SPC student, Maysam, recently received a Gilman Scholarship and shared her experience abroad with the SPC International Programs office. This is what she had to say.

I studied abroad through St. Petersburg College, who gave me this fabulous chance, and as a Gilman scholar, with the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, which provides merit-based scholarships to outstanding American undergraduate students with high financial need, equipping them with the international experience, global networks, and foreign language skills essential to keep the United States safe, strong, and prosperous. It helped me not just financially but also by building a wide network of students across the nation. Moreover, they ensured I had international health insurance and provided me with an international emergency number, along with my accommodation address and the emergency numbers I had given them upon my arrival. Through these procedures, I felt safe and protected as I explored, learned, and enjoyed a new country on my own.

Costa Rica is one of the most wonderful countries I have ever visited. I stayed for 3 weeks; they were the best of 2025, as I ended 2025 and started 2026 there. It was an amazing experience. It is generally safe for women and students. It was more than I expected. I learned a new language in a fun way with native speakers, which helped me quickly improve my Spanish skills.

I enjoyed visiting the volcanoes Irazú and Poas. Irazú is recognized as the country’s highest, which I liked most; I felt the Creator’s greatness. I loved Costa Rica’s nature, including the waterfalls, coffee plantations, rainforests, and unique animals such as toucans, sloths, frogs, crocodiles, butterflies, monkeys, and more. San Jose, the capital, is vibrant, with its people and streets. It is very beautiful during Christmas, full of lights and vibes. It is crowded, full of life, and makes me feel full of energy. It has many museums that represent the country’s history. The restaurants are awesome, the food was perfect, and I like empanadas. In the Central Mercado, there are many stores selling souvenirs, food, and clothes, and a very small space filled with people who love tourists and welcome them all the time. Furthermore, it has many beautiful gardens such as Lankester Botanical Gardens. In addition, the cathedrals have distinctive designs. Besides, I did many activities, such as horseback riding through the trees and rivers, and zip-lining, which were very interesting.

Students can apply every year for the the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (Gilman Program). 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.