Three Loyola students win Gilman Scholarships to study abroad for fall 2019
Three Loyola University Maryland students—Carolyn Al-Ghusbi, ’21, Ahmed Jackson, ’21, and Sophia Romano, ’21—have each been awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. The scholarship will support their study abroad experiences in fall 2019.
Al-Ghusbi will use her Gilman Scholarship to study abroad at the American University of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Al-Ghusbi is a writing and communication interdisciplinary major from Denton, Md.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new people, living in a new country, experiencing a new culture, and receiving my Middle Eastern Studies certificate,” said Al-Ghusbi, who is the president of the Middle Eastern Relief Initiative club at Loyola.
Jackson is an English major with a minor in African American studies from Baltimore, Md., who will use his Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in Leuven, Belgium. He looks forward to a change of scenery and his personal and professional growth while abroad.
“My goals while abroad are to become a global thinker, create new friendships, and enhance my network,” said Jackson, who has served as the treasurer and president of the Black Student Association and who is involved in the ALANA (African, Latino, Asian, and Native American Services) mentoring program.
Romano, who grew up in Appomattox, Va., will study abroad in Montpellier, France. The communication major with specialization in public relations and advertising with a French minor is looking forward to incorporating the French culture into her daily life.
“The thought of challenging myself not only to go abroad but take classes in the native language really drew me into the program,” said Romano. “I know by immersing myself in not only the French culture, but that of other countries, I will develop a worldview that will benefit me when working with and for others,” said Romano, who is a resident assistant, graphics director for the Public Relations Student Society of America, and the marketing and communications manager for the Irish Dance Team at Loyola.
During the 2019 spring semester, five scholarship recipients set a record for the most Loyola students to receive the scholarship in one semester.
Andrea Giampetro-Meyer, J.D., professor of law and social responsibility and a faculty member on the National Fellowships Committee, provides mentorship for Gilman Scholarship applicants.
“Many students assume they can’t afford to go abroad,” said Giampetro-Meyer. “I make students aware of Gilman Scholarship and support them through the application process so that their dream to study abroad comes true.”
About the Gilman Scholarship:
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship eases the financial burden for exceptional U.S. undergraduate students who study or intern abroad. The Gilman International Scholarship Program is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and administered by the Institute of International Education through its office in Houston, Texas.