SEBS Gilman Scholars Embarked on Transformative Global Experiences – Rutgers University
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Joselyn Sabillon Corea SEBS’27 and Jade Dunkley Davis SEBS’26 (at extreme right) sit on a fence during their study abroad experience at CELA Belize in 2025.
Three students from the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences (SEBS) were among a record 20 Rutgers students awarded a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. Named in honor of the late Congressman Benjamin Gilman, a champion for international education, the scholarship was established in 2001 by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
It expands access to study abroad opportunities for students who might not otherwise be able to participate and supports short-term summer and winter study abroad programs, as well as semester-long opportunities. The 2025 cohort of Rutgers Gilman Scholars studied and interned in countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Central America through a variety of programs that span research, health, sustainability, governance, and cultural exchange.
Joselyn Sabillon Corea during her study abroad experience at CELA Belize in 2025.
SEBS students, Joselyn Sabillon Corea, Jade Dunkley-Davis and Steisy Gomez spent two weeks this summer engaged in this transformative global experiential learning opportunity.
“Studying abroad offers Rutgers SEBS students an experiential learning opportunity that extends far beyond the classroom. For many, it’s a chance to explore sustainable practices and global challenges from a new lens, enriching both their personal and professional development,” said Oi Yin Lo, Senior Program Coordinator with the SEBS Office of Global Engagement.
Study abroad also fosters independence and resilience, often helping students determine whether their chosen academic and career path is right for them.
“For SEBS Gilman Scholars, these international experiences are especially impactful, offering access and equity in global learning to Pell recipients. Whether in the tropics, the Arctic, or urban centers abroad, study abroad is a powerful catalyst for growth,” added Lo.
Joselyn Sabillon Corea (SEBS’27) is an Animal Science major. She spent time this summer at the Center for Engaged Learning Abroad (CELA Belize), which is located in San Ignacio. There, she was immersed in hands-on animal care, including making general veterinary visits to farm animals.
“These experiences allowed me to gain practical skills, such as administering vaccines, conducting physical examinations, participating in neuter/spay surgeries, and learning surgical techniques. The program provided insights into common animal diseases, the challenges related to farm life, and essential veterinary knowledge, all while helping me better understand Belize’s culture.”
While this was not Joselyn’s first experience traveling internationally, it was her first study abroad trip.
“I felt excited about exploring a new part of the world alongside professionals in my desired field. Despite my initial nerves about being among people I did not know, I quickly formed connections with my classmates, the teaching assistant, students from other universities, including two from Rutgers, and the instructors and their families.”
The weekends allowed her and peers some memorable trips, including visiting the beach, zip-lining, cave exploring, and experiencing some of Belize’s landmarks.
“I learned that families work together in businesses, like the one partnered with our program, which allowed us this incredible experience. The hands-on experience I received from the very first day was invaluable. I absolutely loved my time in Belize, and if I could do it again, I would not hesitate.”
Jade Dunkley Davis SEBS’26 during her study abroad experience at CELA Belize in 2025.
The Gilman scholarship requires a follow-on project either on-campus or in recipients’ local community.
Joselyn applied to become a Global Ambassador for Rutgers Global’s Study Abroad office. “In this role, I will be helping others interested in studying abroad by informing them about the various programs and scholarships they can apply for.”
Jade Dunkley Davis SEBS’26, also an Animal Science major, participated in the same CELA Belize program as Joselyn this summer.
Though not her first international experience, it was Jade’s first solo trip abroad. Despite some initial anxiety, she quickly focused on the educational and career benefits to ease her reservations.
“I decided that this was the right program for me because I yearned for hands-on experience from a veterinary perspective. It was amazing being able to work alongside a veterinarian to learn different veterinary techniques, especially in a different global setting. This program exceeded my expectations by making me feel right at home.”
Jade found the experience, “the perfect balance between learning, embracing a new culture and fun.”
She started the fall semester back on the Cook campus excited at the prospect of sharing her Gilman follow-on project.
“The project that I planned for the semester is sharing this experience with my pre-vet club and my other animal science peers”
Steisy Gomez (SEBS’26) is an Environmental Policy, Institutions and Behavior (EPIB) major, which explores the human dimensions of environmental problems and solutions. Her Gilman experience this summer took her to Scotland as part of the program, Summer: Rutgers-Castles, Communities, and Sustainability: Lessons from Scotland for the 21st Century.
“I was abroad for three weeks, traveling to different cities across Scotland. During the program, we learned about sustainability initiatives at the local and regional level, exploring how communities work with government systems to promote resilience and well-being.”
Steisy Gomez during her study abroad experience in Scotland in 2025.
Steisy and her cohort experienced a blend of academic and community-based learning, meeting with community partners, visiting farms and woodlands, and engaging in hands-on activities to understand grassroots approaches to sustainability.
A seasoned international traveler, especially when it comes to visits to her home country, the Dominican Republic, Steisy was excited about her first independent international experience focused on academics and cultural immersion.
“As an environmental policy student, I have long admired the way European countries are leaders in sustainability, and I see them as models for the kind of community-centered work I want to pursue in my career. Choosing this program was a clear decision because it directly aligned with both my academic studies and my professional goals of working in sustainability and community engagement.”
This Gilman scholarship and the experiential learning opportunity it afforded exceeded Steisy’s expectations. “It gave me valuable exposure to innovative sustainability initiatives and reinforced my commitment to pursuing this field in the future.”
Steisy returned to the Cook campus just as fired up as when she left, only this time, it’s to be an unofficial ambassador for the Gilman program and global education, more broadly.
“Many of my peers express concerns about studying abroad, particularly about how they could afford it or whether it is accessible to students from underrepresented backgrounds. I want to show them that the resources are available and that financial barriers should not hold them back from an opportunity as valuable as studying abroad.”
Her Gilman follow-on project will involve her sharing her story with fellow students in the SEBS Equal Opportunity Fund (EOF) program and providing them with information about scholarships and funding resources.
“I was fortunate that my entire experience abroad was covered through the Gilman Scholarship and additional Rutgers scholarships, and I want others to see that this is possible for them as well.”
Filed Under: Academic Excellence, Animal Science, Environmental Policy, Institutions and Behavior EPIB, Experiential Learning, SEBS, SEBS Majors
