Saints embark on education abroad experiences as Gilman Scholarship recipients

As finals approach at The College of St. Scholastica, two undergraduate students are preparing for something far beyond the classroom. NaImah Shouman ’27 and Lillianna Young ’27 have been awarded the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, a recognition that will support each of them as they pursue education abroad in the coming weeks.

The Gilman Program was designed to broaden international education access and continues to expand its national reach. In fall 2025, the program awarded merit-based scholarships to 1,550 undergraduate students representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Northern Mariana Islands. With more than 7,700 applications – a record high for the fall application cycle – competition for this year’s award was especially rigorous.

Jessica Ellingson, assistant director of Education Abroad and Experiential Learning, said the recognition reflects both students’ commitment to academic excellence and the College’s role in preparing globally engaged graduates.

“We are incredibly proud of Nalmah and Lilli,” Ellingson said. “Gilman Scholars not only gain access to transformative global experiences; they also return with a greater understanding of their place in the world and the communities they hope to serve.”

Ellingson added that the College has supported four previous Gilman Scholars since 2022, and interest in international learning continues to grow among students across disciplines.

NaImah Shouman: Exploring the science of happiness

In early summer, Shouman will travel to Denmark, Norway, and Finland as part of Science of Happiness: Recipients of Care, an education abroad program offered jointly by St. Scholastica’s Psychology and Nursing Departments. This program examines the psychology of happiness and global public health in nations that consistently rank among the world’s happiest in the United Nations’ World Happiness Report.

For Shouman, a nursing major, the experience blends academic curiosity with personal interest. “This opportunity abroad will let me combine my passion for nursing and also learn about the advancement of well-being in different countries,” she shared. “I’m excited to learn how different communities around the world build a sense of balance, fulfillment, and care into everyday life.”

Shouman said that she is especially eager to compare approaches to care across cultures. “Observing how some of the happiest countries in the world support their community members physically, emotionally, and socially will help the way I integrate these changes into our own healthcare system, particularly by emphasizing holistic, patient-centered care.”

Lilli Young: Clinical and cultural experience in Costa Rica

Later in the summer, Young will depart for San José, Costa Rica, where she will participate in the Hospital Shadowing and Medical Spanish program offered through ISEP Study Abroad. As a nursing and Spanish double-major preparing for a career in healthcare, Young said that the chance to combine clinical observation with intensive language learning will be invaluable.

“I believe that cultural humility is an essential trait for anyone entering the healthcare field,” Young said. “This opportunity will not only advance my clinical understanding and Spanish proficiency but also help me to grow as a compassionate, culturally aware healthcare provider. This program in Costa Rica is more than a study abroad opportunity; it’s a stepping stone toward the kind of healthcare professional I want to become.”

Over four weeks in Costa Rica, Young will complete clinical rotations at Hospital Bíblica and contribute to community welfare experiences while living with a host family – an immersive experience will shape her approach to patient communication and cultural competency.

“I know this experience will be personally transformative. Living and learning in Costa Rica will push me outside of my comfort zone and deepen my appreciation for a culture I’ve long admired,” Young added.

The College of St. Scholastica is dedicated to helping students become responsible members of their communities, including the global community. For more information about education and service abroad, visit css.edu/educationabroad.