My name is Wafaa Rahim, and I am a communication student at San José State University and a proud Gilman Scholar. I have a deep interest in learning about cultures, languages, and global communities, and I am passionate about exploring how people connect across borders. Through my academic work and personal experiences, I have come to value the power of storytelling and cross-cultural communication in building understanding and empathy.
During my study abroad experience in Thailand, I am excited to immerse myself in daily life, learn from local perspectives, and engage with a culture that is both rich in history and rapidly evolving. I look forward to sharing what I learn with my matched classroom—everything from language and traditions to student life and everyday routines. Through this journey, I hope to inspire curiosity, encourage open-mindedness, and help students see the world as an interconnected community where learning from one another truly matters.
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!
