SHAWN CARTER FOUNDATION/GILMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

"I believe investing in study abroad is important because we should not limit ourselves to our daily routine. We should want to branch out and see life in someone else's perspective. Unfortunately, many people who want to take this leap of faith cannot afford to do so, and that is why it is important to have amazing organizations like the Shawn Carter Foundation and the Gilman Scholarship to help fund those students who want to learn about other people and cultures."

" This program allowed me to immerse in a new lifestyle, environment, culture, and nurture my deep commitment to public health. It has also allowed me to engage in the global community around me, helping me realize that I am not just a citizen of the U.S., I am a citizen of the world. I can learn so much from the people around me. There are very real issues going on worldwide, and this opened my eyes to a completely new perspective. This has helped me understand that we are truly connected in some way."

"Studying abroad has opened my mind to shifting my future academic and professional goals. Since my senior year of high school, I was dead-set on attending a postgraduate Physician Assistant program. I learned that I should not limit myself to just one career path when I have multiple talents. I know I still want to pursue a healthcare career, but it could be that I attend a graduate program for nurse practitioner, public health, take a gap year to enter the workforce or even return to Europe to study, work or both."

"During my study abroad I completed several criminology and social science related courses. These courses enhanced my understanding of law and the criminal justice system. We explored interesting concepts and theories that enhanced my interest the field and helped me confirm that law is indeed a profession that I would like to pursue."

"I will always be grateful for the opportunity I had to study abroad in Morocco. It allowed me to grow academically and as an individual. The experience I gained will continue to influence my life both inside and outside the classroom. As part of my community service, I was able to teach Spanish to low-income students in Sale."

"While abroad I earned a chance to study the innovation and influence of Coco Chanel. More importantly, I learned how the production of fashion was nearly shutdown in Europe due to the World Wars. For the first time in my life I was studying what I loved!"

"Studying abroad is a beautiful and unique experience, one like no other. The opportunity to see, learn and do new things is life changing. While abroad I volunteered at local daycares and play centers for the South African children. I also fed the homeless, interviewed them about work discrimination, and researched possible job opportunities for them in South Africa!"

"My study abroad experience was beyond amazing! I learned about the many cultures of Madrid, as well as the different facets of their government. The people welcomed foreigners, which made my experience so much more enjoyable. The people of Madrid were very patient with us when we tried to speak Spanish and also helped guide us during our exploration of the city. I can't wait to go back and experience all of the other things that Madrid has to offer. It definitely was an experience of a lifetime."

"I have always loved learning, but once I began my study abroad experience, I realized that learning does not solely occur in a classroom. Everyone, from the tour guides to my host family, became my teachers, and I learned what it truly means to be a global citizen."

"I have always loved learning, but once I began my study abroad experience, I realized that learning does not solely occur in a classroom. Everyone, from the tour guides to my host family, became my teachers, and I learned what it truly means to be a global citizen."

"Although I have epilepsy, I learned that my disability could only hinder me if I allowed it to. My “disability” did not take away my ability to do anything I put my mind to. I explored the world like never before and traveled to other cities outside of my program such as Mumbai, Jaipur, Durshet. I experienced the diversity of India: different creeds, customs and vibrant colors with endless varieties of food, traditions and languages. Not only did I learn about their culture, but I became more in touch with my own, finding cultural artifacts and discovering black history that managed to travel across the world from America to India."

"Having the opportunity to not only live in Morocco but immerse myself in the Arab culture was such a rewarding experience that impacted my academic and personal life. Making the decision to study abroad developed a deeper global awareness in myself, allowed me to flourish as a human being, and created a profound ambition toward my career goals."