2008 Woodie Awards
Ashley Rider: Recipient of study abroad award
Caitlin Bandfield
Issue date: 1/24/08 Section: News
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According to the program's official website (http://www.iie.org/programs/gilman/index.html), "such international study is intended to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world."
Rider, who was concerned about finances while studying in Argentina, applied for the Gilman award after getting the form in a packet of information from the office of Muhlenberg's International Programs. She started the long application process back in the fall of 2007, which included writing an essay and creating a proposal for a follow-on project upon her return to the United States. For this project she wants to focus on creating a type of guidance program for pre-med students here at the College who are thinking of studying abroad.
Rider, who is majoring in Neuroscience with a double minor in Spanish and Public Health, knows firsthand how challenging it can be for a pre-med student here to study abroad. She wants to help others accomplish what she herself is achieving, adding, "I want to make the most out of my four years at Muhlenberg, which for me includes being able to go abroad to enhance my major."
Rider will be living with a host family in Buenos Aires from February until July and will be taking classes through a complete Spanish immersion program. Some of her goals while in Argentina include finishing her Spanish minor and doing an independent research project in public health. She is very committed to the field of health care, and after several experiences in the Allentown community she realizes more than ever how important and beneficial it is to be able to speak Spanish.
Rider is very excited and humbled to be a recipient of the Gilman International Scholarship. She notes that she was thrilled with how generous the program was, as well as the sense of pride and accomplishment she felt upon hearing that she had received the award. She also mentions that this is a big first step for her future plans of applying for the esteemed Fulbright Scholarship.
For now, Rider is preparing for her trip to Argentina and getting excited to spend a semester abroad where she can further hone her interest in and knowledge of both Spanish and public health. She is extremely grateful for the generosity and support of the Gilman Scholarship, and now is focusing on the near future, saying, "I'm really looking forward to exploring and broadening my horizons."