A record-breaking cohort of students from the University of Central Florida (UCF) has been awarded the prestigious Gilman Scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year. This year, 28 students have been selected, highlighting UCF’s commitment to global education and impactful learning experiences. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the Gilman Scholarship supports undergraduates seeking to study or intern abroad, allowing recipients to gain valuable skills and insights.
Among the recipients are students from various disciplines, reflecting a diverse range of interests and destinations. For instance, Cameron Alexis, a finance major, is headed to Japan, while Stefy Batres, studying communication sciences, will explore Spain. Other notable scholars include Ethan Bell and Berline Civil, who will gain experience in the health sector in Spain, and Mallorie Simpson, an aerospace engineering major, who will enhance her programming skills abroad.
Scholarship Recipients Embrace International Opportunities
Each Gilman Scholar brings unique aspirations and goals for their international experiences. Cameron Alexis aims to work in international project management, focusing on sustainable infrastructure. His study abroad experience in Tokyo and Seoul during a recent business program deepened his understanding of how urban design and public transportation systems respond to community needs. “I started to see how intentional infrastructure design was and how different the planning looked from what I’d seen in the U.S.,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of adapting to diverse contexts in project management.
Stefy Batres plans to become a pediatric speech-language pathologist. This summer, she will study the psychology of art in Barcelona, exploring creative therapies for children who struggle with communication. Her bilingual background and experience living in Chile and Honduras will inform her approach to therapy, as she seeks to understand how different cultures affect language development.
Ethan Bell, who has volunteered in emergency care settings, will intern at a clinic in Seville. He aims to gain insights into Spain’s healthcare system while taking intensive Spanish courses. Bell believes that understanding cultural differences in healthcare is crucial for effective treatment, especially in pediatrics.
Expanding Horizons in Healthcare and Engineering
Berline Civil, another recipient, is focused on understanding Spain’s universal healthcare model. Her summer in Barcelona will involve public health coursework and observations of patient-provider interactions. Civil is committed to ensuring that healthcare is tailored to individual needs and believes that communication and humility are essential for effective medical practice.
Aerospace engineering major Mallorie Simpson sees the Gilman Scholarship as a chance to enhance her programming skills, vital for her aspirations to work with organizations like SpaceX and NASA. In Barcelona, she will study object-oriented programming and visit tech companies to expand her knowledge of software development in a global context. Simpson approaches this opportunity with excitement, recognizing that stepping outside her comfort zone will be a significant part of her growth.
These scholarships not only provide financial support but also encourage students to engage with unfamiliar environments and cultures. Each recipient is poised to make an impact in their respective fields, armed with the knowledge and experiences gained through international study.
For those interested in learning more about the opportunities available through the Gilman Scholarship and other national programs, UCF encourages inquiries via [email protected]. The university continues to foster an environment that nurtures global citizens prepared to address complex challenges in their fields.
