Bryn Edwards and Tierra Williams, Hamilton County natives and Honors College students at Ball State University, have been awarded Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships to support their study abroad endeavors.
This federally-funded, nationally competitive program provides up to $5,000 to U.S. undergraduate students pursuing academic studies abroad to better prepare them to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world.
Additional support is available to selected students who will study Critical Need Languages or conduct STEM research while abroad.
Edwards
Edwards, a junior from Carmel, will study at Johannes Gutenberg University in Germany from April to July 2024. With majors in German and Psychology and a minor in Counseling, she intends to pursue a career as a therapist.
“Through studying abroad, there are opportunities to learn about other cultures, which is very important in counseling, as every individual is different and has different experiences,” Edwards said.
Williams
Williams, a sophomore from Fishers, is participating in a winter break trip to Greece. She has a major in Computer Science, with concentrations in Data Analytics & Machine Learning and Cybersecurity & Secure Software Design.
Having studied Greek culture in many history courses, Williams said, “I want to try authentic Greek foods, shop at popular markets, and see how life in Greece is different from life in America and from my preconceptions of how life in Greece should be.”
Upon their return to the U.S., recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship are required to carry out a follow-on service project that helps promote international education and understanding.
For her follow-on service project, Edwards intends to give presentations about her study abroad experiences to other foreign language and Honors College students. For Williams, her minor in Studio Art will provide the foundation for her follow-on project, as she plans to show children at Muncie’s Motivate Our Minds how to make tiny Greek-style pots.
For more information about nationally competitive scholarships available to Ball State students and recent graduates, visit the National/International Scholarships and Fellowships webpage.