K-State students study abroad with nationally competitive Gilman scholarships

Six Kansas State University students have been selected for the nationally competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which awards up to $5,000 per student to study abroad.

This group of Gilman Scholars includes students from the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Architecture, Planning & Design, and Agriculture.

"We work hard to promote the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship opportunity to eligible students because we see the major impact it has on students' ability to pursue education abroad," said Katelin Christianer-Donkers, director of K-State Education Abroad. "We devote time and effort to helping students put their best applications forward and have seen amazing results with increased applications and increased recipients over the last year. I am excited to see what impact the Gilman Scholarship has on these students' experiences abroad."

Recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship include the following five students and one who wished to remain unnamed.

Biruk Alemu

Biruk Alemu, senior in political science and international studies, Olathe, is participating in the faculty-led Politics of Culture, Race and Immigration in France program. At K-State, Alemu is a student ambassador for K-State Libraries and a McNair Scholar.

"Winning the Gilman Scholarship will not only help me financially afford my first study abroad program but also give me the opportunity to immerse myself in a unique culture, which I need for my career aspiration as a foreign service officer," Alemu said. "Studying in France will help me put my two years of French language education to the test with native speakers while engaging and networking with fellow political science and international relations enthusiasts."

Alemu is the son of Demelash Abate, Olathe, and Emebet Alebachew, Ethiopia.

Sydney Bellanger

Sydney Bellanger, sophomore in animal science in the pre-veterinary track, Bullard, Texas, will complete a three-week internship in Athens, Greece, at a veterinary practice. At K-State, she is a participant in the University Honors Program.

"I am excited to intern abroad because I have always had an affinity for veterinary science, and this provides a great opportunity for me to compare how this profession is the same or varies in a completely different culture and region," she said.

Bellanger is the daughter of Roy Braun, Center Line, Michigan, and Eleanor Braun, Tyler, Texas.

Nada Hatamleh

Nada Hatamleh, third-year student in the Master of Architecture program, Jordan, will spend a semester studying at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus.

At K-State, Hatamleh is active in numerous student organizations, serves as a peer educator in the College of Architecture, Planning & Design, and is an award-winning undergraduate researcher.

"One of the things I admire the most about architecture is the multifaceted perspectives that you can find around the world," Hatamleh said. "Every nation has its unique identity, and I want to uncover as many of those identities as I can through traveling. To learn from others and share what I discover is what I hope to achieve, and this program will be one of the steps to achieving that goal."

Joseph Pondillo

Joseph Pondillo, senior in political science and social transformation studies, Lawton, Oklahoma, is also participating in the faculty-led Politics of Culture, Race and Immigration in France program.

"Winning this scholarship signifies that others recognize the value of my goals and the work I have accomplished thus far," Pondillo said. "The scholarship allows me to fully immerse myself in the French culture while also bringing back valuable insights about immigration. Immigration is so important; we live in a world that needs more care and compassion."

Sabrina Nevares Medina

Sabrina Nevares Medina, sophomore in political science in the pre-law track, Kansas City, will travel to France on a faculty-led study abroad program.

"The Gilman allows me to pursue my academic and professional goals on an international scale, giving me access to experiences I never thought would be possible," Medina said.

K-State's Education Abroad office offers comprehensive administrative support for international opportunities. They guide and prepare students for impactful global experiences such as studying, interning or volunteering abroad. To get more information about abroad programs, including application steps, scholarships or available destinations, contact K-State Education Abroad.

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