Four College of DuPage Students Earn Gilman Program Awards to Study Abroad

–News Direct–

Four College of DuPage students have been named to the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, which supports undergraduates receiving Pell Grants as they study abroad. Since 2001, COD has produced 20 Gilman Scholars, placing it among the top 20 associate degree awarding institutions nationwide.

Ayesha Shafiuddin plans to study Computer Science and LaShawn Norris plans to study Korean language at Yonsei University in South Korea for the summer semester; and in the spring, Esmerelda Arteaga and Jackelyn Abel will spend a week in Kenya studying sustainability practices. The four recipients were chosen from thousands of applications from throughout the country.

Studying Art and Horticulture at COD, Abel was eager to participate in the College’s new study abroad class, “Sustainability in Kenya,” an interdisciplinary course connecting architecture, biology and the arts. Abel said she didn’t have the funds to attend on her own, so earning a Gilman scholarship made an impossible trip doable.

“One of my goals for the future is to open greenhouses in areas that are most affected by climate change,” said Abel. “Because of Kenya’s arid temperatures, I thought this course would be a great way to learn how Kenyans are growing produce in their climate and what sustainable practices they have adopted. The course is also a great way to broaden my horizons and connections worldwide.”

As a member of COD’s Computer Science Club and an artificial technology enthusiast, Shafiuddin is eager to study with world-class computer science and software professionals.

“I believe that Seoul is an epicenter for technological research and advancement, and being amongst that will be a remarkable immersion in exactly what I want to explore: AI and data science.”

Pell Grant-eligible students, who have the highest needs for financial assistance to attend college, often don’t consider studying abroad due to the additional expenses involved. This makes programs like Gilman Scholars vital to expanding access to international education opportunities, said COD Coordinator of Study Abroad Susan Kerby.

“The Gilman Scholarship had been a critical component in expanding access to our study abroad programs,” she said. “As a community college, we recognize the value of study abroad for all students and work diligently to help reduce the financial barriers if they exist. The Gilman has been a very important part of this for us.”

Students who have studied in other countries through these programs may pique the interest of hiring managers, she added.

“Employers are looking for global experience, whether it is speaking another language or understanding cultural differences,” Kerby said. “When students study abroad, it’s creating a story that they can tell about themselves that is unique to them – that not all community college students have.”

The U.S. Department of State’s annual Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange frequently ranks COD as a leader in providing study abroad experiences to the general student body.

COD’s Field and Experiential Learning, Study Abroad and Global Education department advises students as they apply for the Gilman scholarship. Learn more at cod.edu/field or email fssa@cod.edu for more information.

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