Two Nazareth students study abroad as Gilman scholars
Two Nazareth College students looking to enrich their future careers in education are traveling to France and Austria in spring 2022 with the help of Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships from the U.S. Department of State.
Elyse Yanusas ‘24, a sophomore majoring in French, history, and inclusive adolescence education, will spend the spring 2022 semester studying in Rennes, France at Rennes 2 University, the largest center for research and higher education in the fields of human and social sciences in western France. She plans to focus on her language development in French and to immerse herself in the culture.
“I am excited to practice my French every day and strengthen my capabilities,” she says. “I am going into this experience with an open mind, ready to embrace the unknown and unfamiliar. Hopefully this experience will improve my French and it will foster a sense of compassion and understanding needed in my career.”
Min Gonzalez ‘23 is a junior majoring in music education and cello performance. He will use the Gilman scholarship toward a short-term study abroad experience to Austria for three weeks in May-June 2022, including visits to famed locations like Salzburg and Melk Abbey. Gonzalez says he plans to enrich his character and broaden his everyday perspectives through the experience, and, “I hope that these travels will reinforce my knowledge of western music history to supplement my roles as a performer and future music educator.”
Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 toward their study abroad or internship program costs with additional funding available for the study of a critical language overseas. The Gilman Scholarship supports American undergraduate students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad and, since 2001, has enabled more than 34,000 outstanding Americans to engage in a meaningful educational experience abroad. The program has successfully broadened U.S. participation in study abroad, while emphasizing countries and regions where fewer Americans traditionally study.
The late Congressman Gilman, for whom the scholarship is named, served in the House of Representatives for 30 years and chaired the House Foreign Relations Committee. When honored with the Secretary of State's Distinguished Service Medal in 2002, he commented, "Living and learning in a vastly different environment of another nation not only exposes our students to alternate views, but 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."
The Gilman Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and is supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE).
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for nearly 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
Elyse Yanusas (left) and Min Gonzalez are Nazareth's latest Gilman scholars.