Being awarded a competitive scholarship comes with many benefits, but there are often additional opportunities students may not anticipate. Such was the case for University of South 91社区 senior and international studies major Kavi Ackloo, who was selected for the State Department鈥檚 Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship. The scholarship provided funding for his fall 2024 semester exchange program at in Madrid, where he studied Spanish, politics, and law in the humanities program.
In October, Ackloo received an email from the Gilman Program inviting him to apply for a special study tour in Brussels, Belgium, focused on international relations. With plans to become a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Department of State, Ackloo immediately seized the opportunity.
The Brussels Study Tour brought together 20 Gilman Scholars studying across Europe for the fully funded, four-day program in December. The itinerary featured organized activities centered on international relations, while also allowing free time for students to explore the city鈥檚 rich culture on their own.
GETTING TO KNOW THE EUROPEAN UNION
The main goal of the study tour was to introduce students to the institutions and diplomats of the European Union, which operates primarily in Brussels. During the trip, students met such notable figures as:
- Michele Chang - Director of the Master of Arts in Transatlantic Affairs Program at the College of Europe
- Jace Jasper - U.S. Policy Officer, Fulbright Commission
- Ruth Bajada - Deputy to the Director of the Americas and Head of Division U.S. and Canada
- Brando Benifei - Member of the European Parliament
Participants also visited key sites, including the EU Parliament, the Parlamentarium, the European Commission, and the U.S. Mission to the EU.
鈥淭he tour deepened my understanding of how the EU functions, complementing the knowledge I gained in a European politics course I took at USF,鈥� said Ackloo. 鈥淚 also learned about the EU鈥檚 initiatives to reduce emissions, transition to renewable energy, and advance AI technologies, all of which are critical global challenges. This knowledge will be invaluable as I navigate my future career in diplomacy.鈥�
FORGING CULTURAL CONNECTION
Ackloo鈥檚 interest in language and international relations grew from the mix of Caribbean cultures he grew up in. His parents came to the United States from Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. The mix of Indian, Latin, African, and Indigenous traditions have created connection points for him with a variety of people across the world.
鈥淚 believe I was selected for the study tour because of my outgoing nature and ability to connect with people quickly. My unique background as an Indo-Caribbean student brought a fresh perspective to the group. This allowed for meaningful cross-cultural exchanges 鈥� both for me and my peers. For instance, I learned about Georgian culture from two students while sharing insights about my Caribbean heritage, enriching everyone鈥檚 global awareness,鈥� said Ackloo.
Ackloo is fluent in Spanish and was also able to practice his French and Dutch while in Brussels. He plans to continue on his path to a career in diplomacy after he graduates from USF this spring.
鈥淲e are so grateful to the Gilman Program for creating these impactful experiences for our students. I can鈥檛 wait to see how Kavi takes what he learned into his career and gives back to future students,鈥� said Lauren Roberts, ONS advisor for Gilman Scholarship applicants.
For more information on the Gilman Scholarship, reach out to an ONS Advisor.