Record-Breaking 16 Appalachian State Students Awarded Gilman International Scholarships to Study or Intern Abroad
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Written by: Dara Carney-Nedelman, Assistant Director of Nationally Competitive and Experiential Learning Scholarships
Appalachian State University is proud to announce that a record 16 students have been awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship in 2025 to support their study or internship experiences abroad. This marks the largest cohort of Gilman Scholars in Appalachian’s history — a fivefold increase from the previous year.
The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship supports U.S. undergraduate students with high financial need to study or intern abroad. The Gilman Program received a record high number of applications in the spring and fall 2025 cycles. For the spring cycle, 3,500 undergraduate students were selected, and 1,550 undergraduate students were selected for the fall cycle. Appalachian’s recipients stood out among a highly competitive pool representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with students traveling to over 170 countries.
Among the 16 awardees, three students also received specialized awards:
Gilman-McCain Scholarship: Awarded to dependents of active U.S. military personnel.
Critical Need Language Award: Supports students studying critical foreign languages in a country where the language is commonly spoken.
These scholars will represent the United States and Appalachian abroad and will return with global networks, enhanced language skills, and cross-cultural experience that contribute to U.S. economic and national security interests.
In their own words, several scholars shared what excited them most about their upcoming experiences abroad.
Alex Pecoraro
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“I hope to study at London Metropolitan University, where I will gain exposure to innovative ideas surrounding the technologies driving our global energy transition. Spending a semester in London will offer valuable insight into how business, finance, and policy intersect on an international level within this transformation. I am excited to connect with like-minded individuals and immerse myself in the vibrant culture of the city.”
-Alex Pecoraro, Senior in Economics United Kingdom
Sabrina Lorca Lozano
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“I’m thrilled to be part of a faculty-led study abroad program in the UK, where I’ll explore the Isle of Skye, the Highlands, Edinburgh, London and dive into British theatre and politics. I’m especially excited to walk in someone else’s shoes—immersing myself in local culture, connecting with new people, and gaining fresh perspectives that will shape both my Political Science and Theatre studies.”
-Sabrina Lorca Lozano, Junior in Political Science United Kingdom
Ayla Solomon
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“I will be studying abroad the Spring of 2026 in Shanghai, China through USAC. I look forward to enhancing my Chinese language skills as well as connecting with the culture, namely during the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year. I am most excited about trying the traditional foods and witnessing the astounding customs that come with the celebration.”
-Ayla Solomon, Senior in International Business Shanghai, China
Kayleigh Rolison
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“I am beyond excited to have the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica for tropical forest ecology and development. Following this, I will be doing an internship with the Monteverde Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to community outreach. I'm looking forward to not only gaining practical skills that will serve me in the future but also immersing myself in the rich culture and diverse environment. This will be an amazing chance to grow both personally and professionally!
-Kayleigh Rolison, Senior in Sustainable Development Costa Rica
Madison Northup
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“I plan to study abroad this winter or during Spring 2026, hopefully in the South Korea. I am excited to integrate myself into a new culture while taking classes that will support my continuing education and future career in healthcare. I am looking forward to my first trip overseas, meeting new people, and trying new foods!”
-Madison Northup, Junior in Communication Science and Disorders South Korea
Vania A Sandoval Ferruzca
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“This summer I will be studying Chinese language at National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei. I am most excited to finally use my Chinese in real-life situations, try all the amazing food, and connect with peers who share the same passion for language learning. Since I’ve never been abroad before, I’m looking forward to experiencing everything Taiwan has to offer, from its culture to its famous night markets.”
- Vania A Sandoval Ferruzca, Senior in Exercise Science Taiwan
Kaylynn Gomez
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“In the spring of 2026, I will be studying abroad in Florence, Italy. I hope to fully immerse myself into Italian culture, while taking classes that focus primarily on public relations, marketing, advertising, and communications within Italian business. I have always loved travelling, and when I made my first trip to Florence, I fell in love with the city. So, when it came time to choose a location for my study abroad, I knew Florence would be the perfect place. I am very excited to go and the countdown has already begun!”
-Kaylynn Gomez, Sophomore in Public Relations Florence, Italy
Mason H. Skipper
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“In summer 2025 I will be attending a faculty-led program in Ireland and Northern Ireland to study the conflict that took place from the 1960s to 1998. The program will take our group on numerous tours throughout the streets of Dublin and Belfast to educate us firsthand on the history and culture of the Irish people. We will visit many historical sites and hear the personal accounts of those who were directly involved and affected by the violence that took place. I have always dreamed of visiting Ireland, and the experiences from this trip will guide me in the future."
-Mason H. Skipper, Senior in Global Studies Ireland
Cynthia Houston
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“I intend to study abroad in Lincoln, England, in Spring 2026. I’m currently a sophomore at App State pursuing a degree in English Creative Writing. While studying abroad, I am most excited to travel to different cities and experience the shopping and restaurant experience of England."
- Cynthia Houston, Junior in English England
Amelia Pollard
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“In the fall of 2025, I will be going abroad to The Hague University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, where I will study further on my supply chain management degree. I will be using the Gilman scholarship to help finance this trip and I look forward to traveling and immersing myself in Europe while I am there! The Netherlands is such a beautiful country, and I can’t wait to visit.”
- Amelia Pollard, Senior in Supply Chain Management Netherlands
Noelle Swaim
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"I am a second-year student at Appalachian State University, majoring in Kinesiology and minoring in Child Development. I am planning to participate in an upcoming study abroad program with the Honors College entitled 'Landscapes of Post-Conflict in Ireland and Northern Ireland.' While abroad, I am excited to explore the rich history and traditions of Irish culture, which my ancestors ascribed to many generations ago.
-Noelle Swaim, Sophomore in Kinesiology Ireland and the United Kingdom
Maevelyn Spring
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"I am a second year student at Appalachian State University, majoring in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services. I plan to study abroad in Christchurch, New Zealand where I will have the chance to be immersed in the fascinating Maori culture along with the gorgeous mountain ranges that I am so excited to explore. "
- Maevelyn Spring, Sophomore in Psychology New Zealand
Chavez Gibbes
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"I am an Architecture major with a minor in building science and project management. I plan on using my degree to open a business designing kitchens due to my background as a chef. I will be a senior when I travel to study abroad in New Zealand. I chose this country due to my Māori roots. I proudly served in the U.S. Army as well. "
- Chavez Gibbes, Junior in Building Science New Zealand
The Appalachian community is ecstatic that these scholars are able to pursue their aspirations abroad. We are especially proud to see such a sizeable cohort awarded the Gilman scholarship, which is the largest ever Appalachian cohort. This milestone reflects a campus-wide effort to promote and support Gilman applicants. The Offices of Nationally Competitive Scholarships, International Programs, and Student Financial Aid and University Scholarships collaborated to provide targeted outreach, advising, and application support.
The next application cycle will launch in mid-January 2026. Students interested in applying are encouraged to visit gilmanscholarship.org or contact the Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships at ncs@appstate.edu or ncs.appstate.edu.
