Three Nazareth students study abroad as Gilman scholars

Three Nazareth College students studying for a career in the medical field believe learning firsthand about different cultures will help them better understand future patients. They are getting study abroad experience through prestigious 2023 Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships from the U.S. Department of State. They are among just 1,500 students chosen nationwide for the scholarship. The Gilman program broadens the student population that studies and interns abroad by supporting undergraduates who might not otherwise participate due to financial constraints.

Ariana Montalvo ’24, a biomedical studies and religious studies double major with a minor in pre-med, traveled to Cambodia for three weeks in January 2023. She explored rural and urban areas of the country, visited temples, and immersed herself in the culture to learn about and understand the people. “Growing up, my mom and aunt always taught me that the greatest teacher one could have in life is the world and people around us,” said Montalvo. With hope of going to medical school in the future, she believes studying abroad will help her understand her future patients better. “Many times we forget the art of medicine and solely focus on the science of medicine. To help your patients you must understand their thought process, religion, and culture to find the best way to help them.”

Nam Dinh ’25, a clinical laboratory sciences major with a minor in chemistry, is currently studying in the Asian studies program at Kansai Gaidai University in Hirakata, Japan, for the spring 2023 semester. She is excited to see how taking classes in Japanese and religion will foster her personal and professional growth. “I believe that liberal arts education will benefit my future; the humanity aspect can heighten my understanding of ethics and equip me with writing, analyzing, and communication skills.”

Bervelly Sainteme ’24, a nursing and public health double major, plans to travel to Finland in the summer of 2023. She will complete a 120-hour community-based internship for public health nursing in Finland with Nazareth’s long-standing partner Laurea University in Vantaa, Finland. Under the supervision of a professional nurse, Sainteme will spend her time in settings such as schools, family health centers, and a maternal-child health clinic. “I am looking forward to spending time in a clinic and learning about the environment compared to a hospital,” said Sainteme. “I currently work at Rochester General Hospital, so I know it will be a change of pace. Learning about maternity and pediatrics will give me great insights as I train to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.”

Nazareth students interested in determining their eligibility to apply for a Gilman scholarship to study abroad can contact Kathy Hansen in the Center for International Education at khansen7@naz.edu.

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.

• published: 2023 February
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• Academics
• Foreign Language/International
• Career Preparation