The College of New Rochelle Student Alyssa Medina awarded Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship TO study abroad

The College of New Rochelle Student Alyssa Medina awarded Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship TO study abroad

Written By: Talk of the Sound News

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Alyssa Medina SAS’17 a biology major at The College of New Rochelle (CNR) from the Bronx, has been selected to receive the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad in Costa Rica this summer.  Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the scholarship program aims to diversify the students who study and intern abroad, as well as expand the variety of countries they visit.

“At CNR we work very closely with each of the students as they go through the study abroad application process,” said Silvana Bajana, Director of Latino and International Initiatives. “I am thrilled that Alyssa was selected as one of the undergraduate students from colleges and universities across the U.S. to receive the scholarship. She is the second CNR student to be named a Gilman Scholar.”

Medina, who aspires to a career in veterinary medicine, has volunteered for the Wildlife Conservation Society’s 96 Elephants campaign and at a veterinary office in the Bronx. In Costa Rica, she will take courses in Spanish and environmental studies at Veritas University located in the country’s capital, San José. “By studying in an area of such high biodiversity,” she said. “I will be exposed to the interactions between land vertebrates and people living in cities, whose cultural values impact the surrounding rainforest.”

For over twenty years, CNR’s study abroad office has been instrumental in educating first generation students about the importance of international study and providing the individual attention to make it accessible to them.  The study abroad office works closely with students to identify the programs which focus on their interests and fields of study. Students are welcome to explore possibilities anywhere in the world that meet their educational interests, and are within US safety guidelines. Past student destinations include Japan, South Africa, Costa Rica, Senegal, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Ghana, and the Dominican Republic as well as the popular European countries. 

Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply toward their study abroad or internship program costs. Students receiving a federal Pell Grant from two- and four-year institutions who will be studying abroad or participating in a career-oriented international internship for academic credit are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Medina is also a recipient of CNR’S Russell and Deborah Taylor Foundation Scholarship, which covers half of the costs associated with study abroad.

“I had always wanted to study abroad, but never felt that I would be able to,” Medina said. “Once I came to CNR, my peers and the study abroad office encouraged me to pursue the opportunity, and I started to feel that studying abroad was possible. I’m very excited—this will be my first trip outside the United States.” 

The scholarship is named for Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman, who retired in 2002 after serving in the House of Representatives for 30 years and chairing the House Foreign Relations Committee. The program is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE).  “International education is one of the best tools for developing mutual understanding and building connections between people from different countries,” said Allan Goodman, president and CEO of IIE. “It is critical to the success of American diplomacy and business, and the lasting ties that Americans make during their international studies are important to our country in times of conflict as well as times of peace.”

“The opportunity to live and learn in a vastly different environment is a transformative experience for any student,” noted Bajana. “They return home with a deeper understanding of their place in the world and a desire to be contributors rather than observers in the international community. The experience enhances students socially and culturally, as well as promoting U.S. diplomatic relations.”