Hi, future travelers! My name is Jess, and I grew up in Queens, New York—also known as the BIG APPLE! My neighborhood, North Corona, is a vibrant place where many people from Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic live. Because of this, there’s an abundance of delicious foods to try from their home countries. If you’re ever hungry, Queens is the place to be!
Growing up in Queens, I was surrounded by a variety of languages and cultures, which sparked my curiosity about the world. I always dreamed of seeing faraway places, like the Colosseum in Rome, with my own eyes. Before finishing high school, I got the chance to visit Italy for a whole week! I tasted all kinds of pasta and even tried wild boar, which was incredible when paired with handmade pasta. But the most meaningful part of the trip was connecting with locals—some of whom spoke Spanish. This allowed me to catch a glimpse of the issues they face in their community and discover their favorite hidden spots.
Now, my goal is to visit as many countries as I can. This January to May, I’ll be studying in London, and I’m excited to explore cities like Florence, Berlin, and Madrid. I can’t wait to share my adventures and show you the amazing pictures I’ll take. Maybe one day, you’ll become a traveler too—and visit the places I share!
Want to know more about how you can study or intern abroad when you are a college student? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Learn more about the scholarship by clicking here!
