Dreaming of Indonesia

My journey into the Gilman Scholarship began with my desire to travel abroad during my undergraduate studies. At first, I wasn’t sure how I would afford it, but I was determined to focus on my destination rather than the cost. In the fall of 2023, I discovered the UCLA Global Internship program and began researching the countries that aligned with my goals and major. I wanted to participate in a more extended program, and the global internship offered a two-month program. I was uncertain about which country would be the best fit for me. After several email exchanges with the UCLA study abroad office, I applied for the Global Internship in Bali, Indonesia. I also asked many questions regarding my host country and attended all the webinars offered by the study abroad office. However, I submitted my application late and missed some of the scholarship deadlines provided by my school.

Please do not procrastinate. You will miss out on scholarship opportunities. Also, try to apply to all of the scholarships offered by your institution. After doing some research, I discovered the Gilman Scholarship and began to look into the application requirements. Thanks to the study abroad office at UCLA and Start Me Up, I was fortunate to intern with the Coral Triangle Center, a nonprofit organization in Bali, Indonesia, specializing in marine protected areas. My global internship consisted of working on a Geographic Information System (GIS) with the team at the Coral Triangle Center. My GIS maps aim to inform the local government and community about the welfare of marine protected areas in the Coral Triangle and to promote marine conservation. I hope these pages help you navigate the Gilman application and attain your study abroad or global internship goals.

Safe Travels!!

Fernando

“If you’re twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel – as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them – wherever you go.” – Anthony Bourdain