Alessandra Broussard will study abroad in Budapest, Hungary, thanks to the Gilman Scholarship. While there, she will participate in a three-week physician shadowing program abroad.

Blue Hens break global education scholarship record

Article by Jack Mullarkey Photos courtesy of Alessandra Broussard, Joshua Serafino, Sukainah Al Makhedhi and Kristen Okwedy February 09, 2026

Six UD students earn prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship to study abroad in Japan, Hungary, Tanzania and Costa Rica

A record six Blue Hens earned the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship this fall and will be pursuing their dreams of studying or working abroad in Japan, Hungary, Tanzania and Costa Rica over the next year. In a competitive application cycle of over 17,000 students across the U.S., the most University of Delaware students ever earned this global education scholarship.

Joshua Serafino, a junior environmental studies major with a concentration in environment and society and a minor in insect conservation, will be traveling to Costa Rica in August to participate in an environmental conservation internship program, thanks to the scholarship. Known for its diverse flora and fauna and wildlife conservation efforts, Costa Rica will give Serafino the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and networking opportunities abroad, thanks to the Gilman Scholarship.

Joshua Serafino will travel to Costa Rica in August to participate in an environmental conservation internship program for four weeks. Serafino described this experience as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, allowing him to learn about different cultures while gaining experience in his field.

“Coming from a financially unstable background, studying abroad once felt completely out of reach for me,” he said. “I believed it was something meant for others, not someone like me. However, fate had other plans, and the Gilman Scholarship made what once felt impossible attainable. I would tell students not to let fear, doubt, or financial concern stop them from applying. Scholarships like Gilman exist for students exactly like us, and taking initiative can open doors far beyond what we expect.”

Since 2001, the Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship has provided over 50,000 U.S. students the opportunity to make their international academic and professional dreams come true. Established by and congressionally funded under the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the scholarship was created after the establishment of the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000 to give students across the country with high financial constraint the opportunity to gain a global perspective without the financial burden.

This nationally competitive fellowship provides a funding opportunity for students and alumni to engage in research, service, English language teaching, foreign language study, unique work opportunities or leadership development, either domestically or abroad.

The Gilman Scholarship offers financial support to a variety of American undergraduate students, with 72% of Gilman Scholars coming from small towns and rural communities and 49% of Gilman Scholars being first-generation college students. The scholarship aims to develop a generation of future American leaders with the career skills and international networks to advance U.S. national security and economic prosperity.

The original record of four Blue Hens winning in one application cycle was achieved five times previously: spring 2011, spring 2013, spring 2016, fall 2022 and spring 2025.

After initially learning about the Gilman Scholarship, Alessandra Broussard, a sophomore studying biological sciences and international relations with a concentration in diplomacy and global order, was inspired to pursue the opportunity when she heard the unique stories of past UD recipients.

“I would encourage everyone and anyone who is looking to study abroad to apply because I believe in going for what you want,” Broussard said. “You don't know what is out there for you if you don't try.”

Thanks to the Gilman Scholarship, Broussard will be studying abroad in Budapest this summer. Under Atlantis, a CEA CAPA program, Broussard will participate in a three-week physician shadowing program to gain a deeper understanding of her field and explore different specialties.

“I chose Atlantis because it was one of the few programs that aligns with my goal of going to medical school. As a science major on a pre-medical path, it is difficult to fit study abroad opportunities into my schedule that aligns with my career goals,” Broussard said. “This program allowed me to stay on track with my studies while also studying abroad in a way that is beneficial to what I am pursuing.”

Kristen Okwedy was able to travel to Japan for the first time this spring thanks to the Gilman Scholarship, where she is improving her Japanese language skills, making new connections abroad and engaging with the diverse culture and local community.

Kristen Okwedy, a junior three languages major studying Italian, Japanese and Korean, was able to travel to Japan for the first time this spring thanks to the Gilman Scholarship. Participating in the Seinan Exchange Program — an exchange program between the University of Delaware and Seinan Gakuin University — in Fukuoka City, Japan, Okwedy is improving her Japanese language skills, making new connections abroad and engaging with the diverse culture and local community.

"Studying abroad is one of the most beneficial experiences you can get within higher education.The highest level of knowledge is knowledge about the world, not just one part of it,” Okwedy said. “Taking advantage of this opportunity will help me maintain my focus while studying in my host country but also assist me financially in anything I might need as a student. I am truly grateful to the Gilman scholarship program for granting me this wonderful opportunity.”

Sukainah Al Makhedhi, a junior interdisciplinary studies major in medical and molecular sciences with a minor in genetic counseling is also traveling to Japan, to study different perspectives concerning healthcare systems, scientific education and cultural values between Japan and the United States. As both a Gilman scholar and a recipient of the Critical Need Language Scholarship award, Al Makhedki will be studying Japanese, where she will engage in discussions with other students and Japanese locals to better understand her field of work when applied to real-world situations from a global perspective.

Sukainah Al Makhedhi will travel to Japan to study different perspectives concerning healthcare systems, scientific education and cultural values between Japan and the United States. The Gilman Scholarship has given her the opportunity to better understand her field of work on a personal level while still integrating a global perspective.

“Receiving the Gilman Scholarship reinforced an important lesson for me: to not second-guess yourself or limit your own potential,” Al Makhedhi said. “Opportunities often feel intimidating, especially when finances or self-doubt stand in the way, but taking that chance is the best thing you can do for yourself.”

Students Brandon Cortez and Sienna Wong were also awarded Gilman Scholarships.

The next Gilman Scholarship application cycle is now open to Pell Grant-eligible students and closes on Thursday, March 5, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. All applicants will be notified of their status by May 2026. This cycle encompasses Maymester 2026, summer 2026, fall 2026, academic year 2026-2027 and spring 2027 study abroad and internship programs.

The Center for Global Programs and Services, which administers UD Study Abroad, provides information about a variety of study abroad financial support, including government scholarships like Gilman, UD need-based scholarships, and the on-campus engagement Delaware Diplomats Scholarship Program.

Students who are interested in learning more about the Gilman Scholarship should join the Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) Gilman Scholarship Overview webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 10, via Zoom and Gilman Scholarship Strategy and Tips webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 17, via Zoom.

“We are so proud of the UD students who have just been named Gilman Scholars. The Gilman Scholarship provides international experiences for students who demonstrate a commitment to cultural exchange,” said Laura De Furio, director of the Office of National Fellowship. “In their applications, each scholar presented a clear vision for how their personal and professional future can be transformed by a study abroad program.”

The Office of National Fellowships will provide one-on-one advising and application essay draft feedback through individual appointments and open office hours leading up to the March 5 deadline.

About the Office of National Fellowships (ONF)

Established in February 2025, UD’s Office of National Fellowships (ONF) works to support Blue Hens across all colleges and majors with national and international scholarships and fellowships throughout the application process. ONF hosts information sessions to promote fellowships opportunities to UD students and provides one-on-one advising to help students select fellowships that are a good fit for their goals. Once a student decides to apply, ONF provides feedback on essays and hosts workshops and writing retreats to help ensure that their materials are as strong as possible. They also help students prepare for interviews if they are selected for further selection rounds. Learn more about ONF on its website.

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.