Gilman Scholarship

Testimonials

"Without the Gilman Scholarship, I don’t think my study abroad would have been possible. It provided the financial assistance I needed to put myself in different circumstances, allowing me to discover things I was good at and interests I had that weren’t 'normal' or familiar to me.

"While abroad, I was able to see how people in a different culture live their day-to-day lives. Toward the end of my three months, someone walked up to me and asked for directions, and I was even able to help them find their way.

"That moment helped me realize I had truly become confident and comfortable in a place that had been completely foreign just a short time ago. It showed me what I was capable of and how much a new place can start to feel like home when you push yourself outside of your comfort zone."

- Haleigh Wright

"Without the Gilman Scholarship, I would not have been able to study abroad. By covering my flights, housing, and food, this scholarship made it possible for me to enroll at a foreign university and focus on my studies without worrying about my bank account.

"While I had studied Mandarin Chinese in previous classes, the immersion I experienced in Taiwan, both culturally and linguistically, could not be replicated at BYU. It helped me to actually start thinking in Chinese and see the real-world application of the grammar and vocabulary I had learned.

"A defining moment for me was attending an international jazz festival. The mixture of cultures was something I had never experienced before, and it made me realize how much we all have in common as people. I learned that by sharing our experiences and our authentic selves, we can grow much more together than alone.

"My time abroad gave me true direction by showing me what I value in life and a career. Moving forward, I want to find work that connects me with individuals from all backgrounds and allows me to travel and constantly experience new things."

- Scott Jezik

"Receiving the Gilman Scholarship allowed me to relax and focus on my study abroad without worrying about finances while I was away.

"While in Fiji and Samoa, my eyes were opened to a world I knew very little about. My perspective on technology, in particular, changed significantly. I realized that while there are many positive elements to advanced technology, it is not always the best solution for a community, as it can degrade cultures and relationships.

"I learned so much more about international cultures and peoples than I ever could have in a traditional classroom. Ultimately, the Gilman Scholarship helped me accomplish my goal of becoming a more well-rounded student and American citizen. It helped me reflect on the global impact I can have as I represent the United States abroad."

- Carson Chadwick

"Without the Gilman Scholarship, I would not have been able to go on my study abroad. As I traveled across Asia, I loved seeing how my major is more than just equations and frameworks, and how those concepts are actually used around the world.

"In Thailand, we visited a Daikin manufacturing plant to learn about their assembly process. As a first-generation student, I never imagined being so close to a global manufacturing operation; it completely changed my perspective on the people who work there. I also learned something I could never have picked up in a classroom: how different countries do business. Even a negotiation class can't teach you the real body language of different cultures, which I saw firsthand while working with outside vendors.

"After returning home, I’ve been involved in the Global Business Club to help other students get experiences like mine. My study abroad prepared me for my future by surrounding me with ambitious people who truly want to do good in the world."

- Brittany Orzuna

"Studying life in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet was indescribable. The environment of the Amazon Rainforest is vastly different from the deserts of Utah, and getting experience with fieldwork in various environments is invaluable. It made me realize that the world truly is my campus.

"When I started learning phrases in Kichwa, the local indigenous language, I was able to truly connect with the people. I realized how amazing the people of Ecuador are and how they have such close ties with family and nature. This scholarship allowed me to delve into the language and culture in a way I couldn't have learned at BYU."

- Braxton Andersen

Gilman Scholarship

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Testimonials