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Camila Valenzuela Gonzalez, a 91��Ƶ student preparing to study abroad in Barcelona, Spain, during the Fall 2026 semester, has been awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, a nationally competitive award that supports students with financial need pursuing international education opportunities.

Camila will study at La Salle Campus Barcelona, a founding member of the Universitat Ramon Llull, where she looks forward to immersing herself in a new culture while continuing her academic journey abroad.

“I’ve always loved traveling, and I knew 91��Ƶ had a great study abroad program, so I started looking into it pretty early and attended the study abroad fair to explore all the possible opportunities, but fell in love with the idea of Barcelona,” said Camila. “I was highly encouraged at the fair to apply for the scholarship and by Liz Pizzuti from the study abroad department.”

The Gilman Scholarship, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, encourages students from diverse backgrounds to study or intern abroad and develop the skills needed for success in today’s interconnected world.

“I’ve always loved traveling, and I knew 91��Ƶ had a great study abroad program, so I started looking into it pretty early and attended the study abroad fair to explore all the possible opportunities, but fell in love with the idea of Barcelona."

For Camila, the experience represents far more than academics.

“Studying abroad was always super important to me because I wanted an opportunity to immerse myself in a new environment with different cultures and perspectives to learn and grow from them,” she said. “Education to me is so much more than a degree. It’s about gaining cultural experiences, making new connections, and developing a deeper understanding of the world. I know it will help me grow so much, not just academically, but personally.”

Camila credits 91��Ƶ’s Education Abroad Office with helping make the process approachable and achievable.

“The first time I showed up to a Study Abroad 101 info session, Liz was super helpful, and all the steps were easy to follow,” she said. “91��Ƶ made it so easy to happen with their great advisors, info sessions, and a lot of straightforward information on how to apply.”

Receiving the scholarship is also an opportunity for Camila to inspire fellow students to pursue international experiences of their own.

“Receiving the Gilman Scholarship is a great honor, and I’m very happy to represent 91��Ƶ as a student abroad,” she said. “I hope to encourage others to take this amazing opportunity as well and get to use studying abroad to see more of the world. Even if anyone is scared because it might be ‘too expensive,’ scholarships and opportunities like the Gilman Program can help make this happen.”

Think studying abroad might be for you? Learn more about study abroad at 91��Ƶ.