Two Fordham University undergraduates have received a significant boost in their academic journeys, thanks to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, awarded by the U.S. State Department. This merit-based scholarship aims to facilitate international study for American students, fostering critical skills essential for the nation’s security and prosperity through exposure to diverse languages and cultures.
The selected students, Andrra Kryeziu and Zainab Razia, are both in their junior year at Fordham. Kryeziu, pursuing a major in International Political Economy, will study international relations and business in Paris during the upcoming spring semester. Razia, studying political science, has plans to immerse herself in the cultures of Granada, Spain, and Morocco over the summer while focusing on migration policy.
The Gilman Scholarship is targeted towards U.S. citizens or nationals who are recipients of a Pell Grant, a federal financial aid program aimed at supporting undergraduate students from low-income families. Last year, Fordham saw 11 students awarded this prestigious scholarship, contributing to an overall increase in the percentage of students participating in study-abroad programs, which has now reached a record high of 51%. This growth places Fordham among the top 20 doctoral-granting universities in the nation for the number of students traveling abroad for extended periods.
Lorna Ronald, PhD and director of the Office of Fellowship Advising, highlighted the advantages of the Gilman Scholarship, noting that recipients gain access to a network of alumni and receive preferential consideration for employment in the federal government following graduation. She emphasized the transformative experience study abroad offers, encouraging students to view themselves as cultural ambassadors. This shift in perspective can significantly influence how they envision their futures and roles in society.
Kryeziu, originally from Kosovo and now residing in Charlotte, North Carolina, expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity to study in Paris. Having visited Europe multiple times to connect with family, she looks forward to learning French and interacting with classmates from diverse backgrounds. She anticipates forming meaningful friendships and gaining insights from different teaching styles.
Razia, who hails from Queens and commutes from Valley Stream, New York, sees her study abroad experience in Spain and Morocco as a chance for personal growth. She is particularly interested in exploring the unique cultural blend of Granada, which reflects Moorish, Christian, Jewish, and Roman influences. For Razia, studying abroad is not just about academics; it is an opportunity to gain a broader international perspective and enrich her understanding of different cultures.
Both students embody the spirit of exploration and learning that the Gilman Scholarship promotes, as they prepare to embark on their transformative journeys abroad. Through their unique experiences, they hope to contribute positively to their communities and play active roles as informed global citizens.
