Six Elmhurst University students spent their January Term studying abroad after being awarded highly competitive Gilman and Gilman-McCain scholarships, which helped to finance their trips.
For the past several weeks, the students immersed themselves in the cultures of Argentina, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Malaysia and Singapore.
Applying for a Gilman or Gilman-McCain Scholarship is a rigorous process, as many of the students noted, but Marisa Mancini, the University’s national fellowships and scholarships coordinator, said the six recipients stood out among a record-breaking number of applicants nationwide.
“They really are an amazing group of human beings, and it was truly an honor to work with them,” she said.
More about the winners:
Samuel Beirne is a first-year student from Bloomington, Ill. A double major in economics and finance, Beirne said he was excited to learn about international business practices and the culture of Southeast Asia during his January Term trip to Malaysia and Singapore. “I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity,” said Beirne, who is also a member of Elmhurst Cru and works in the sports communications office on campus.
Crystal Herrera, a senior from Northlake, Ill., is majoring in business management with a minor in medical humanities. She said her time studying global business in Malaysia and Singapore will help put her on the right career path. “The Gilman Scholarship will greatly impact my future as an aspiring human resources professional,” said Herrera, who appreciated learning about new cultures and business structures. On campus, Herrera is a member of the cheer team, president of Best Buddies, an orientation student leader, a peer advisor, secretary of the Karaoke Club, a senator in the Student Government Association and destinations executive chair of the Union Board.
Nico Iacoviello, a junior from St. Charles, Ill., has a love of traveling that he says he developed as a child moving from town to town in the Chicago suburbs. Then, after high school graduation, he visited Mexico and Guatemala and discovered his love for Spanish. Thanks to the Gilman Scholarship, he nurtured that love during the study abroad course “Cultural and Linguistic Immersion in Argentina.” A Spanish and world languages education major, Iacoviello took advanced Spanish classes in Argentina and experienced the culture through activities like tango lessons. “This will contribute tremendously to my future, as I plan to use my degrees to become a Spanish teacher,” he said.
Madison McWhirter, a junior from Harrison, Ark., says this was her first time traveling overseas, besides a cruise to Mexico. She received the Gilman-McCain Scholarship for dependents of active military personnel. A double major in history and political science with a minor in world literature and cultures, McWhirter studied in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic during the course “Elmhurst, Mozart, Beethoven and Beyond.” She urged students who think they can’t afford studying abroad to consider the Gilman-McCain Scholarship. “[It] could possibly even cover the entire cost of their program, like it did for me,” she said.
Iberia Munoz, a sophomore from St. Charles, Ill., who is studying criminal justice, psychology and Spanish, has dreams to become a criminal psychologist and make a positive impact on the world. Her time in Argentina, she said, will help her reach that goal, giving her valuable life skills and an expanded perspective on the world. She called the study abroad opportunity “an unforgettable adventure filled with cultural immersion and personal growth in many aspects.” Outside of her studies, Munoz is a member of the soccer team and an Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy mentor, and works at El Centro de la Promesa Azul on campus.
Melanie Rogel, a senior from Hanover Park, Ill., is majoring in criminal justice with double minors in Spanish and psychology. A first-generation college student, Rogel studied in Argentina as part of the linguistic and cultural Immersion program at Academia Buenos Aires. This opportunity fulfilled Rogel’s dream of studying abroad and represented a “transformative step” in her education, allowing her to further her Spanish studies and immerse herself in a new culture. “It is going to open doors to experiences that will shape my academic and personal growth in profound ways,” she said.
By increasing access to study abroad opportunities, Elmhurst University fosters growth-minded paths for development in our students, helping them to gain awareness and respect for different cultures. The Gilman International Scholarship Program is a U.S. Department of State program that provides the funds to enable students, including those receiving Pell Grants, to study or intern abroad. The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides $5,000 to eligible undergraduate students who are dependents of active military personnel.
Students receiving a Pell Grant are encouraged to apply for the scholarships to help fund a study or internship program abroad. The next Gilman Scholarship deadline is March 6. For more information, contact Marisa Mancini, national fellowships and scholarships coordinator, at [email protected], and visit gilmanscholarship.org.