In summer 2022, Oregon State Public Health major and Gilman Scholar, Jazzy Engle, studied abroad in Querétaro, México for three months. During her time abroad, Jazzy was able to travel, live with a host family, and attend a university to study Spanish, Mexican history, and culture. Prior to leaving, Jazzy had applied for the Gilman Scholarship, a national scholarship sponsored by the US Department of State designed to enable students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad and promote world-wide cultural exchange.
We in National and Global Scholarships Advising were able to catch up with Jazzy and we asked her to share a little bit about her experience. Here's what she had to say:
One of my favorite memories from my time in Querétaro, México was going out to dinner with friends I made at the university. Making friends with those in your cohort is a breeze, as you are all adjusting together. However, it was a big challenge to reach out to native speakers and ask if anyone wanted to be my friend. I was nervous to make friends with native speakers because of the inevitable miscommunications that result from conversing in a second language. But, you're never in it alone! I invited friends from my study abroad cohort that wanted to make new friends just as much as I did. The difficulty was well worth it, as I got to meaningfully connect with other students despite the language barrier. Studying abroad will present opportunities for broadening cultural awareness and challenging comfort zones, and I encourage you to take advantage of those opportunities whenever possible.
Jazzy reported that by the time she left Mexico, it felt like a second home to her. We are so proud of her and all that she did to make her study abroad experience so full. Congratulations, Jazzy!
The Gilman Scholarship opens applications twice per year: in October and March. To apply, applicants must be US citizens or naturals, eligible for a Pell Grant, enrolled at a college or university in good standing, and in the process of applying for a credit-bearing study or intern abroad program.
Curious about it? Find out more by talking to OSU National and Global Scholarships Advising! Our office advises on applications, provides feedback, and can answer all your questions.