"If you're thinking about studying abroad but unsure if it’s financially feasible, I encourage you to look into the resources available, because this kind of transformative experience should be within reach for everyone."

Hi! My name is Rayhana Barry, and I’m majoring in Human Rights at the School of General Studies, expecting to graduate this Spring 2025. This past summer, I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad through the Columbia Summer in Paris program, an experience that was made possible thanks in large part to the Gilman Scholarship and the Center for Undergraduate Global Engagement's GLS Scholarship.

A view of the Panthéon while the sunsets.
I’ve always dreamed of studying abroad. As someone deeply interested in global cultures and histories, especially those tied to the African diaspora, I saw studying abroad as a way to deepen my understanding beyond the classroom. I also come from a modest financial background, so the idea of traveling and studying in another country felt like a distant goal. Thanks to the Gilman Scholarship, that goal became achievable.

Academically, my time in Paris helped me explore new dimensions of subjects I already loved. From examining France’s relationship with its former colonies to discovering Arab cinema, I was challenged to think more critically and globally. Personally, the experience pushed me out of my comfort zone, I became more independent, open-minded, and confident in unfamiliar settings. Professionally, it helped me clarify what kind of international work and cultural engagement I’d like to pursue after graduation.

In front of the Institut Lumière which is a French organisation, based in Lyon, for the promotion and preservation of aspects of French film making.
One of my favorite memories was a spontaneous weekend trip to Bordeaux with a few classmates and friends. We had no strict itinerary, just a train ticket and a shared sense of adventure. We spent our time exploring the city, enjoying incredible meals, and learning about the history and culture of Bordeaux. That sense of discovery and connection is what made the experience so special.

I’m incredibly grateful to the Gilman Scholarship and the GLS Scholarship for helping me live out this dream. If you're thinking about studying abroad but unsure if it’s financially feasible, I encourage you to look into the resources available, because this kind of transformative experience should be within reach for everyone.