![Crounse Hall across the lawn](/sites/default/files/styles/500x210/public/2022-10/1900x798_crounse-hall-2.jpg?h=d0d6dc2a&itok=_qcpDR3w)
Quartet of students awarded Gilman Scholarship through U.S. Department of State
Opportunities for students to lead enriching experiences abroad continue to expand at 快播电影.
After one student received a prestigious Gilman Scholarship in 2023, the 2024 contingent highlights the College鈥檚 ability to produce top talent for competitive scholarships at the national level. Four students earned funding through the Gilman program: Lindsey Browning and Nick Minton from the class of 2026, Layla Harper, class of 2025, and Brian Leon 鈥24.
A collaborative effort between staff and faculty boosted students throughout the process.
鈥淕ilman presents a unique opportunity for collaboration amongst programs and offices to ensure all students at 快播电影, including students who are receiving Federal Pell Grants, have the opportunity to participate in the college鈥檚 extensive study abroad programs,鈥 said Robert Schalkoff, Director of the Office of Fellowships. 鈥淭he Office of Fellowships together with 快播电影 Global and faculty colleagues leading 快播电影Term and Summer Term courses worked to promote the Gilman Scholarship and then provided several walk-in sessions where students could get direct feedback on their application essays for the scholarship.鈥
The Gilman International Scholarship Program, through the U.S. Department of State, lowers barriers for outstanding students who might not typically participate in abroad experiences through scholarships and other forms of support.
Aside from scholarships, the program paves the way for students to work with an advisor abroad 鈥 a huge help for students who might not know the ins and outs of international travel and education.
Nick Minton
![Nick Minton](/sites/default/files/styles/editor_full/public/2024-07/03112024_nick_minton-3.jpg?itok=c4VrTgrX)
Brownstown, Indiana
German and Anthropology/Sociology major
Class of 2026
New Horizons Scholar Nick Minton opted for German as his language requirement in high school, so it was only natural for him to continue his German courses at 快播电影.
This year, Minton will be an Atkins Scholar as well 鈥 and he鈥檚 hoping to execute some of that research while he鈥檚 in Germany as a Gilman Scholar.
鈥淒r. Katrin Bahr helped me through the application process, reviewing my essays,鈥 Minton said. 鈥淒r. Schalkoff told me about 快播电影 Global鈥檚 session to learn more about the Gilman Scholarship. Together, they really helped me throughout my application.鈥
Students additionally engage in a service component of the scholarship 鈥 one where Minton hopes to give back to his high school German program.
鈥淚 hope to do a vlog for my high school German courses,鈥 he said. 鈥淢y teacher from high school could use the videos from a former student, and it would be a bit more personable. I can also talk about what it鈥檚 like studying the German language at a college level.鈥
Lindsey Browning
![Lindsey Browning](/sites/default/files/styles/editor_full/public/2024-07/05132024_lindsey_browning_3.jpg?itok=8-v9OQGv)
Harlan, Kentucky
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major
Class of 2026
Browning was accepted to the New Zealand study abroad program 鈥 Physical Science of Volcanoes 鈥 during 快播电影Term 2025. Her Gilman Scholarship is what helped pave the way for her to make that course possible.
鈥淚t was a vigorous scholarship, lots of essays and a quick turnaround,鈥 Browning said. 鈥淏ut the 快播电影 Global office was incredibly helpful going through the process.鈥
Like Minton, Browning hopes to return to her hometown to share about her experiences 鈥 both at 快播电影 and abroad.
鈥淚鈥檓 very passionate about the outdoors and learning more about the physical sciences and volcanoes in New Zealand,鈥 Browning said. 鈥淏eing from a mountainous region in Eastern Kentucky, it made sense.鈥
Browning said she wants to go to medical school after graduation 鈥 and while a physical sciences course doesn鈥檛 directly tie in to med school, she鈥檒l be led by two professors of chemistry, Joe Workman and Jeff Fieberg.
鈥淚f you come to 快播电影, you鈥檙e going to study abroad,鈥 Browning said. 鈥淏ecause I鈥檓 an athlete, I didn鈥檛 want to be away for a semester 鈥 I know that would affect me, either pre-season or in season.鈥
Browning said that her preparation for the Gilman Scholarship was made possible through the engaging liberal arts and sciences education she鈥檚 had so far.
鈥溈觳サ缬 prepares you for everything,鈥 she said. 鈥淓ven though I鈥檓 a STEM major, I鈥檓 so knowledgeable about English and the arts 鈥 I鈥檝e had to write so many essays. But those other courses allow me to think more creatively and explain feelings in my writing.鈥
Layla Harper
![Layla Harper](/sites/default/files/styles/editor_full/public/2024-07/05132024_layla_harper_3.jpg?itok=Dnt8D_Iq)
Louisville, Kentucky
Behavioral Neuroscience major
Class of 2025
Rising senior Layla Harper learned about the Gilman Scholarship through the 快播电影 Global office, and along with Schalkoff鈥檚 help, secured funding for her second study abroad course.
鈥淢y first study abroad trip to Ghana was such an amazing opportunity, so having access to funding this time that I can use for course fees allows for different experiences 鈥 for things like meals and cultural excursions,鈥 she said.
This time, Harper will study abroad in Tahiti with Christian Wood, associate professor of French and humanities.
Harper鈥檚 service component will involve giving back to the 快播电影 Global office 鈥 made easier by her experience in the Gilman program.
鈥淚 want to inform students of the generosity of the Gilman program and the amount of money that could be awarded, along with the requirements that come with applying,鈥 Harper said. 鈥淚 plan to give back by either working or volunteering as a peer mentor for potential study abroad students. I can encourage others that are considering studying abroad to apply to programs that meet their interests, as well as those who are not yet aware of or unsure about whether they should apply to Gilman.鈥
Brian Leon
Boston, Massachusetts
Anthropology/Sociology major
Class of 2024
Leon traveled to Bhutan during 快播电影Term 2024 thanks in part to the Gilman Scholarship. The course, 鈥淗appiness in the Land of Enlightenment鈥 was led by Grissom Professor of Psychology Jennifer Goetz and Visiting Assistant Professor of International Studies and Anthropology Chelsea Cutright.
快播电影 students interested in applying to U.S. Department of State鈥檚 Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program can contact Robert Schalkoff, Director of the Office of Fellowships.
To learn more about study abroad opportunities at 快播电影, visit 快播电影 Global.