5 Tars Earn Gilman Scholarships to Study Abroad

Five Rollins students have earned the prestigious U.S. Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which provides up to $5,000 to support study abroad opportunities for undergraduate students with high financial need.

Jayla Cargill ’27, Evelyn Dietz ’28, Sabrina Grace ’27, Kaylin Pung ’28, and Marcelle Romulus ’27 will pursue study abroad experiences in France, Greece, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, and Hong Kong. Additionally, Pung earned the John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families (Gilman-McCain Scholarship).

The Gilman Scholars represent a wide range of academic interests and personal backgrounds—from international relations and political science to environmental studies and communications. The scholarship helps expand access to international education while preparing students to become globally engaged leaders in their fields.

For Rollins students, international education is more than a summer or semester abroad—it is an opportunity to connect classroom learning with hands-on global experiences. Supported by faculty mentors, the Office of External Fellowships & Scholarships, and a campus culture that values global citizenship, these scholars are preparing to make meaningful contributions and connections across the globe.

As they embark on their journeys, they reflect on what inspired them to study abroad, how Rollins prepared them for the experience, and what they hope to gain from immersing themselves in new cultures and communities.

Jayla Cargill ’27

• Major: Communication studies
• Program: 2026 CIS Summer in Athens Program

What she’s doing: “Communication is not just my major but the lens through which I understand the world. I chose Athens, Greece, through CIS Abroad because of its foundational role in communication history, as it is the birthplace of rhetoric, democracy, and public discourse. As I prepare to work on my honors thesis next semester, I am researching whether people can form genuine emotional and parasocial relationships with AI-generated brand personas, such as virtual influencers. My thesis examines trust, power dynamics, and consumer autonomy in an increasingly digital world, and these are questions that bridge ethics, media, and human behavior. The specific courses offered in Athens, like Communication Ethics, Portfolio Design, and Digital Storytelling, align directly with my academic and career goals. I want to pursue a master’s in public relations and ultimately, become a PR professional who doesn’t just manage narratives but shapes them with integrity.”

How Rollins prepared her: “While my Intercultural Communications course introduced me to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions framework and gave me the theoretical foundation to understand and navigate cultural difference, my honors thesis research on parasocial relationships and digital trust pushed me to think critically about communication on a global scale. Courses with community engagement components like Theatre and Autism and New Media and PR gave me the opportunity to serve local organizations, including Opportunity, Community, Ability (OCA), a school for children with special needs in Orlando, and the Chinese School of Tomorrow. Engaging authentically with people whose experiences differ from my own built a habit of showing up in unfamiliar spaces and embracing cultural differences. Those experiences made studying abroad feel like a natural and exciting next step rather than an intimidating leap.”

Evelyn Dietz ’28

• Major: International relations
• Program: SIT Vienna, Budapest & Belgrade: Comparative European Perspectives on Conflict and Democracy Semester Program

What she’s doing: “Through SIT’s program, I will be able to experience not just one culture-rich city, but three. Studying comparative politics in Europe is the perfect opportunity to put my international relations coursework into tangible practice. The program’s emphasis on ethical methods adds a layer of humanity and cultural competence to the work—traits that I bring to both research and international policy. Whether I run for office or work alongside politicians through local organizations, an empathetic and comprehensive perspective strengthened by the cross-cultural engagement I will experience abroad, including community awareness and socially responsible problem solving, is necessary. Overall, it will be a stepping stone into the spheres of governance and civil society.”

How Rollins prepared her: “Rollins has brought out my most curious and adventurous sides. I wouldn't have been able to achieve this goal without the unwavering support of the Student Center for Community & Connections (SCCC), exceptional academic instruction from the political science and anthropology departments, and the invaluable guidance of our fellowships advisor Kim Dennis. First as a mentee and now as a peer educator, my time with the SCCC has shaped me into the bridge builder, dialogue facilitator, and student leader I am today. Additionally, I participated in the Rollins Inclusive Summer Engagement (RISE) program as well as EMBARK, which is a student-led cohort that helps students from underrepresented backgrounds transition to college life.”

Kaylin Pung ’28

• Majors: International relations and communication studies
• Program: American University of Paris (AUP) Semester Program

What she’s doing: “Having grown up in the Middle East, I have had limited exposure to European perspectives on international politics. Studying at the American University of Paris will give me direct insight into how France approaches issues such as press freedom, media polarization, and international diplomacy. Through courses in international law, humanitarian intervention, and media and war, I will build skills that support my goals of working in diplomacy, law, or with an NGO. AUP’s location near UNESCO, the French National Assembly, and government ministries will also allow me to connect classroom learning with real institutions. I also look forward to strengthening my French through immersion and daily conversations with locals.”

How Rollins prepared her: “My advisor, political science professor Dan Chong, has truly inspired me to study abroad and pursue a future in international relations. The classes I have taken with him in peace and conflict studies, politics of global poverty, and international human rights have taught me so much. Also, I wouldn't have known about this scholarship or have been able to receive it without the guidance of the Office of External Fellowships & Scholarships. Dr. Dennis helped walk me through each step of the process and met with me weekly to review my application and help edit my essays. She was amazing to work with, and I am looking forward to continuing to work with her when I apply for the Fulbright scholarship.”

Sabrina Grace ’27

• Major: Environmental studies
• Program: 2026 Hong Kong Baptist University Summer Program

What she’s doing: “I was drawn to Hong Kong because it offers a unique opportunity to study sustainability in one of the world's most densely populated and globally connected cities. Spending the summer studying at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) will deepen my understanding of how environmental challenges overlap with culture, policy, and urban development on a global scale. I am especially excited to take Fighting Poverty and Striving for a Sustainable Society, as it connects poverty reduction, resource management, and sustainable development. After college, I plan to attend law school and pursue a career in environmental law, working on policies that promote sustainable ecotourism and contribute to sustainable development efforts both in the United States and globally.”

How Rollins prepared her: “Rollins has encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and pursue opportunities that challenge me academically and personally. My environmental studies professors and advisor have pushed me to think about environmental issues on a global scale, while balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities has strengthened my time management, independence, and adaptability. Learning to appreciate my Mexican-American heritage and rebuilding my identity after my collegiate swimming plans fell through taught me that I am capable of navigating uncertainty, building connections in unfamiliar environments, and turning setbacks into leadership opportunities.”

Marcelle Romulus ’27

• Major: Political science
• Program: CYA in Athens Semester Abroad Program

What she’s doing: “I've always been fascinated by Greece’s history, culture, and significance in the development of democracy, making it both a dream destination and a natural extension of my academic interests and personal growth. My dream is to become an immigration lawyer, so I think being able to live and study in another country will help me better understand people from different backgrounds and experiences. I also think it will help me grow as a person by pushing me outside of my comfort zone and helping me become more independent. Overall, I see this as an opportunity to learn both inside and outside the classroom while taking a step toward my future career goals.”

How Rollins prepared her: “Taking Problems in Political Thought with political science professor Julia Maskivker prepared me for this opportunity, as we explored topics like democracy, political authority, justice, and liberty while reading works from thinkers such as Plato, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Mill. As a transfer student from Seminole State College, I was really nervous to study abroad and apply for the Gilman Scholarship since I had only recently come to Rollins. My academic advisor, political science professor Mike Gunter, encouraged me to pursue this experience and to take advantage of opportunities like studying abroad to step outside my comfort zone. His support gave me the confidence to apply and reminded me that some of the best learning experiences happen beyond the classroom.”