Computer science major Alyssa Sanchez-Ibañez is one of the newest recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship. She studied abroad through a Spanish language immersion program in Granada, Spain, this summer.

Study abroad opens minds — and doors

Article by Jack Mullarkey Photos courtesy of Alyssa Sanchez-Ibañez and Eva Grise September 09, 2025

Three UD students receive prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

For three of the University of Delaware’s students, the opportunity to grow academically and professionally across the world was recently made possible thanks to the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. In the 2025 March application cycle, over 17,000 students from across the country applied for the Gilman Scholarship, and out of over 3,200 scholarship recipients, UD’s Alyssa Sanchez-Ibañez, Eva Grise and Ian McKeown were chosen as 2025 Gilman Scholars.

“The combination of living with a host family, being fully immersed in the Spanish language, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Alhambra and Plaza de España, participating in cultural events, exploring new cities and even enjoying simple joys like gelato created an experience that was both academically enriching and personally transformative,” said Alyssa Sanchez-Ibañez, a senior computer science major and Spanish minor.

Alyssa Sanchez-Ibañez, a first-generation senior studying computer science with a minor in Spanish, used this prestigious scholarship to continue her Spanish studies at an advanced level in Granada, Spain, during the 2025 Summer Session. During the program, she lived in a homestay where she could practice her speaking skills with locals, allowing her to apply what she has learned in UD’s classrooms to the real world. She also participated in weekend excursions to historic sites such as the Alhambra and the Granada Cathedral, as well as iconic cities such as Córdoba, Málaga and Seville to experience rich Andalusian culture and history.

“I have always dreamed of studying abroad, especially as a first-generation college student,” Sanchez-Ibañez said. “I wanted to take full advantage of the opportunities the University of Delaware offers. Granada’s vibrant atmosphere, stunning architecture and unique blend of cultures made it the perfect place to expand my academic and personal horizons.”

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Gilman Program, a highly competitive scholarship program grants Pell Grant eligible students the opportunity to study or intern abroad, allowing them to expand their horizons internationally. Since 2001, over 44,000 students with study abroad dreams have been supported.

Not only has the Gilman Scholarship alleviated the financial stress and burden of studying abroad on Sanchez-Ibañez and her family, it has also opened doors for her to expand her network on an international scale.

“It connected me to a network of Gilman Scholars around the world, expanding my personal and professional connections beyond UD,” she said. “This opportunity has deepened my appreciation for global learning and reaffirmed my belief in pursuing opportunities that push me beyond my comfort zone.”

The Gilman Scholarship does not only support students’ academic pursuits but also provides the opportunity to gain hands-on, professional experience in other parts of the world.

Gilman Scholarship recipient Environmental Science and Chinese Studies major Eva Grise had the opportunity to intern in Melbourne, Australia, for a hydroponics company, providing crucial professional experience with a global perspective.

For Eva Grise, a senior studying environmental science and Chinese studies, the Gilman Scholarship allowed her to participate in a six-week environmental science internship program for a hydroponics company called Greenspace in Melbourne, Australia. While this internship provided Grise with invaluable professional experience in the field of environmental science throughout this summer, the costs associated with this experience almost made it impossible.

“The Gilman Scholarship has significantly relieved financial burdens and it has allowed me to support my day to day living in Melbourne,” she said. “Without it, I would not have been able to participate in this international experience.”

Grise plans to take what she has learned halfway across the world in Australia and bring it back for her final year.

In Australia, senior Eva Grise worked as an intern for a hydroponics farm working on seeding, crop rotation and client relations. “Some of my favorite moments in Australia were meeting the other interns in the program and hanging out after work,” Grise said. “Without them the experience would not have been as fun as it was.”

For Ian McKeown, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering, receiving the scholarship meant making the opportunity to combine academic, professional and cultural aspirations a possibility.

McKeown plans to study abroad in Dublin, Ireland, this upcoming Winter Session.

“I wanted to study abroad to gain a global perspective and immerse myself in a different culture while continuing my academic growth,” he said. “I chose the Dublin program because of its strong focus on innovation and technology, which aligns with my engineering background. Ireland’s rich history and vibrant startup scene made it an ideal location for both personal and professional development.”

Under the direction of Professor Ismat Shah, the 2024 recipient of the Study Abroad Faculty Director of the Year Award, McKeown will study at the Technical University of Dublin (TUD) and participate in excursions to France, Italy and Switzerland. Thanks to the Gilman Scholarship, McKeown will be able to combine engineering, physics, culture, history and social studies through a unique, immersive experience.

The next round of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship has an application deadline of Oct. 3, 2025, for programs that start between Dec. 1, 2025, and Oct. 31, 2026. Students who are interested in learning more should join the Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) Gilman Scholarship Overview webinar on Thursday, Sept. 11, at 6:30 p.m. and Gilman Scholarship Strategy and Tips webinar on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 6:30 p.m., both on Zoom. Additional information can be found on the CGPS website at udel.edu/global.

About the Center for Global Programs and Services

The Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) at the University of Delaware is home to the operations of UD Global, which includes Study Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services, World Scholars Program and Global Outreach and Partnerships. The Center provides leadership and collaborative innovation in support of all of the University's global initiatives and campus internationalization efforts, with its Global 360 Strategy serving as a roadmap for infusing international perspectives throughout the University’s scholarship, research, and service missions. Focused on a student-centered approach, CGPS provides expert advising and a wealth of global engagement opportunities to the UD campus community, including the weekly International Coffee Hour in the fall and spring semesters.

Follow and engage with @UDGlobal on LinkedIn and Instagram for the latest updates on everything global happening at UD.

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