Study abroad on a Gilman scholarship

The deadline to apply for a Gilman scholarship is March 4.

Nine FIU students have been awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for the spring 2014 semester. Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to fund their study abroad or internship program. Students studying critical languages are eligible to receive an additional Critical Need Language Scholarship up to $8,000.

This semester’s recipients are participating in the International Student Exchange program through FIU as well as an international internship with the United States Department of State in Lithuania. The students in the exchange program will be attending partner universities in Spain, France, Japan, Argentina, United Arab Emirates, and New Zealand.

“For many students, study abroad may seem out of reach due to program costs and expenses. The Gilman scholarship is one of many opportunities for students to fund their international studies,” says Laura Boudon, director of FIU’s Office of Study Abroad.

For some Gilman award recipients. including junior Lamarr Nuñez , the scholarship has allowed them to travel or study abroad for the very first time.

Lamarr Nuñez in Asakusa, Tokyo.

Nuñez is attending Kansai Gaidai University in Osaka, Japan, to fulfill his Japanese Studies Certificate and English major requirements. As a second generation Dominican, he wanted to be immersed in Japanese culture and language.

“I mainly came here to improve my Japanese language skills but also I have the opportunity to gain experience as an English instructor – a career I wish to pursue here in Osaka,” Nuñez says. “I’ve been given the chance to work as a tutor in a writing center and to do class visits of local schools to see how lectures are conducted. Truly, none of this wonderful experience would have been possible without the help from The Gilman Scholarship.”

Daniela Rios also received the Gilman Scholarship for spring 2014, and  she will attending Universidad Argentina de la Empresa (UADE) in Buenos Aires, Argentina, later this semester. Rios is excited about studying spanish-language journalism and living in the city that is said to be the birthplace of sports journalism.

As a Gilman scholar, Rios will be creating a blog that will focus on my everyday life in Argentina including campus life, city life and  sports. “I hope this blog will motivate other students to study abroad and be aware of the oppurtunities we are offered,” she says.

Rios is currently looking for housing in preparation for the start of the semester, March 10. “The housing offered at UADE is already full for international students. I actually don’t mind  because it’s allowing me to explore the city before I arrive and make sure I am aware of all the options  available to me.”

The next deadline for the Gilman scholarships is March 4. To apply or for more information, contact the Office of Study Abroad at edabroad@fiu.edu or 305-348-1913.

 – Grace Taylor