Institute in Perugia - General Studies Program in Perugia, Italy

Advice for future applicants:

My advice would be not to fear the process. Don't be scared of the idea, don't be afraid of rejection, and don't hesitate to try. The EGL advisors and mentors are here to help you navigate the journey, providing guidance and support every step of the way. Throughout my own experience, I've learned that embracing challenges and stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to incredible opportunities and personal growth. So, don't let fear hold you back; instead, embrace the adventure and seize the chance to pursue your dreams.

Donovan Brown, Economics ‘26

Summer Internship In London, United Kingdom

Advice for future applicants:

For students interested in studying abroad or applying for the Gilman Scholarship, I recommend staying on top of important deadlines and being proactive in your preparations. Regularly communicate with your advisor, clearly articulating who you are and why studying abroad is personally significant to you. Being ahead of schedule ensures you have ample time to address any challenges and submit strong applications.

Sarah Koehler, Anthropology ‘26

Charles University: East and Central European Studies in Prague, Czech Republic

Advice for future applicants:

The essays require you to think critically about your motivations for studying abroad and to really be considerate of your specific program. For someone that already knew they wanted to study abroad, this process made me feel confident and solidified in my choice. However, if you were on the fence, UConn offers an array of resources and support to applicants making the Gilman Scholarship a place where you can work to reflect. There are only potential gains in applying.

Skylar Dodge, Psychological Sciences ‘26

University of Birmingham, in Birmingham, United Kingdom

Advice for future applicant:

I would really push those applying or interested to really reach out and connect with as many people as they can! There are so many helpful peers and staff that can help you plan going abroad, answer any questions you have, give you feedback, or just help you get the support you need to succeed in applications and while abroad. These connections make the whole process a lot less stressful and help you feel a bit less alone!

Anna Heqimi, Communication and Journalism ‘26

University of Granada in Granada, Spain

Advice for future applicants:

Students interested in studying abroad should absolutely take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The Experiential Global Learning advisers are extremely helpful in informing students about the various programs offered, various scholarships, how to go about selecting classes that meet minor and major requirements and are there to give general advice about anything. I have never been out of the country, studying abroad in Spain will be my first time ever traveling outside of the United States. I was extremely nervous, but after many consultations with my adviser about where to apply for scholarships, how to select classes that meet my academic requirements and everything in between, I feel prepared and ready to study abroad at the University of Granada. Advice for students interested in applying to the Gilman Scholarship is to start as soon as possible. This way if they are not awarded a scholarship the first time, they have another opportunity to win it. Students should craft their essays in a way that highlights their passion and desire to study abroad while allowing their voice and personality to come through. They should also consult their EGL adviser and the Writing Center for assistance in cohesiveness, grammar and advice on where to add more detail in their essays. With the many resources available, students interested in studying abroad and applying to the Gilman Scholarship will be guided and supported at every step.

Manogna Reddy, Physiology and Neurobiology, Molecular and Cell Biology ‘25

Summer Neuroscience in Salamanca, spain

Advice for future applicants:

Get in touch with an EGL advisor even if you are the slightest bit interested in traveling abroad. They can help you choose a program that fits your interests and works with your schedule as an undergraduate. While it can be challenging to adjust to a foreign culture, it is so important to be open to new perspectives and experiences when studying abroad. As for the Gilman, my biggest advice would be to research your host country and clearly communicate why the program you chose is the perfect fit for you. Emphasize your motivations to pursue an education abroad, the specific aspects of your program or country that drew you to it, and be as authentic as possible in your responses!

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.

October 2023 Recipients

Michelle Eweka, Political Science ‘25

University of Granada in Granada, Spain

Advice for future applicants:

For those just starting to think about studying abroad, I advise you to plan for it ahead of time. Discuss with your advisors to see if you have fulfilled enough requirements or see if you can fulfill some requirements while you are there. Also, give yourself enough time to fill out the application for the Gilman Scholarship. It's an amazing opportunity and I highly encourage those who are eligible to apply. Additionally, another tip is to not forget about classes. You are abroad, but it is called “study” abroad for a reason. For me, I found that the classes were all part of the immersive experience. All of my classes were taught in Spanish, and I got to study subjects I would have otherwise never explored had I not taken them here. Lastly, I would advise future study abroad students to find a way to document the experience, whether that’s through pictures, a journal, or an audio diary.

March 2023 Recipients

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, 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, 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, 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.

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, 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.

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.

October 2022 Recipients

March 2022 Recipients

Carina Adams-Szabo

Ashley Barragan

Rhys Brauer

Brooke Catellier

Kylene Chino

Jaiyliah Cochran

Mia Dansby

Andrea D’oleo

Danyelix Echevarria Figueroa

Dahiana Fernandez-Ramirez

Adriana Garcia Vazquez

Hannah Ginste

Jessica Glowacki

Emma Hazard

Danecia Henry

Ty’Laisha Huff

Layan Jahaf

Dee Jerome

Evelyn Pazan

Danielle Phillips

Jocelyn Ramirez

Jamie Ross

Helen Sanders

Fabio Silveira

Amber Szymanski

Angel Uchupailla

Lyric Vargas

Erica Wong

Morgan Xu

Ada Yeung

Ada Yeung

Alexandra Bradley

Deon Portes

Hanna Gjetaj

Hannah Hidalgo

Nicholas Benda

Sidratul Muntaha

Angelina Larracuente

Ama Kissi

Jennifer Pires

Isabel Ayala Rodriguez

Maria Lopez-Capa

Donovan Brown

Sarah Koehler

Skylar Dodge

Anna Heqimi

Geraldine Odikah

Manogna Reddy

Abdulrahman Elrefaei

Michelle Eweka

Yanni Tsiranides

Moera Kamimura

Avery Sparks

Rebekah Bacon

Zarria Bethea

Kayla Dubbs

Valerie Duque

Amy Eweka

Sarah Khouja

Alexandra Luhrs

Yelena Muralles

Patrick Murphy

Kasidy Quiles

Julio Tozetto