July 26, 2023

Two Susquehanna University students were awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, enabling them to study in Cyprus and France.

Susquehanna’s Gilman scholars are:

Augusma Clairvoyant ’25, a management major with a minor in French studies from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, will study French and business management at the Institute for American Universities in Aix-en-Provence.

Barbara Salinas ’24, a political science and sociology double major from York, Pennsylvania, will study sociology and history at the University of Nicosia in Cyprus.

“It has always been a dream of mine to study abroad and the Gilman scholarship has helped me turn this dream into a reality,” Salinas said. “My study-abroad experience will help me not only with my studies but also with developing a deeper understanding of what it means to become immersed in a culture entirely different from my own.”

Salinas plans to pursue a master’s degree in multicultural studies with hopes of working in diversity and inclusion in higher education.

Gilman scholars gain a better understanding of other cultures, countries, languages and economies — making them better prepared to assume leadership roles within government and the private sector.

“I look forward to being part of the French culture and become more fluent in the language,” Clairvoyant said. “I hope to use my knowledge of different languages and cultures to take advantage of unique opportunities when working professionally.”

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that enables eligible U.S. students to study or intern abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. The Institute of International Education has administered the program since its inception in 2001. Gilman scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply toward their study-abroad or internship program costs.

Of the total applicants across the country, only 25% receive an award. More than 40 Susquehanna students have been awarded the scholarship since 2015. The university has a dedicated program in place to identify and mentor students throughout the application process for Gilman and other prestigious scholarships.