Lone Star College students receive prestigious study abroad scholarship

HOUSTON, TX -- The United States Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman Program recently awarded four Lone Star College Global Scholars and Honors College students with the prestigious Gilman International Scholarship for a summer 2023 study abroad experience.

“Lone Star College is changing the concept of what community colleges can offer based on the caliber of our programs, students and faculty,” said Katharine Caruso, Ph.D., LSC Associate Vice Chancellor Honors and International Education. “Our programming provides students with opportunities, like the Gilman Scholarship, usually given to four-year universities.”

The Gilman International Scholarship aims to cultivate future American leaders with international networks and skills to advance U.S. national security and economic prosperity. Recipients are high-achieving students curious about exploring new cultures and who want to serve their community.

Below are the LSC Global Scholars and Honors College students who received the $4,000 scholarship to study abroad in June and July. Click on their names to learn more about their experiences.


• Eduardo Avila-Cazares, LSC Honors College, Spain and Portugal

• Kennadi Holmes, LSC Global Scholars, Greece

• Beatriz Rincon, LSC Global Scholars and LSC Honors College, Ireland

• Guiliana Sodaro, LSC Global Scholars, Ireland


“My experience in the Gilman Program changed my perspective on education as it allowed me to comprehend just how many study abroad, research and internship opportunities there are for students,” said Avila-Cazares. “It is another worldly experience being in a new environment amongst new people in a new climate and culture.”

During their travels, LSC students learned the similarities and differences between their lives in America compared to their international counterparts. Rincon said her trip to Ireland opened her eyes to different languages, features and diversity.

“This program taught me to be open-minded and have the drive to see things I haven’t experienced before,” said Rincon. “I found it comforting to be in a country (Ireland) that openly respects people without giving others weird looks.”

Scholarship recipients also participated in cultural-enriched activities that afforded them first-hand glimpses into their new worlds. Sodaro and her group hiked up mountains in Ireland and learned about the cairns (rock piles used as markers, often for burial grounds) located atop, ate fish and chips and attended a traditional Gaelic Football game.

“While in Bundoran, I learned about Irish history (Troubles, Irish Kingdoms, colonization, etc.), Irish music and gained more knowledge on what makes Ireland a unique country,” said Sodaro.

LSC Global Scholars is a competitive program that offers students intercultural learning experiences and an international core-course curriculum to ensure they are prepared to work, compete and succeed in an increasingly globalized world. Visit LoneStar.edu/GlobalScholars to learn more.

“I’m incredibly grateful to have experienced Ireland the way I did because I saw cultural competency in action,” said Sodaro.

The LSC Honors College helps meet the needs of high-achieving students through study abroad opportunities, participation in national conferences, scholarships and internationalized classes to become more globally and culturally competent citizens of an increasingly interconnected world. View LoneStar.edu/Honors for more information.