When University of South Florida (USF) student Emmy Stepp set off to spend her spring semester at the University of Exeter in England, she did not anticipate being chosen to spend four busy days in Rome studying the United Nations with the Gilman Scholarship Program.
Stepp was selected as a Gilman Scholar by the U.S. Department of State last year, which provides funding for undergraduate study abroad. All Gilman Scholars studying in Europe this spring were invited to apply for this special study tour, but only 12 were selected.
A biomedical sciences major with a minor in community-engaged homeland security and emergency management, Stepp chose the Judy Genshaft Honors College Semester in Exeter Program because of its interdisciplinary courses and emphasis on global health. The Gilman Scholars United Nations Study Tour offered an opportunity to build on her study abroad curriculum by engaging with leaders tackling humanitarian challenges.
EXPLORING ROME
Study tour participants stand with Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Programme
The study tour was packed with both cultural activities and meetings with different agencies, including:
- The Vatican Museum
- The Colosseum
- United States-United Nations Rome Mission
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
- The World Food Programme
- International Fund for Agricultural Development
Stepp said, “Traveling in Rome with other Gilman Scholars was an incredible experience that reshaped how I envision my future career. I learned about the different roles of the UN agencies and how the U.S. Missions support them. Their ability to directly help those struggling with food insecurity and malnutrition was inspiring.”
A POSITIVE SHIFT
In her initial Gilman Scholarship application, Stepp focused on the University of Exeter’s Wellcome Centre for Cultures and Environments of Health, which collaborates with the World Health Organization to do research on health care methods and systems. Stepp still plans to work in health, but the experiences in Exeter and Rome expanded how she thinks about her future path.
“I now know that I want to serve vulnerable communities internationally,” said Stepp.
The UN study tour’s deep dive into food insecurity gave her a new understanding of how work in different areas can impact health outcomes.
“Everyone I encountered was deeply passionate about humanitarian aid and committed to supporting communities,” said Stepp. “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone involved in the study tour, as well as to the Gilman Program and USF for making this opportunity possible.”
Students can visit the USF Office of National Scholars website for more information about the Gilman Scholarship.