Montalvo

By Kevin Haynes
KALAMAZOO, Mich.— A Western Michigan University student recently received a prestigious scholarship to study in Argentina during the Spring 2017 semester through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.

The Gilman International Scholarship Program offers study abroad grants for undergraduate students who demonstrate high financial need. The congressionally funded Gilman program helps to defray the cost of study abroad including program tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance and international airfare.  The program has been successful in supporting students who have been historically underrepresented in education abroad, including but not limited to first-generation college students, students in STEM fields, ethnic minority students, students with disabilities, and students from U.S. states with less study abroad participation.

EnRico Montalvo, a Kalamazoo native will spend his Spring 2017 semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A senior, Montalvo is double majoring in Spanish and Exercise Science.

Catching up with Montalvo

Congratulations on receiving a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship. Tell me a little about yourself.

I am extremely proud to be a Kalamazoo native attending Western Michigan University; it is a school that I have always felt a connection to. I am currently double majoring in Spanish and Exercise Science. Exercise and sports are a big part of my life, so Exercise Science was the right fit for me. Also, I have always had an interest in foreign languages, but my family’s Mexican background drove me towards Spanish. I’ll be finished with school after the Summer one term of 2017.
After graduation, I plan on applying to physical therapy school. I was exposed to physical therapy after tearing my hamstring during my sophomore year. It’s a great way to connect with people and assist them in their time of need.

What does receiving the Gilman Award mean to you?

Receiving the Gilman is a realization that it is possible to accomplish goals which may seem unobtainable at first glance. When I began my academic career, I never thought I could study abroad due to financial reasons. The scholarship has helped me immensely. The entire of process of applying for and receiving the scholarship taught me that with hard work you can overcome most obstacles in life.

Tell me about your decision to go to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

I chose to study in Buenos Aires for two reasons; first, I’ve always wanted to visit South America and second, I have always wanted to live in a big city for a bit. With the Buenos Aires program, I can do both.  Buenos Aires is the second largest city in South America, so it’s perfect that WMU hosts a program there. Buenos Aires also stuck out to me because it has such a mixture of European and Latin American influences.

What will you plan to accomplish while in Buenos Aires?

While studying abroad, I hope to polish my Spanish skills and continue to improve my networking abilities. I also want to share my experience with others. To accomplish this, I will be keeping in touch with a Spanish class at Loy Norrix High School here in Kalamazoo. Hopefully, this will inspire younger students to study abroad and chase their passions.

Is there anything else you plan to do?

I plan on visiting the Salinas Grandes salt flats. It is the second largest salt pan in the world. Another special event that I want to attend is the Superclásico. It’s a huge crosstown rivalry match between Boca Juniors and River Plate, arguably two of the most recognizable names in Argentine soccer.

Thank you for taking the time to speak to me.

Gilman at WMU

“The Gilman Scholarship is for students who never thought that studying abroad was within their reach,” says Dr. Michelle Metro-Roland, advisor for the Gilman Program and director of Faculty and Global

Program development. Gilman Scholarship recipients at WMU are advised by Dr. Metro-Roland. If you receive a Federal Pell Grant visit the Institute of International Education website to learn more about how the Gilman Scholarship can be your bridge to the world. Eligible students interested in applying should first contact the WMU Gilman advisor at michelle.metro-roland@wmich.edu.

For more information about WMU's study abroad programs and scholarships, visit the Study Abroad website or call (269) 387-5890.