For 25 years, the Gilman Scholarship Program has opened doors to the world. Now, as it celebrates this milestone anniversary, USF has been recognized as part of the legacy by being ranked No. 13 nationally and leading all Florida universities in producing Gilman recipients since the program’s inception in 2001.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship equips young Americans with the professional skills, language proficiency, and global experience needed for successful careers by supporting Pell Grant recipients who study or intern abroad.
Twelve new Gilman Scholars, awarded this spring, have joined USF’s tradition of success.
This cohort will travel to seven countries: Bolivia, Germany, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.
Engineering, Medicine, and Field Experience Abroad
Several of this cycle’s awardees are attending hands-on STEM focused study abroad programs. The Gilman Scholarship has a strong emphasis on practical career preparation abroad.
Three of the recent Gilman Scholars will attend programs for aspiring physicians – two attending the Judy Genshaft Honors College Physician Shadowing Program in Lisbon, Portugal and one participating in clinical rotations in La Paz, Bolivia through Child and Family Health International.
Another student, Erica Velazquez, will travel to Thailand for a pre-veterinary program with Loop Abroad, where students practice clinical skills in a local dog rescue and learn about elephant rescue and rehabilitation.
Velazquez currently works as a veterinary assistant and is excited to combine practical training with cultural immersion.
“Every day, I interact with clients from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, which requires me to respect perspectives that may differ from my own," said Velazquez. "This program will help me grow into a professional who is not only technically skilled but also culturally aware.”
Santi Ramirez-Betancur landed in Germany last week for the Judy Genshaft Honors College Innovation in Engineering Program. The six-week immersive experience is designed to introduce students to the latest developments in German design and sustainability.
The students take two courses in collaboration with the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences. The capstone course includes interviews with local professionals, excursions to engineering facilities, and a research project they present at a summer colloquium. While the other class focuses on “living society” workshops, where students utilize design thinking to define target needs and methods, test solutions through prototyping, and optimize industrial processes.
“Studying German methodologies in retrofitting and redevelopment, and observing engineers at global hubs like the Volkswagen HQ, I will see firsthand how to bridge the gap between academic theory and large-scale industrial application,” said Ramirez-Betancur in his Gilman application. “Germany is renowned for its circular approach to engineering – reusing infrastructure rather than abandoning it. Through this study abroad program, I will learn how German engineers restore land and structures without displacing existing communities.”
The Business of Global Branding
Two of the Gilman Scholars studying business and marketing – Alecia Itembo and Payton Wesley – will travel to Florence this summer to experience the fashion industry.
Both will be immersed in the world of Florentine fashion at Florence University of the Arts. With the goal to work in fashion marketing, they will take courses in branding, consumer engagement, and design in the home of some of the most famous clothing and accessory brands in the world including Gucci and Ferragamo. Classes like Consumer Behavior and Retail Strategies and Fashion Goes Viral: The Art of Influencing will prepare them for work in this modern, global industry.
“I will receive hands-on experience in merchandising, connecting to a wide variety of consumers, as well as bridge the gap between technology and fashion, understanding the different social media markets,” said Wesley.
The global experiences of this year’s Gilman Scholars are far more than academic credit. From hospitals and engineering hubs to fashion studios and conservation programs, they are building the skills, perspectives, and international connections that will shape their future careers and broaden their understanding of the world.
Students interested in the Gilman Scholarship should reach out to the Office of National Scholars.