Nine University of North Georgia (UNG) students, including two from Gainesville, were chosen as Gilman scholarship recipients this year.
Alexander Peebles, a sophomore pursuing a degree in political science, received funding to study in Germany. Having struggled with epilepsy for some time, Peebles worried about how he would deal with it internationally or outside of his home in general. He said choosing to pursue a study abroad is a big step that took a lot of character development.
Ruth Moreno Carpio, a junior who is pursuing a degree in history with teacher certification, received funding to study in Spain. Carpio put in more than 50 hours on her application. She is currently studying Spanish in Spain, and she hopes to pursue a career as a bilingual educator. This experience is her first time traveling abroad.
A UNG spokesman says the number of students selected for the program this year is four more students than last year.