Two students from Dartmouth College have been awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship by the U.S. Department of State. Angie Nguyễn, a neuroscience major, and Simon Thomas, an anthropology major, will utilize this opportunity to study in Rome, Italy, during the winter term. They will participate in courses focusing on the Italian language, culture, gastronomy, literature, and history.
Founded to expand study abroad access for students from diverse backgrounds, the Gilman program has awarded over 1,500 scholarships to students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The scholarship provides up to $5,000 for federal Pell Grant recipients, with approximately 60% of scholars coming from small towns or rural communities across the United States.
Nguyễn, who hails from Portland, Oregon, discovered the scholarship through an email from Dartmouth’s Study Abroad office just two weeks before the application deadline. She applied to relieve financial concerns about the program’s costs. Passionate about Italian food and art, Nguyễn is looking forward to excursions to a cooking school in Sicily and the University of Gastronomic Studies in Pollenzo.
Her academic interests also include exploring neurolinguistics, which she describes as “an interdisciplinary study of the various neural mechanisms in the brain that control the comprehension, production, and acquisition of language.” Nguyễn hopes her time in Italy will enhance her understanding of how immersion in a foreign language can influence brain function.
Thomas, originally from Morrisville, New York, brings a varied background to his studies. Before attending Dartmouth, he spent a gap year working with AmeriCorps at the Northwoods Stewardship Center in Vermont, where he contributed to developing outdoor recreation and environmental education programs.
“I have loved the ability to harness my curiosity and engage in a myriad of disciplines at Dartmouth,” Thomas said. “Every day brings something new to learn.” His motivation for applying for the Gilman Scholarship stemmed from witnessing the opportunities it provided to others. He expressed enthusiasm for the support the Gilman program extends to students pursuing study abroad experiences.
Christie Harner, associate dean of undergraduate education for fellowships and scholars programs, praised both students. “Angie and Simon are wonderful students with diverse, interdisciplinary interests, and they will take full advantage of the Gilman and their LSA+ in Rome,” she stated. Harner encouraged all Pell Grant-eligible students considering study abroad to apply for a Gilman scholarship.
For further information on applying for scholarship programs, visit the Fellowships Office at Dartmouth College.
