Abigail Segura, a study abroad adviser at Cal State Fullerton, was honored with a letter of recognition from the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This commendation highlighted her significant contributions to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship program.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship program aims to make studying abroad more accessible and diverse. Scholarships are awarded to U.S. undergraduate students who might not otherwise participate in study abroad opportunities due to financial constraints.
In the recent March 2024 Gilman scholarship application cycle, Segura played a pivotal role, serving on one of the selection panels. Throughout the cycle, she reviewed 60 application essays submitted by students nationwide. Her work contributed to the overall success of the program, which has awarded tens of thousands of dollars to more than 70 CSUF students over the past decade. These scholarships have been instrumental in helping students pursue their dreams of studying abroad.
In the letter of recognition, the U.S. Department of State said, “We are grateful for the expertise and time that Abigail Segura shared in evaluating applications to select recipients of the Gilman scholarship program for the March 2024 deadline.”
In addition to her role on the selection panel, Segura advised numerous CSUF students throughout the Gilman application process. Her firsthand experience on the selection panel gave her valuable insight, equipping students with the tools and knowledge needed to create successful Gilman applications. Segura’s advising certainly proved to be impactful. In May 2024, it was announced that 10 CSUF students were Gilman scholarship awardees.
Reflecting on the experience, Segura shared, “It was a great learning experience. I have a lot of ideas for the next Gilman cycle, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of our students succeed.”
Her dedication to professional development and her commitment to student success have made her an invaluable asset to the CSUF community.
Visit the Study Abroad & Global Engagement website to learn about study abroad opportunities and financial aid options at CSUF.