From the time she was a young scholar, Zoe Spencer, a current junior studying psychology pre-medicine with a Spanish minor, has dreamt about traveling the world to study aboard. She recalls a time during her middle school years when she heard an older cousin describe his amazing experience studying abroad in Germany. She vowed that one day, she, too, would experience a new culture while advancing her studies. Now, thanks to the Gilman International Scholarship, she can make her dreams become reality.

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers a variety of scholarship and aid options. The program aims to educate students to become global leaders through premier study abroad and internship programs, which offer students worldwide experiential learning opportunities that set the highest standards of academic quality. Just as Xavier prepares its students to assume roles of leadership and positive change, so does the Gilman International Scholarship Program afford students the opportunity to explore their talents while learning in culturally rich and diverse environments.

Spencer was awarded the Gilman International Scholarship for 2023 and will be headed to San Jose, Costa Rica in the summer of 2023 to complete her study abroad program.

“I will be surrounded by a culture that is completely new to me. I want to create a mutual understanding with native Costa Ricans through a sharing of our cultures,” said Spencer. “I am excited to seek out meaningful conversations and relationships with the locals while I am in Costa Rica. Coming from Alabama, I am very accustomed to southern hospitality as a norm.” 

While in Costa Rica, Spencer will be taking a medical Spanish course at Veritas University. She will also volunteer in a health care setting and will participate in cultural excursions. Spencer shared that her ultimate goal is to become a well-rounded physician using the experiences she will have in Costa Rica as a foundation. She hopes that the experience will greatly improve her grasp of Spanish and will give her insight into how to make patients of diverse cultures feel comfortable in a time of vulnerability.

Spencer described how she intends to cultivate her growth.

“I want to speak to everyone I encounter, giving a warm smile, and helping others out when I can. I also want to learn about the person and their culture in-depth. While in this program, I can apply this hospitality by making sure I truly get to know the people I encounter,” Spencer said. “I will be sure to ask them about their name, origins, community, favorite things, etc.; By doing this, not only will I be satisfying my inquisitive nature, but I will also be compassionate and respectful. As I understand and take the time to get to know these people as an individual and together as a community, I will better appreciate their culture and who they are.”