Gilman Scholarship recipient Alexis Leslie, a sophomore from Buffalo, N.Y., takes in the view of Cape Town, South Africa, where she is participating in a study abroad program.
GENESEO, N.Y. – Alexis Leslie, a sophomore from Buffalo, N.Y., is in a study abroad program in Cape Town, South Africa this semester, thanks to a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship she recently earned. She is the 19th Geneseo student to win this State Department award since 2010 and the 21st overall.
Leslie, an international relations major with a minor in conflict studies global perspectives, is studying at the University of Cape Town, where she plans to focus on her conflict studies minor. She plans a career in the field of human rights after graduation, including time with the Peace Corps.
"Spending the past two months in Cape Town has been one of the greatest experiences of my life,” said Leslie. “Aside from the beautiful landscape I am met with at every turn, it is incredible to be somewhere with a lively political scene that is actively working towards dismantling inequality in forms I could not have imagined before spending time here.”
Leslie said the experience has made her much more open to trying new things and to “expect the unexpected.” Outside of class, she is hiking, traveling to different neighborhoods in Cape Town, and volunteering in an attempt to immerse herself in the culture that she said could take years to experience fully.
“So far, it has taught me cultural sensitivity, determination, and humility. I cannot wait to see what the next two months have in store for me."
The Gilman awards include a Follow-On Service Project. When she returns to Geneseo, Leslie will contribute to a pro-study abroad website, work as a study abroad mentor, and present the benefits of the Gilman scholarship to clubs on the Geneseo campus. She also will join her scholarship mentor at student expos to promote applications to the Gilman and study abroad in general.
The Gilman International Scholarship grants undergraduate students of limited financial means up to $5,000 to pursue academic studies or credit-bearing, career-oriented internships abroad to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world.
“Geneseo continues to attract a great number of students with a focus on global citizenship, which accounts for the success rate we’ve seen in the Gilman Scholarship competition,” said Michael Mills, director of national fellowships and scholarships. “Alexis is a highly talented ambassador for the program and for Geneseo, and I’m certain she will benefit greatly from the experience.”