First-Year Student Awarded Competitive National Grant to Study Abroad

Portrait of Gabirelle White standing by a window

Gabirelle (Gabby) White, a first-year student at Dominican University, was recently awarded the highly competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to support her participation in the university's short-term, faculty-led study abroad program to Ghana this year.

White was among more than 7,700 applicants for the federally-funded scholarship, with only 1,550 program scholarships ultimately awarded to undergraduate students from across the country, Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands.

White, who is majoring in Black World Studies at Dominican, received $2,500 to help fund her study in Ghana over spring break. This immersive educational experience introduces students to the history and culture of the country, with exposure to larger topics surrounding Pan-Africanism and the African diaspora. Students also learn about the history of the slave trade at the Assin Manso Old Slave Market, where enslaved people were sent to the Americas, and visit the Memorial Wall of Return, where the descendants of enslaved people can sign their names, declaring that they have returned to their roots. 

In addition to these experiences, White said she is interested in learning about a new culture and way of life up close during this study abroad program.

“I hope this experience will broaden my world view and allow me to appreciate more about the world and cultures beyond just my experiences in the classroom,” White said.

She credited Director of Study Abroad Programs Nan Metzger for assisting her with her scholarship application.

Black and African American students account for 16% of students who participate in study abroad opportunities from Dominican University—far higher than the 6% national participation rate reported by NAFSA, the Association of International Educators, Metzger said.

“Part of the success in engaging these students in study abroad at an elevated rate of participation stems from Dr. Nkuzi Nnam, who regularly offers study abroad options to locations such as Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago,” Metzger said.

Learn more about Dominican University's Study Abroad programs here.