Three Wartburg College students were awarded Gilman International Scholarships that helped offset their costs while studying abroad.
Mckenna Schaufenbuel and Allison Taylor spent May Term in the Netherlands and Germany, and Mikaela Kime studied in the Bahamas.
Kime’s course, Island Ecology, is a field biology course at the Gerace Research Centre in San Salvador, Bahamas. Throughout their stay, students studied the biology and ecology of coral reefs and hyper-saline lakes. The class is led by Stephanie Toering, the Dr. Richard L. and Sandra K. Wahl Professor in Biology.
“Traveling abroad was always on my mind when I chose Wartburg, and I knew it was something I wanted to do before I graduated. My Wartburg experience has been made even more valuable due to being able to travel for May Term. Traveling abroad allows for personal growth that I didn’t even know was possible,” said Kime.
Schaufenbuel and Taylor traveled with Amy Pilcher, associate professor of business administration, as a part of the People, Planet and Profit course. The students explored the impact of business on society and the environment and the ways in which companies have adapted their business practices in accordance with the three pillars of sustainability – economic, societal and environmental.
“The Gilman scholarship aided my ability to travel for May Term because I didn’t have to stress about how I would be able to pay for the expenses that go along with the experience,” said Schaufenbuel. “This is an experience that I will forever be grateful for and an experience that will stay with me forever.”
The Gilman International Scholarship aims to support American undergraduate students who might otherwise not participate in study or intern abroad programs due to financial constraints.
“I heard about the Gilman scholarship through Wartburg’s study away adviser, Kathleen Sihler. She came to my composition class and told us about different study abroad opportunities and financial aid options that were available,” said Taylor. “I would absolutely recommend this scholarship to other students, and if you don’t get the scholarship the first time, don’t be afraid to apply again. The first cycle I was not a recipient; however, I was able to modify my submissions and strengthen the quality of my work, allowing me to receive this scholarship.”
Students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant can receive between $100 and $5,000 through the competitive application process. All Wartburg students received $2,500.