In the most recent award cycle, eight University of Tennessee, Knoxville, students were scholarship funds to pursue global experiences through the U.S. Department of State’s nationally competitive Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship program.
The Gilman Scholarship aims to broaden access to study abroad by providing scholarships to participate on long and short-term programs like those offered by the Programs Abroad Office within the Center for Global Engagement.
The Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URF), a division of Student Success, and the Programs Abroad Office within the Center for Global Engagement work collaboratively to amplify funding opportunities and provide application assistance that allows Volunteers to engage globally and achieve academic, personal, and professional aspirations.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville recipients and their chosen abroad program locations include*:
- Max Aba, Sweden
- Nevada Reymer, Italy
- Makenzie Walker, Japan
- Lilly Snead, Costa Rica
- Terrin Hibbler, Taiwan
- Kyra Wilson, Latvia
- Yasmin Onsipahioglu, Spain
*Includes only the recipients who consented to have their names published online per gilmanscholarhip.org.
The following list includes only the recipients who consented to having the provided information shared online.
Max Aba, Class of 2028
- Freshman from Knoxville, TN
- Major in Elementary Education
“Receiving the Gilman scholarship has strongly impacted my decision to go abroad. When I started college, I was unsure if I ever wanted to study abroad, mainly because of the cost. However, when I heard about the Gilman scholarship, I got really excited because it made studying abroad seem possible. Receiving this scholarship has made studying abroad a reality for me, rather than just a dream.
I am extremely grateful to be receiving this scholarship. I couldn’t have imagined at the beginning of the semester that I would be receiving a nationally competitive scholarship as a freshman!”
Nevada Reymer, Class of 2025
- Senior from Knoxville, TN
- Major in Sociology; Minor in Psychology
“Receiving the Gilman scholarship has turned what were just dreams of going abroad into reality. Being a first-generation student who has faced financial barriers, this scholarship has alleviated that burden. The Gilman is allowing me to pursue not only an education abroad, but is also letting me take a major step outside of my comfort zone for the first time in my life. The Gilman has motivated me to advocate for study abroad programs and opportunities among my peers, especially for underrepresented groups such as first generation students to ensure they can also access transformative experiences.
Receiving this scholarship fills me with an immense sense of gratitude and pride. It is a true acknowledgement of my hard work and determination to pursue opportunities that I thought were beyond my reach. Being a first-generation student, the Gilman represents breaking barriers and new doors opening for more opportunities. The scholarship ensures that my goals of studying abroad and broadening my global perspective are not only valid but also worth investing in. I also feel a new sense of responsibility, the scholarship is not just a gift; it is an opportunity to represent my community, inspire others, and contribute meaningfully to the world. This experience has already motivated me to work harder, embrace new challenges, and make the most of every moment in my upcoming journeys.”
Lilly Snead, Class of 2026
- Junior from Knoxville, TN
- Major in Political Science – Public Administration and Policy; Minor in Spanish, Women Gender & Sexuality
“I am ecstatic to have this opportunity and grateful to have been given a chance to pursue my professional and academic goals. This opportunity can change the course of my professional life, and I hope to make my family and friends proud.
If I had not been awarded the scholarship, I would not have been able to participate in my study abroad program without causing myself severe financial strain.
The process was rigorous yet rewarding, and I was excited to be challenged to craft my best application. I attended all the available workshops and a meeting with the writing center, which were invaluable resources for my application. I want to thank everyone involved in the workshop process, including the Writing Center staff, who took time out of their days to review my essays with me.”
Terrin Hibbler, Class of 2025
- Senior from Longtown, Miss.
- Major in Supply Chain Management; Minor in Language World Business Chinese
“I think is an amazing opportunity! I really appreciate that the Gilman Scholarship team and the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship in general take an interest in students like me. I come from Sarah, Mississippi which its rural and most people don’t have access to college let alone study abroad. I feel amazing to represent not only myself but my family and others within my community.
I think using the Gilman Scholarship is a supplemental funding option was better than taking out private loans that have extremely high rates. I think that if I had to take out loans, I would have possibly pulled from my study abroad program.”
Kyra Wilson, Class of 2026
- Junior from Maryville, TN
- Major in Political Science with Focus in International Affairs; Minor in Russian Studies
“I am extremely excited to receive this scholarship considering the fact that I will now be able to study Russian in Latvia for a whole semester and also receive additional benefits by being a Gilman alumni. The Gilman Scholarship creates preference for those applying for jobs within the federal government which is the career path I have hoped to follow for quite some time now.
Without the scholarship I would be struggling financially to pay for the rest of my program. I would have attempted to still participate, but would likely have needed to apply for some kind of personal loan to pay for the rest of the program.”
Yasmin Onsipahioglu, Class of 2026
- Junior from Miami Beach, Fla.
- Major in Hospitality and Tourism Management; Minor in Hispanic Studies & Business Administration
“The Gilman Scholarship award has been important in making my dream of studying abroad at the University of Barcelona a reality. By alleviating financial barriers, the scholarship has allowed me to fully immerse myself in this opportunity to expand my education beyond the classroom. It has enabled me to experience a new culture, engage with local students and faculty, and gain firsthand insights into the business and tourism industries in Spain. This invaluable experience would not have been possible without the generous support of the Gilman Scholarship, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to enhance my academic and personal growth through this program.
I feel incredibly happy and deeply honored to have received the Gilman Scholarship, especially as it is the first competitive scholarship I have been awarded. This recognition not only affirms my hard work and dedication but also motivates me to continue striving for excellence. Knowing that I was selected among many deserving candidates fills me with gratitude and pride, and I am excited to represent the scholarship program as I pursue this transformative study abroad experience.”
More about the Gilman
The March 2025 Deadline application is open for applicants whose abroad programs or internships start between May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026. This cycle encompasses Maymester 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025, academic year 2025-2026, and Spring 2026 abroad programs or internships. The application deadline is Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 11:59pm Pacific Time, and the advisor certification deadline is Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Please be aware that the application deadline is in Pacific Time and take into consideration any time difference as you prepare to submit your application.
To explore fellowship opportunities or for support applying to nationally competitive awards, such as the Gilman Scholarship, visit https://studentsuccess.utk.edu/urf/ or complete the Gilman Interest Form.
More about Programs Abroad
Programs Abroad is one of seven units within the Center for Global Engagement at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. To explore undergraduate opportunities to go abroad, visit https://programsabroad.utk.edu or contact the office at 865-974-3177 | volsabroad@utk.edu