Biology Student Bryana Ruiz Earns Gilman Scholarship

Biology student Bryana Ruiz recently received a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad in London for the Spring 2026 semester. Ruiz, who is only the second Monmouth student to earn a Gilman scholarship in the last five years, also received a CIS Abroad grant that provides additional financial support for her semester abroad.

"Stepping outside my comfort zone and across borders will show me that my potential is as vast as the world itself," Ruiz said. "I am eager to bring this newfound resilience and curiosity back to Monmouth, using my international experience as the foundation for a medical career that knows no boundaries."

The Gilman Program is congressionally funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. It provides up to $5,000 in merit-based scholarships to "outstanding American undergraduate students with high financial need to pursue credit-bearing academic studies and career-oriented internships abroad." Applicants must be recipients of a federal Pell Grant to be eligible for the program and must use the award to defray study or intern abroad costs, including program tuition, room and board, books, transportation, insurance, and other fees.

In her application essays, Ruiz, a first-generation student, described how overcoming challenges in her personal life shaped her career goals and forged a "purpose-driven responsibility" that she aims to apply in her studies and future career in medicine. Ruiz further explains that being an effective physician serving diverse patients requires more than just scientific knowledge; through immersive global study, she can "understand the complex social and cultural determinants of health that cause trauma and chronic stress to physically manifest" across patients of different cultures and societal classes.

"We're incredibly proud of Bryana for earning both the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship and the CIS Abroad Gilman Scholarship for her Monmouth in London Study Abroad Program!" said MyKellann Maloney, director of Global Education. "She's also made Monmouth history as our first student to receive the Gilman STEM Supplemental Award; a really remarkable achievement. When she returns to Monmouth, we hope she'll inspire more STEM students to explore study abroad opportunities."

Monmouth's Global Education office works with students individually to select and apply for applicable scholarship opportunities that can help fund their study abroad experience. Each semester, the office hosts Financing Your Study Abroad workshops with presentations from the Financial Aid office, the Writing Center, and Global Education Mentors (GEMS), who share practical budgeting tips and firsthand experiences from their time abroad.

"We ensure our students fully understand the financial obligations of a semester abroad, but we also actively identify scholarship opportunities and assist with applications," added Elizabeth Maricic, senior study abroad advisor. "We encourage students not to rule out studying abroad for financial reasons until they've attended our twice-yearly scholarship workshop and spoken with the Financial Aid office."

Students interested in learning more about study abroad opportunities at Monmouth can attend the upcoming Spring Study Abroad Fair on Feb. 11 and the next Financing Your Study Abroad workshop on Feb. 18 at 2:45 p.m. in the Student Center.

"While the scholarship application process was lengthy, it was remarkably manageable thanks to the guidance of my counselors at the EOF office and the Global Education team," reflected Ruiz. "Their support helped me articulate my goals clearly and navigate the requirements with confidence. I would absolutely encourage others to apply."