Current Students

Three Pace University students have been selected to receive the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to study or intern abroad during the spring 2017 academic term. Award recipients are chosen by a competitive selection process.

The Education Abroad team believes in creating opportunities for students to study and intern as part of their Pace Path. Pell eligible study abroad applicants were advised and supported to apply for the Gilman Scholarship. This is the most Gilman scholars that Pace has had selected in a single competition.

The recipients are Caroline Jackson, Ashley Kaminski, and Cameron Stremel, all currently in their second year at Pace. Jackson, a business economics major, will be attending the University of Mannheim in Germany. Kaminski, a political science major, will be going to John Cabot University in Rome, Italy. Stremel, a management major, will also be attending the University of Mannheim.

All three students said they are excited to learn more about their future host countries and cultures.

“I want to gain a new perspective, and as a political science major, analyze the way in which individuals from Italy view world politics,” Kaminski says.

Stremel says that she chose the University of Mannheim due to its ranking, as it is frequently listed among the top of various university rankings both in Germany and internationally.

“I applied thinking I would maybe get a few hundred dollars if I was lucky and I ended up getting $3,500,” Stremel says.

Jackson believes that “more and more employers are seeking out culturally aware and experienced employees who can work effectively in an increasingly global workplace.”

“I traveled a bumpy road to get to where I am today, but those obstacles inspired me to apply for the Gilman Scholarship,” Jackson says.

Gilman scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply toward their study abroad or internship program costs. The program aims to diversify the students who study and intern abroad and the countries and regions where they go. Students receiving a Federal Pell Grant from two- and four-year institutions who will be studying abroad or participating in a career-oriented international internship for academic credit are eligible to apply. As part of their service, all students will promote the Gilman scholarship on campus when they return to Pace in fall 2017.

Theresa Frey, director of Education Abroad, says, “We are working thoughtfully to integrate key scholarships and fellowships such as Gilman as part of students’ study abroad applications. We know that finances are often one of the top reasons students opt out of studying abroad. We are proud that here at Pace study abroad is an affordable option for students. We encourage students to consider applying for other international scholarships through our office, such as the US Student Fulbright program, Critical Language Scholarship, and the Boren Scholarship.”

As Congressman Gilman—for whom the scholarship is named—states, “Study abroad is a special experience for every student who participates. Living and learning in a vastly different environment of another nation not only exposes our students to alternate views, but also adds an enriching social and cultural experience. It also provides our students with the opportunity to return home with a deeper understanding of their place in the world, encouraging them to be a contributor, rather than a spectator in the international community.” Gilman recently passed away on December 17, 2016. He was 94 years old.

Through Pace International, the Education Abroad team assisted these students with their applications and guided them through the process. Any students interested in applying for the next round should either visit the Pace International office or e-mail studyabroad@pace.edu. To learn more about study abroad, attend Abroad 101.