Nine New Mexico State University students have been awarded scholarships to study abroad. The awards total $32,500 and include the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, supplementary Critical Need Language Award or the Gilman-McCain Scholarship. (Photo: Courtesy)
Source: NMSU News Release
DATE: May 29, 2024
WRITER: Taeya M. Padilla, 575-646-3221, taeyap@nmsu.edu
Steven Sierra, Somalia Francis, Lesley Merino, Maria Mendoza, Sofia Torres, Alexandria Garcia, Eduardo Cranfield, Nasai Tafoya and Vincent Calderazzo received the scholarships to study internationally in the summer or fall semester. They will be studying in Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, South Korea or Japan.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a competitive selection program that provides students the opportunity to study or intern abroad with financial support. The supplemental Critical Need Language Award is given to students studying a critical need language where the language is predominantly spoken. The Gilman-McCain award provides an undergraduate child or spousal dependent of active or activated United States military personnel funding for education abroad during the time of their application.
Lisa Munson, NMSU Education Abroad adviser, said these scholarships can award up to $5,000, which makes a significant difference when traveling abroad. The funds can be used to cover airline or visa fees, tuition costs, housing costs or other expenses.
“These experiences provide students with a global perspective and a new cross-cultural understanding that can make them more competitive on the job market or for graduate school applications,” Munson said. “Studying abroad is also a great way to boost one’s self-confidence, push you out of your comfort zone, and expand your worldview. Students who study abroad come back with increased independence, maturity and adaptability.”
Education Abroad gives students the opportunity to explore diverse cultures and expand their networks. Calderazzo, a fine arts major at NMSU, will be studying Japanese history in Japan during the fall 2024 semester. He said after his first experience out of the country, he was determined to return. He considered the opportunity life changing and a great chance to create a network.
“After my previous trip in 2023, I met so many different artists who inspired me to seek a better understanding of my art and myself,” Calderazzo said. “While in Japan, the cityscapes, nature and community only drew me closer to Japan and its culture. Now, I only seek to gain more knowledge and find my own identity within Japan’s art community.”
Cranfield, a project and supply chain management major, also will be studying abroad in Japan. His decision to study abroad was influenced by his parent’s deployment in Korea. While in Japan, he will be working towards his East Asian studies minor.
“I chose Japan for their wonderful culture and technological advancement,” Cranfield said.
For Francis, an international business student, studying abroad is a requirement for her degree program. Francis will be studying abroad in Seville, Spain, because of its rich traditions and to enhance her Spanish proficiency.
“Spain has a highly developed financial sector, primarily in Madrid. I hope to complete a master’s in finance at one of these universities in Spain, and being accepted for the Gilman scholarship would bring me closer to realizing that dream,” Francis said.
To learn more about Education Abroad at NMSU, visit https://oel.nmsu.edu/educationabroad/.
