It was fall semester of 2024, and I had just seen an email from my college detailing what looked like all of my bucket list items combined into one study abroad, called Expedition Planet Earth: Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. Ironically, my roommate and I had, just weeks before, expressed how we would never participate in a study abroad because of the expenses involved. As I read through the trip summary detailing the opportunities taking place in New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji, I couldn’t deny that this was the perfect study abroad for me.
I was a junior majoring in Wildlife and Wildlands Conservation, and I had heard from multiple professors in my college that studying abroad was a great way to gain experience for professional life after graduation. I knew that being able to see how other countries addressed conservation issues would strengthen my ability to solve similar issues in the United States, and that my interactions with unique plants and animals endemic to those regions would be extremely beneficial for future job positions. With this in mind, I hesitantly applied, even though I was completely at a loss as to how it was going to be financially possible if I was accepted.
When I was offered a spot on the trip, I was ecstatic. But soon, the stress and worry about covering the cost of the program, meals, and flights began to dilute my excitement. I did my best to work hard and earn the money I needed, but it seemed impossible that I would be able to save enough before the deadline.
The Life-saving and Life-changing Gilman Scholarship
Through the website for BYU's Kennedy Center for International Studies, I discovered a scholarship and financial aid survey that allowed me to explore options to help me pay for my study abroad. The results of the survey mentioned the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, a program by the U.S. Department of State for undergraduates with financial need looking to study abroad.
The Gilman Program, established in 2001, works to create future leaders of America by increasing students' knowledge of the world, expanding perspectives, developing understanding and respect for others, and advancing professional skills helpful for later careers.
Applying for the Gilman Scholarship included writing a couple of essays, submitting a transcript, and getting approval from BYU's study abroad and financial advisors. A few months later it was announced that I had qualified and been selected for the scholarship.
Adventures in Oceania
Due to the Gilman Scholarship and other miraculous assistance, I soon found myself on the longest plane ride I had ever been on and leaving North America for the first time in my life.
Some of the incredible things I was able to experience while abroad included snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef, visiting the majestic and sacred site of Uluru, hiking through the Blue Mountains, seeing dolphins in the fjords, participating in the Vivid Sydney festival, and learning impactful principles about nature and conservation. I was also able to interact with native people from each country, along with countless animals like kangaroos, koalas, and cassowaries as I kayaked, flew, boated, hiked, and surfed my way around the other side of the world.
As I met friends and made memories that I will never forget, I was overwhelmed by how grateful I was for the funding and support the Gilman Program provided me with. This trip had such an impact on my life—preparing me for future careers and giving me more cultural knowledge and respect for those around the world. Because of the Gilman Scholarship, I was able to find myself in a life-changing place that I never thought I would be able to visit.
I would encourage every student who has an interest in studying abroad to check out scholarships available to them, because these resources have the potential to help you achieve your seemingly impossible goals.
Learn more about the Gilman scholarship program here.