Texas Border Business
McAllen, Texas – Two South Texas College students have been awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad for the summer of 2018.
STC’s Richard Villarreal and Yesenia Serrato were selected to receive the scholarship in the amount of $3,500 and $3,000. The scholarship will cover program expenses to study in Spain in collaboration with the Universidad de Salamanca.
This is the fourth consecutive year that STC students have been awarded this competitive, national scholarship totaling over $40,000 among 13 recipients.
“This is an amazing opportunity for students to become global citizens,” said South Texas College study abroad coordinator, Delia Magdaleno.
The Gilman International Scholarship is part of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is intended to enable students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad. In turn, they will gain skills critical to national security, according to their website.
Serrato, who is a first-generation college student, says this opportunity will open new doors for her.
“It will be life-changing for me and it excites me,” said Serrato. “I’ll see things from a different perspective and I know I will appreciate things a whole lot more. It doesn’t matter what your background is, keep going and do not be afraid or doubt yourself.”
Villarreal, who is pursuing a bachelor and master’s degree in education, says he is honored to be selected and encourages others to apply.
“I would tell all students to follow their aspirations, prepare in advance, and focus on perfecting your essay writing skills,” said Villarreal.
Students interested in applying for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship must be U.S. citizens receiving financial aid. The early 2019 summer application will be open August 2018.
To learn more about the study abroad program at South Texas College contact Héctor Villarreal, study abroad lead-faculty at hectorv@southtexascollege.edu.
