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Office of Global Engagement

7 NC State Students Awarded Gilman Scholarships

January 7, 2020
Light streams through stained glass blocks in the DH Hill

Seven NC State students are recipients of the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study or intern abroad this year.

These students join the nearly 1,500 recipients from over 400 institutions around the United States who were selected for the prestigious scholarship. A few recipients from NC State shared what they’re most looking forward to in their upcoming experiences in Chile, Italy, and China:

Rani Madhiwala

  • Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Chile, Spring 2020

“During my semester abroad in Chile, I hope to gain a better insight of the different cultures in the world, especially in the South American community. I love the Latinx community and I hope to learn more about their values, their culture and their everyday lives. I hope to be able to travel within the country and continent and open my eyes to see a different part of the world and meet people from different regions. Lastly, I hope to gain knowledge about how to do business in Latin America so that I can use my business administration and my international studies degrees to one day create my own business that can help people across South America.”

Olivia Noles

  • NC State in Italy: Semester at Lorenzo de’ Medici Institute, Italy, Spring 2020

“The thing I am looking forward to the most is getting to experience another country and travel within the area because I would not have the chance to if I was not studying abroad. This will be my first time out of the country, so I plan to make the most of my time abroad and learn as much as I can about Italy and its culture.”

Andy Khounmeuang

  • Student Teaching Abroad, China, Spring 2020

“Having a minor in Chinese studies, I am looking forward to improving my Mandarin Chinese skills! Representing NC State and the College of Education while I student teach abroad in China, I am also looking forward to seeing the similarities and differences of a mathematics classroom in China and the United States. I am hoping to transfer the skills I learn abroad to my future classroom and students!”

The Gilman Program broadens the student population that studies and interns abroad by supporting undergraduates who might not otherwise participate due to financial constraints. Since its inception in 2001, the program has supported more than 31,000 students from 1,335 institutions in their study and internships abroad. 

Students interested in learning more about the Gilman Program are can attend an information session and open advising this spring: 

The Gilman Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education.

Questions about the Gilman Scholarship Program or additional funding opportunities for study abroad may be directed to the Study Abroad Office, study_abroad@ncsu.edu.