Kohawk studies abroad with Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Carolina Sanchez ’19
Benjamin A. Gilman International
Scholarship winner
“This is your future, go further and aim higher,” is a phrase commonly heard by Carolina Sanchez ’19. As the oldest of four and a first-generation college student born to Jose and Luz Sanchez, she takes this advice from her parents to heart.
Sanchez is preparing for a semester studying international political economy at Coe’s exchange partner, Rangsit University in Thailand. This was made possible with the help of the highly competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Only 800 of approximately 3,400 applicants were selected to receive scholarships to study abroad.
"With fewer than one in four Gilman applicants nationally winning the scholarship, it's a wonderful thing for Carolina to win one," Associate Professor of German and Director of Off-Campus Study Dr. John Chaimov said. "Coe has had extremely good luck landing Gilmans over the years. The Gilman is making study abroad financially possible for many students who might not have considered it before."
“As an international studies major, it's important for me to take advantage of Coe’s resources and connect with people of other cultures,” Sanchez said. “Professor Chaimov has been such an asset. He’s provided me with a wealth of information but is also careful to make sure that I build my own experience while abroad.”
The Gilman International Scholarship requires recipients to complete a project when they return from studying abroad. As a multilingual student — fluent in English, Spanish and French — Sanchez has chosen to write a blog of her study abroad opportunity entirely in Spanish. “It’s important to me to share my experiences with those that speak Spanish,” Sanchez said. “The study abroad materials and applications are predominantly in English — I want to make sure Spanish-speaking students know this is an experience that is open to them as well.
“Coe is amazing with exchanges. Applying for opportunities and scholarships abroad can seem like a daunting task. Coe’s professors are there to help you and the experience helps you learn about yourself and the world, which is so important,” Sanchez said. “I chose Coe because of the small school atmosphere. During my visit, I was able to meet with the study abroad advisers — they captivated me.”
Where will the future take Sanchez? With the help of William R. and Winifred Shuttleworth Professor of History Derek Buckaloo, she’s applied for a Fulbright to teach in the Slovak Republic. She’ll also be applying to graduate school. But for now...she’s headed to Thailand. Coe is making it possible. Sanchez is making it happen.