¡Hola! My name is Mikailah Elise, but you can call me Kai! I am 20 years old and come from sunny Southern California. I attend San José State University where I study molecular biology, chemistry, and bioinformatics. I am fascinated by molecular mysteries and the processes of discovering things that are completely new to humanity. One of my favorite parts of science is being able to investigate questions in the lab and sharing new discoveries.
During my Fall 2026 semester, I am studying abroad in Madrid, Spain, attending IE University, a business university located in Madrid’s financial district. I chose Madrid because I wanted to experience its lively nightlife, beautiful sights, local traditions, and its exciting history. More importantly, I wanted to step far outside of my comfort zone and learn about subjects that I do not usually study at home. While I hope to pursue a career in life sciences research, studying abroad at IE University has given me the opportunity to explore law, business, and computing alongside students and professors from around the world. I am so excited to see how these new experiences might influence my future!
Outside of school, I love living an active lifestyle through weightlifting, hiking, and walking around the city, making memories with friends. I also enjoy baking, and trying new foods--I consider myself an adventurous foodie! Back home, some of my favorite things are my dog, Biscuit, and living close to the beach. I know Laguna Beach and Newport Beach like the back of my hand, and I love taking spontaneous drives for a quick tan, swim, and beach sandwiches.
So far, my favorite part of studying abroad has been making new friends and exploring Madrid together. Moving to a different country on my own has definitely been intimidating, especially because I had never left the United States before. However, navigating a new city becomes much less scary when you have friends who are learning alongside you. I am most excited to share my travels, adventures, and trips with you--but also the challenging moments and the ways I have overcome them. I cannot wait for us to experience this journey together!
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 visiting www.gilmanscholarship.org.
