Hello! My name is Leila, and I'm excited to share my journey while I study abroad in England. I’m from a small town called Davenport, which is not far from Disney World. I’ve lived there since I was a baby with my parents and younger sister, and have had a lot of fun memories there. I’m currently a student at the University of Rochester, pursuing a degree in Neuroscience. My goal in life is to become a doctor so I can help people feel their best. However, to do that I have to travel and see how healthcare systems work outside of the U.S., and this opportunity to study in the U.K. will be a big step in that journey.
I didn’t grow up with much money and my disabilities made studying abroad seem like a dream, but I’m here to say that even dreams can come true. Thanks to the support I’ve received from so many people in my life as well as my scholarships, I have been able to make study abroad dreams a reality. While I am focused on my goal here, I also look forward to exploring the landscapes of the U.K., from its lively cities to its stunning castles, and to discovering the local culture along the way. Through me, I hope you can see what it’s like to study abroad—the ups and downs and everything in between—and realize that it is not as impossible as it may seem. There’s so much to explore, and I can’t wait to take y’all with me on my adventures!
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!
