Even before entering college, I always knew I would want to study abroad. I enjoyed learning about other cultures and languages and would even spend my free time continuing this learning outside of class. Temple’s Global Studies major was perfect for me, especially because of the emphasis on studying abroad. I had been studying Chinese throughout all of high school and college, and dreamed of living in a country where I could deepen my knowledge of the language and culture. However, one thing stood in my way: funds. Before being made aware of the Gilman scholarship, I was uncertain if I could ever have the experience I had been dreaming of. I applied to National Taiwan University for the spring 2023 semester but was still frantically searching for scholarships that would help me go. On some stroke of luck, three days before the Gilman scholarship was due, while complaining about my worries of expenses to my friend who worked at Temple’s study abroad office, she informed me about the scholarship. Without her, I never would have been able to achieve my dream of studying abroad. I applied and received the full scholarship!
Since I did not have much time to complete the application, I really poured all my energy into making the three days I did have to make a solid essay. I spoke about growing up in Philadelphia, and the lack of resources I had in our public school system. Less than half of the people in Philadelphia complete a college education, and the idea of even studying abroad is probably foreign for many of us. However, Philadelphia also introduced me to so much culture that even just my high school felt international. Like myself, many of the students at my high school were children of immigrants, which allowed me to learn about the world outside of what I knew. Therefore, Philadelphia was who I had to thank for giving me such a curiosity about the world. I believe that this honest passion was felt through my essay, and the advice I’d give anyone still working on their application is to be honest, as simple as that sounds. Write about what makes you unique, not just your grades/experiences/internships etc.
I swear I am telling the truth when I say that studying abroad in Taiwan has been the best experience of my life so far! The first adjustment was hard. I had only ever lived in Philadelphia, and here I was packing my bags to go live halfway across the world by myself for half a year,
with a completely different language and culture. I am proud of myself for pushing past that fear, because it blossomed into something so beautiful! I went to the number one university in Taiwan, and received an incredible education, and was able to take classes all in Chinese and English. I made amazing friends that I still talk to. I explored the whole island with them, from the most northern point to the most southern. I not only improved my Chinese skills tenfold, but I grew so much as a person and now have a second home. I am forever grateful to the Gilman scholarship, as I would not be who I am today without having gone to Taiwan. If you are on the fence about studying abroad, trust me, apply anyway!! It is an incredible experience to do while you still can.
Learn more about the Gilman International Scholarship for Pell Grant recipients.
