Athens, Ga. – University of Georgia undergraduate students have received the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study or intern abroad this summer.
The Gilman Scholarship, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is a nationally competitive needs-based scholarship that aims to diversify the students who study abroad and the countries and regions where they go. Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 for study abroad program costs. Students are encouraged to choose nontraditional study abroad destinations.
Scholarship recipients can gain a better understanding of other cultures, countries, languages and economies that can prepare them to assume leadership roles within government and the private sector upon their graduation.
UGA’s Summer 2015 Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship winners and their hometowns and destination countries are:
• Sheila Akbary of Suwanee, Argentina.
• Olaoluwa Ayeni of Loganville, South Korea.
• Jessica Parks of Jackson, Vietnam.
• Caitlin Pingel of Snellville, Spain.
• Preethi Raja of Acworth, Ecuador.
• Edwydge Seac of Acworth, Costa Rica.
• Alyssa Varsalona of Marietta, Peru.
• Brianna Watts of Leslie, South Africa.
Raja, who hopes to pursue a career in global health, is using the award for her internship in Quito, Ecuador, where she will work with a local nonprofit organization to promote sustainable environmental conservation and improve community health.
“This internship is the perfect opportunity for me to get field experience and combine my knowledge of environmental health and anthropology through my work with the local community members,” Raja said. “The Gilman Scholarship allows me to pursue this amazing internship opportunity and provides me with the resources to enter into my career of interest.”
About the Office of International Education
The Office of International Education supports the University of Georgia’s academic, research and outreach missions and strategic directions through the promotion of global learning experiences for our students, the sponsorship and support of international students, scholars, faculty and staff, and the development of international research and instructional partnerships and collaborations. For more information, see http://international.uga.edu/.