NYC Gazette

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program aims to assist students with financial needs in accessing study abroad and internship opportunities. Since 2009, St. John’s University has produced 69 recipients of the Gilman scholarship, amounting to $253,500 in funds.

Sophie Liu, a Spring 2025 Gilman Scholar majoring in Childhood Education, is currently studying at St. John’s Rome location in Italy.

When asked why she wanted to study abroad, Liu shared that her passion for travel was inspired by her mother. "Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine," she said. Her mother's stories about traveling around China after high school graduation instilled the importance of travel and inspired Liu's journey.

Liu's interest in studying abroad intensified during high school upon learning about university programs offering such opportunities. She chose St. John’s University because of its mission to make global education accessible and the quality of its programs.

Liu learned about the scholarship through an info session by the Office of International Education (OIE) during her first year at university. "Leading up to my time abroad, there were many other events held by the OIE where I learned more about the scholarship," she noted.

Regarding the application process, Liu described it as straightforward: applicants needed to fill out questionnaires, submit an official transcript, and write three essays detailing their reasons for studying abroad and plans for community engagement both overseas and upon returning home.

Liu chose Rome for its unique program offered by The School of Education (SOE), which allows childhood education majors like herself to student-teach English at local Italian primary schools weekly.

Although Liu could have studied in Rome without winning the scholarship due to internal aid from her school, it would have posed a significant financial burden primarily covered by federal loans. Winning the scholarship eased this burden significantly.