Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website
In an insightful conversation with Sophie Liu, a Spring 2025 Gilman Scholar majoring in Childhood Education at St. John’s University, aspects of her academic journey and the support she received from the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program were explored.
The scholarship initiative, established to assist students with financial needs in accessing study abroad and internship opportunities, has been successful at St. John’s University. Since 2009, the institution has produced 69 Gilman scholarship awardees, accumulating $253,500 in funds.
Liu, currently attending St. John’s Rome location, credits her mother as a significant influence in her decision to study abroad, saying, "Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine. My love for traveling, and as a result, my desire to study abroad, was truly fostered and championed by my mom. She is the one who instilled in me the importance of travel and inspired me to take on this new journey."
Liu's aspirations grew during her high school years, serving as a catalyst for selecting St. John’s, which she says topped her list due to its comprehensive study abroad programs. "Their mission to make a global education accessible for all its students and the quality of the programs made committing to this new experience an easy decision for me," Liu explained.
She first encountered the Gilman Scholarship at an Office of International Education info session. "Leading up to my time abroad, there were many other events held by the OIE where I learned more about the scholarship, my eligibility as a Federal Pell Grant recipient, and the logistics of applying," Liu noted.
The application process, according to Liu, was clear-cut requiring a questionnaire, transcripts, and three essays. The essays cover reasons for studying abroad, community connections, and a service project proposal. Liu emphasized the significance of these elements saying, "The project, required for all Gilman scholars when they return home, raises awareness of study abroad and the Gilman program in a specific community of the applicant's choosing."
Liu opted for Rome due to an engaging program offered by The School of Education (SOE) which involves student teaching at local schools in Italy. "We get paired up with some of the teachers at the school, and co-teach English to the students ranging from grades 1-5," Liu described of the program that aligns with her major.
Without the scholarship, Liu admitted studying in Rome would have been financially challenging. "Yes, I would have been able to study abroad in Rome, but just barely," Liu said, acknowledging that the scholarship eased the financial burden.
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