Foreign Dispatches: Zicklin’s Gilman Scholars Report on Study Abroad

Zicklin News spoke to three undergraduates who recently returned from studying abroad on Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships. The program, operated by the U.S. Department of State, is a competitive, merit-based program offering students of limited financial means the opportunity to study or intern overseas as they build skills essential to U.S. prosperity and security. Here’s what they said.  

Aisha Lo (BBA, ’26) 

Major:  Accounting 

City:  Bangkok, Thailand  

University:  Chulalongkorn Business School  

Why Thailand:  “I’d heard only good things about Thailand—the kindness of the people, the culture, the nature, the food. Also, when I compared different programs, the Thai program seemed like the best fit. The university here has a buddy system that pairs exchange students with local students so it’s easier to settle in. It also offers on-campus housing, which makes things much easier. The program was also affordable, which meant I could travel and explore other nearby countries.”   

Aisha and her Thai buddy

Cultural differences:  “Life in Thailand is more laid back and slow paced. It’s really hot during the day, so people don’t go out until late afternoon or evening, which is when you really feel the city’s energy. Also, wearing uniforms in university here is completely normal!” 

Favorite thing about her experience:  “The people, for sure. Every Thai person I met was incredibly kind, and even non-Thai people living there were friendly and welcoming. It made it so easy to connect with others and make friends.”  

What she’ll most remember:  “Definitely my buddy and the friendship we developed. She guided me through everything, introducing me to new people, helping me open a Thai bank account, showing me around the city, and even accompanying me on my very first day there to pick up all the essentials for my dorm. I also cherish the little everyday memories, like grabbing Thai milk tea from the 7-Eleven below my dorm every morning.”  

Tamara Ortiz Macas (BBA, ’26) 

Major:  International business  

City:  Istanbul, Turkey 

University:   Koç University 

Why Turkey:  “My mom raised me watching Turkish soap operas—that’s what started my love for Turkey. I chose Istanbul because of its unique blend of European and Asian cultures and because English is more widely spoken here than in the rest of Turkey.”   

Cultural differences:  “Daily life here is very relationship oriented. People take the time to talk, check in, and build warmth even in routine interactions. This feels very different from the faster, more transactional pace of the U.S. Another strong contrast is how present national identity is—Turkish flags, references to history, and national pride show up everywhere, from the classroom to daily conversations.”  

Best thing about her experience:  “Seeing how religion and culture overlap in daily life. I find it fascinating to see how other faiths shape people’s values and ways of living. Regardless of belief, people share a sense of calm and connection when praying. Seeing that from both strict and more flexible practitioners is one of the most beautiful parts of living here.”  

Tamara in Cappadocia

What she’ll most remember:  “How quickly Turkey started to feel familiar. I built close relationships with local shop owners and vendors, sometimes with almost no shared language. People constantly tried to help, communicate, or find a solution to whatever I was trying to express. That effort is something I’ll never forget and is very unique to the Turkish.” 

Biggest surprise:  “The lack of cilantro. As a Latina who loves cooking, I use cilantro all the time. When I’m homesick, sometimes I just want that familiar herb to make a dish that reminds me of home.” 

Biggest lesson learned:  “Growth doesn’t just happen in your discomfort zone; it happens because of it. Back home, I’m used to expressing myself easily, switching between English and Spanish and always feeling understood. In Turkey, the language barrier made me feel frustrated and lost—a constant reminder that I was far from everything familiar. And yet every time I couldn’t express myself, the people here met me with warmth, trying to guess, gesture, or laugh through the confusion. Those interactions became tiny victories. Turkey taught me that the moments where I feel the least confident are exactly the moments that shape me the most. That’s a lesson I’m going to carry long after I leave.”  

Phuntsok Yolmo (BBA, ’27) 

Major:  Finance 

City: Madrid, Spain   

University: University Carlos III (Charles III University)  

Why Spain:  “When I was seven and growing up in Nepal, I saw a Bollywood movie about three friends traveling across Spain as they confronted their fears and rediscovered the joy of living. That inspired my own journey to Spain.”  

Phuntsok visits Granada

Cultural differences:  “People here put greater emphasis on having a life outside of work. They take their time, whether that’s during a long lunch or casual conversation after class. Students here are very open in expressing their opinions, and universities encourage open dialogue on social and global issues in a way that feels less restrained and more community driven. There’s a strong cultural value placed on respectful discussion and freedom of expression.”  

Biggest lesson learned:  “Slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind. It can actually help you connect more deeply with others, your work, and yourself.” 

Favorite thing about his experience:  “The people. I’ll never forget the late-night talks with my friends about their families, faith, and futures. Those conversations reminded me that hopes and dreams are deeply universal and shouldn’t be limited to only the fortunate few who have access to opportunities like this program.”  

What he’ll most remember:  “The spontaneous planning and independence. For the first time, I was away from my family, friends, and culture. I’ve grown so much emotionally and feel proud to have represented New York City and Baruch here in Spain. More than landmarks or classes, it’s that sense of belonging in a completely new place that I’ll carry with me.”  

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