How an IFSA-Gilman Scholarship Opened Europe for Me
I’m writing this from a small cabin in the Dolomites, looking out at what I’m convinced are the most beautiful mountains on earth. A year ago, I wouldn’t have believed this was part of my study abroad plan.
When I started planning my semester in Barcelona, the cost of getting there wasn’t my only worry. I was just as anxious about what I could afford after I arrived. Flights, housing and everyday costs were adding up, and I assumed traveling beyond Barcelona would be a luxury I’d have to skip.
That bothered me, because living in Europe puts dozens of countries a short flight or train ride away. I didn’t want to spend four months watching that opportunity pass me by.
Finding the IFSA Gilman International Matching Scholarship
I found this scholarship on the IFSA portal, looking for any way to make study abroad more affordable. I applied without knowing what to expect.
Finding out I’d been awarded $2,500 was a huge relief. Beyond the money itself, it felt like someone was investing in my experience and telling me that I belonged abroad just as much as anyone else.
Before I was awarded this scholarship, I had already started making mental cuts to my plans: fewer weekend trips, fewer excursions, skipping experiences that cost a little extra. Afterwards, I was able to plan my semester around what I wanted to experience, not just around cost.
“It felt like someone was investing in my experience and telling me that I belonged abroad just as much as anyone else.”
Seeing more of Europe
The scholarship award took pressure off big, unavoidable costs like housing, groceries and getting around Barcelona. With those essentials covered more comfortably, I no longer had to treat every extra expense as a risk.
This award also helped me budget more intentionally. I set aside part of the award for travel and planned trips around it. This meant I could book flights early, when prices were lower, instead of waiting and hoping I’d have enough left over.
That breathing room made the biggest difference. Instead of turning down opportunities by default, I could plan and budget for them, and go. Here’s where this scholarship has taken me so far:
- Blanes: My first taste of Costa Brava. My first trip was a short train ride up the coast to Blanes, the town where the Costa Brava begins. It was the perfect warm-up for traveling on my own. The beaches were stunning, with clear water framed by rocky cliffs, and the views from the hills above town were worth every step of the climb.
Away from the tourist crowds, I found small family-run spots serving authentic Spanish dishes that tasted like they’d been made the same way for generations. That trip showed me how much there is to discover just an hour or two from Barcelona.
- London (and Oxford): A different big city. I expected London to feel familiar, and in some ways, it did feel like New York, with the same energy, crowded streets, and feeling that something is always happening. But the culture felt completely different, with history on every corner and a different rhythm to daily life. London’s international restaurant scene is incredible, and I ate cuisine from all over the world.
My day trip to Oxford was just as memorable. Walking through its centuries-old colleges and halls that helped inspire Hogwarts felt like stepping into a storybook, and it made me think about what it would be like to study in a place with so much history.
- Cairo: My family’s home city. This trip meant the most. Returning as a study abroad student gave me a new perspective on a place I thought I knew. The pyramids were just as breathtaking as I remembered. I wandered through the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, with its maze of spice stalls, lanterns, and the sound of shopkeepers calling to passersby. One of my favorite days was a desert safari for $50, a reminder that the most unforgettable experiences don’t have to be expensive. Best of all, I spent time with family I don’t see often.
- Venice and the Dolomites: Canals to cabins. Venice was unlike anywhere I’d been. Getting lost in its narrow streets and crossing bridge after bridge over the canals was an adventure on its own. The food didn’t quite live up to the hype, and the city is quiet at night. It’s best explored during the day.
Nothing could have prepared me the jagged peaks that rise straight out of green valleys. Every turn on the road reveals a view better than the last.
Each trip has taught me something, from navigating new transit systems to trying unfamiliar dishes to meeting people with completely different perspectives. And coming home to Barcelona after each trip has made me appreciate my host city even more.
Living in Barcelona
Barcelona has been everything I hoped for and more. It’s relatively affordable, with many countries nearby. The people are welcoming, and the IFSA professors and staff have been incredibly kind and supportive.
Living a few minutes from the beach never gets old. I play beach volleyball every week, one of my favorite parts of my routine here. Through volleyball, classes and IFSA events, I’ve met people from all over Europe and from other U.S. programs. Some of them quickly became my closest friends, and they’re the people I’ve shared nearly every adventure with since.
Spending time with people from so many different countries has changed how I see the world. Conversations over dinner or after a volleyball game often turn into comparisons of how things work back home, from school and family life to food and politeness. I’ve learned as much from those friendships as I have in the classroom.
“Spending time with people from so many different countries has changed how I see the world. I’ve learned as much from those friendships as I have in the classroom.”
Study abroad may not be out of reach
Don’t rule it out before you’ve looked at the options. Here’s what helped me:
- Apply for every scholarship you qualify for. Start with your program portal, your university study abroad office and national awards like the Gilman. Even smaller awards add up, and many students skip applying because they assume they won’t be selected. You might start with IFSA scholarships and grants.
- Save during the semester before you leave. Set a savings goal, pick up extra work hours, and cut back on spending you won’t miss. Every dollar saved at home can help fund a weekend trip or a museum ticket abroad.
- Live like a local in your host city. Cook at home, use public transit, and look for student discounts. Keeping everyday costs low frees up money to travel.
- Plan trips early and travel smart. Book flights and trains weeks ahead, travel with friends to split housing, and choose hostels or budget stays over hotels.
Most importantly, don’t let fear of the cost stop you from asking questions. Talk to your study abroad advisor and reach out to students who have gone abroad. When I started, I had no idea how much support was out there. None of my experience would have looked quite the same without the IFSA Gilman International Matching Scholarship, and I’m grateful for all it has made possible.
Ziad H. | George Washington University | IFSA Barcelona, Spain | Fall 2026