WMU Study Abroad honors eight recipients of the prestigious Gilman Scholarship
KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Eight Western Michigan University students were awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship in 2025, matching last year’s record for the prestigious federal study abroad scholarship.
Administered by the U.S. Department of State, the Gilman Scholarship provides up to $5,000 to undergraduate students who receive federal Pell Grants to support short- and long-term study abroad experiences.
“The Gilman Scholarship improves access to study abroad programs for students with high financial need, increasing participation among students who historically are underrepresented in study abroad.” says Joe Milostan, director of study abroad and faculty enrichment at the Haenicke Institute for Global Education. “One of WMU Study Abroad’s top priorities is diversifying student participation in study abroad and we provide a lot of support to students applying for the Gilman Scholarship.”
“WMU has seen record high numbers of recipients of the Gilman Scholarship in recent years, and we’re excited to help more students get financial support for these life-changing study abroad opportunities.”
Lauren Adsmond recently returned from the summer Business and Culture in Thailand trip, a WMU Study Abroad experience made possible through the Gilman Scholarship.
“We traveled across the country, visiting cities and beach towns including Bangkok, Krabi, Phi Phi, Pai and Chiang Mai,” Adsmond recalls. "We explored Thai business practices through hands-on experiences like bargaining in local markets, visiting a floating market and observing how different communities earn a living. Thai culture is truly beautiful, and I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to experience it firsthand.”
The Business and Culture in Thailand program combines classroom instruction with immersive field experience to explore diverse business practices, sustainability efforts and cultural perspectives in a global context.
“My favorite part about studying abroad was getting the chance to meet people from all different places and backgrounds,” says Adsmond. “A huge thank you to Professor Duke [Leingpibul] for leading us on this unforgettable journey. It was truly the experience of a lifetime.”
Lataevaya Severe also realized a lifelong dream this summer, studying Japanese at Nihon University in Tokyo.
“I’ve been interested in study abroad since I was young, and after receiving the Gilman Scholarship I was finally able to make that dream a reality," she says.
Severe participated in Nihon University’s Japanese Language and Japan Studies Program (JLSP). JLSP combines three core subjects: Japanese Language, Japan Studies and Intercultural Experience. It offers students an immersive approach to language learning while exploring Japan’s rich cultural and social traditions.
One of Severe’s favorite memories was an overnight study trip to Nikko, a small city in the mountains north of Tokyo, where Toshogu, the famed Shinto shrine from 1617, is located.
“The nature was beautiful, and it was great to get out of the city with friends and classmates,” she says.
Elizabeth Hoefs also fulfilled a longtime goal of immersing herself in another culture. Hoefs participated in the Lyon for French Language and Culture Study program, spending the month of July taking classes at the Institut de Langue et de Culture Françaises at the Université Catholique de Lyon.
Living with French host families, students experience daily life while exploring the city through guided tours and visits to museums, monuments, churches, bistros, shops and more.
“I’ve always had a deep love for French culture, and studying abroad gave me the chance to truly immerse myself in it,” she says. “Lyon has a quiet charm that’s easy to fall for. I loved exploring its riversides, little streets and the way the city slows you down in the best way."
Other students who were awarded the Gilman Scholarship include Aaliyah Goodman, Flor Romero, Tyson Schoen and Tania Vasquez Olivarez.
About The Haenicke Institute for Global Education
The Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, established in 1998, fosters an environment that supports the global engagement of the Western Michigan University community. Its offices assist nearly 2,500 international students and alumni at home and abroad with immigration, student success and post-graduation job training.
The Institute also facilitates short- and long-term study abroad programs for students, faculty and staff. It hosts a variety of global learning activities, such as designing and promoting scholarship and academic opportunities on campus; providing K-12 outreach; hosting lectures, panels and events; and showcasing arts, entertainment and culture from around the world. More at www.wmich.edu/global.