Nicholas Benda ’25 (CLAS)

Major: Maritime Studies
Hometown: Preston, Connecticut
Program Name & Term Year: Universidad San Francisco de Quito: Ecosystems and Biodiversity in the Galapagos, Winter 2025
Program Location: Islas Galápagos, Ecuador

Why are you interested in Experiential Global Learning and pursuing your education abroad?
I am a maritime studies student, but I have never been abroad before. I have spent my entire life in New England and believe that time studying in the Galapagos will allow me to see the maritime world in a new way.

How will you use the Gilman Scholarship to further your education?
The Gilman Scholarship will make the tuition for my time in the Galapagos much more affordable. I also hope it will open other doors for me in the future. For example, I am applying for a Fulbright Grant after graduation and, if I am selected for an interview, I think this experience will make me more competitive.

What advice would you give students interested in studying abroad or applying to the Gilman Scholarship?
I recommend talking about things that would make you a unique candidate when writing your essays. For example, I talked about my experiences as a non-traditional student that had never gone abroad before. You also want to talk about how the program of your choice relates to your goals, academically or otherwise. Finally, think about the connections you can make between your host country and the United States; what institutions or communities in both countries could you bring together? Do not limit yourself to academic or career related connections. Talk about your volunteer experiences, your artistic interests, the sports you play, or other personal interests that would let you connect with people in your host country.

Alexandra Bradley ’25 (CLAS)

Major: English
Hometown: Tolland, Connecticut
Program Name & Term Year: ISA Paris: L’Institut Catholique de Paris, Spring 2025
Program Location: Paris, France

Why are you interested in Experiential Global Learning and pursuing your education abroad?
I have lived in Tolland for my entire life, and then I went to college only ten minutes away from my house. I haven’t really gotten the chance to go out and explore in the world. I’ve always wanted to travel and spend time in Europe, and I’m really excited to learn about new cultures and perspectives.

How will you use the Gilman Scholarship to further your education?
I’ve been studying French since I was twelve years old. I can communicate, but I’ve never had the chance to experience true immersion. This scholarship can help me afford tuition and cover the cost of living in France, which would otherwise be incredibly difficult to do.

What advice would you give students interested in studying abroad or applying to the Gilman Scholarship?
The best piece of writing advice that I received was that you should try not to sound like a tourist in your essay. Focus on how this will help not just your education, but how your experiences in another country can enrich the people around you as well. In terms of planning advice, start your essays ahead of time if you can. The deadline really snuck up on me and I found myself rushing to complete it, which was especially difficult while trying to stay on top of coursework. You will also want to run your essays by the Gilman advisors more than a week before the deadline because I missed my chance to have their eyes on my paper! You can also get essay help from the writing center.

Hanna Gjetaj ‘26 (BUS)

Major: Marketing
Hometown:  Stamford, Connecticut
Program Name & Term Year: Business & Economics in London with Internship, Spring 2025
Program Location: London, England

Why are you interested in Experiential Global Learning and pursuing your education abroad?
Experiential Global Learning is the perfect way to gain real-world experience in a global environment. Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine, and when I discovered UConn’s program in London, I couldn’t stop imagining all the possibilities. Being accepted into the program is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to live, learn, and intern in a city renowned for its global influence. I’m excited to step out of my comfort zone, immersing myself in a new culture and building skills that will help me become a more adaptable and innovative businesswoman in the future. This experience will go beyond just academics—it’s a chance to grow personally and professionally; to thrive in an increasingly globalized business world.

How will you use the Gilman Scholarship to further your education?
The Gilman Scholarship has made studying abroad possible for me. It’s taken away a huge financial barrier, which means I can focus on the full breadth of the academic and professional opportunities in London without worrying about going into debt. As a first-generation student, receiving this scholarship means so much—it’s a reminder that challenges don’t define what’s possible. I hope to use this experience to show others in my community that they can achieve their goals, too, no matter their circumstances. The Gilman Scholarship isn’t just helping me study abroad; it’s helping me prove that big dreams are within reach.

What advice would you give students interested in studying abroad or applying to the Gilman Scholarship?
If you’re thinking about studying abroad, don’t let financial worries stop you—it really is possible! Start early, apply to every scholarship you can find, and don’t be afraid to tell your story. When applying for the Gilman Scholarship, be honest and share what makes you unique. They value real, diverse experiences, so don’t hold back. Also, take the time to research your destination and think about what you want to get out of the experience—it’ll make your time abroad so much more meaningful. Most importantly, believe in yourself. If I can do it, so can you!

Hannah Hidalgo ’26 (NUR)

Major: Nursing with a Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) minor
Hometown: Peekskill, New York
Program Name & Term Year: Summer Nursing in Rwanda, Summer 2025
Program Location: Various Cities, Rwanda 

Angelina Larracuente ’26 (CLAS)

Major: Psychological Sciences and Communications
Hometown: Fairfield, Connecticut
Program Name & Term Year: Multicultural Psychology Program at The Umbra Institute, Spring 2025
Program Location: Perugia Italy

Why are you interested in Experiential Global Learning and pursuing your education abroad?
I am interested in Experiential Global Learning and pursuing my education abroad because it offers the unique opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture both personally and academically, and expand my global perspective. This is a chance to step out of my comfort zone, explore the world for the first time, and gain a deeper appreciation for different ways of life, which I believe will enrich my education (specifically my psychology and communications perspectives) and personal development. 

How will you use the Gilman Scholarship to further your education?
The Gilman Scholarship will make it financially possible for me to study abroad, an opportunity I wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. By funding my participation in the multicultural psychology program in Perugia, Italy, the scholarship will allow me to immerse myself in global perspectives that enhance my studies in psychology and communications. It will also help me build on my cross-cultural understanding, improve my adaptability, and gain insights into diverse communities. These are skills I plan to use in my future career to support underrepresented groups/ create welcoming environments for everyone. Ultimately, the scholarship will open doors to experiences that will shape my education and personal growth in ways that go far beyond the traditional classroom. 

What advice would you give students interested in studying abroad or applying to the Gilman Scholarship?
If you qualify, take advantage of the resources available and go for it! The Gilman Scholarship is competitive, but it’s definitely worth the effort. Start early so you have enough time to work on your essays and put your best work forward—and if you don’t get it the first time, don’t be afraid to apply again. Also, focus on telling your unique story and how studying abroad will make a difference in your life and career goals. Be clear, genuine, and specific in your application, you want to show you’re passionate and committed. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for feedback from advisors or peers. 

Ama Kissi ’25 (CAHNR)

Major: Allied Health Sciences
Hometown: East Hartford, Connecticut
Program Name & Term Year: Summer Mediterranean Diet and Tuscan Cuisine in Florence, Summer 2025 
Program Location: Florence, Italy

Why are you interested in Experiential Global Learning and pursuing your education abroad?
I am interested in Experiential Global Learning because of my passion for addressing food access and health disparities, which have been shaped by my community and academic studies at UConn. My coursework and experiences include working with Hartford Hospitals, “Food is Medicine” program, and interning with Levo International. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the connection between nutrition, socioeconomic status, and chronic illness.
Studying abroad in Florence aligns with my goals because it offers the opportunity to explore the Mediterranean Diet and its health benefits while immersing myself in Italian culture. This experience will enhance my ability to address nutrition and health disparities as an aspiring Nurse Practitioner 

How will you use the Gilman Scholarship to further your education?
The Gilman Scholarship will provide the financial support needed to participate in the Summer Mediterranean Diet Program in Florence, allowing me to deepen my understanding of global nutrition and health. The knowledge I gain will be vital for my career as a Nurse Practitioner, helping me enhance my education by exploring the Mediterranean Diet’s benefits and connection to culture, history, and public health. By studying abroad, I will gain a global perspective and be able to incorporate the principles of success into patient care, where proper nutrition information, education, and resources are lacking. 

What advice would you give students interested in studying abroad or applying to the Gilman Scholarship?
My advice to students interested in studying abroad or applying for the Gilman Scholarship is to take a chance because it’s an opportunity you might regret not pursuing. For the Gilman Scholarship specifically, ensure your story is cohesive, your reasoning is clear, and your passion for your chosen program shines through. I never imagined I’d be studying abroad during my senior year, but I decided to try, and it worked out! If you’re even a little interested, explore the Experiential Global Learning (EGL) website, connect with an advisor, and give it a shot. You never know where it could take you! 

Sidratul Muntaha ’26 (CLAS)

Major: Political Science with a Human Rights minor
Hometown: Bristol, Connecticut
Program Name & Term Year: Yonsei International Summer School, Summer 2025
Program Location: Seoul, South Korea

Why are you interested in Experiential Global Learning and pursuing your education abroad?
As a political science major, understanding the dynamics of governance, international relations, and policymaking requires more than theoretical knowledge—it demands firsthand experience and a global perspective. Pursuing experiential global learning and studying abroad offers me the unique opportunity to immerse myself in diverse cultures, witness different political systems in action, and engage with global issues beyond the lens of U.S.-centric perspectives. By stepping outside my comfort zone and engaging with people from varied backgrounds, I aim to develop a deeper appreciation for how cultural, historical, and social contexts shape political ideologies and governance structures. These experiences will enrich my academic studies and equip me with the skills to approach global challenges with empathy, adaptability, and a more nuanced perspective. Ultimately, I see this opportunity as a way to expand my horizons, refine my understanding of global interdependence, and prepare myself to contribute meaningfully to a more interconnected and equitable world. 

How will you use the Gilman Scholarship to further your education?
The Gilman Scholarship will enable me to access the invaluable opportunity of studying abroad, an experience that directly aligns with my academic and career goals as a political science major. By reducing the financial barriers associated with international education, the scholarship will allow me to immerse myself in a new cultural and political environment, gaining firsthand insights into governance systems, international relations, and policy challenges outside the United States. This experience will enhance my understanding of global politics and refine critical skills such as cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. These skills are essential for my aspirations to work in diplomacy or international policy-making. The Gilman Scholarship will ensure I can fully focus on academic enrichment and cultural engagement during my time abroad, preparing me to approach future challenges with a broader, more inclusive perspective. 

What advice would you give students interested in studying abroad or applying to the Gilman Scholarship?
For students interested in studying abroad, my biggest advice is to start planning early and be intentional about your goals. Research programs that align with your academic interests and personal aspirations and consider how studying abroad can expand your perspective in ways that are unique to your field of study. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—growth often comes from exploring the unfamiliar. When applying for the Gilman Scholarship, take time to craft a strong, authentic application that highlights your story and why studying abroad is meaningful to you. Clearly articulate how the experience will help you grow academically, personally, and professionally, and be specific about how you plan to use the opportunity to give back to your community. Lastly, lean on the resources available to you, such as advisors, writing centers, or previous scholarship recipients. Their insights can make a huge difference in helping you present a compelling application. Remember, your unique background and experiences are your greatest strengths—use them to stand out.  

Deon Portes ’25