Southeast Missouri State University student Katy Moore, an early childhood education major at the Sikeston Regional Campus, has been awarded the highly competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, enabling her to study abroad in Scotland for a full semester.
The Gilman Scholarship, funded by the U.S. Department of State, supports undergraduate students with high financial need who may not otherwise have the opportunity to gain international experience. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens, Pell Grant recipients and enrolled in a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program. Applicants undergo a rigorous selection process, including four extensive essays, certifications from study abroad and financial aid advisors and proof of program acceptance. Only about one in four applicants nationwide are awarded the scholarship each year.
Moore, a mother of four, will travel to the University of the West of Scotland for a 16-week program beginning in January. She was drawn to the program not only for its educational opportunities but also because of family ties and a long-standing interest in Scottish culture.
“Study abroad has been a dream of mine,” Moore said. “Now I get the chance to live that dream, learn new things, and bring those experiences back to my future classroom. My kids are really excited, too.”
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Moore says that being a nontraditional student and a parent has not hindered her education like she originally worried it might.
“For any other parents considering returning to school, do it. Don’t hesitate. It seems scary, you may think you’re too old, or that you won’t fit in with younger students. But you will find people like you. Everyone has been so accepting and supportive. Returning to school has just given me a bigger family, and they’ve helped me along the way.”
Aven Pacha, SEMO’s study abroad coordinator, celebrated Moore’s accomplishment.
“We are incredibly proud of Katy for earning the Gilman Scholarship—our first SEMO recipient in more than a decade,” said Pacha. This award not only recognizes her hard work and determination but also makes a transformational international experience possible for her. Study abroad equips students with global awareness, confidence and career-ready skills they carry for the rest of their lives. We are thrilled to see Katy represent SEMO at our new partner institution in Scotland.”
In December 2024, SEMO expanded its study abroad services by hiring a dedicated Study Abroad coordinator, launching a centralized Study Abroad Portal and offering ongoing Study Abroad 101 sessions and peer mentoring to help students explore global opportunities and navigate the application process. These enhancements are part of SEMO’s broader commitment to making international experiences accessible and manageable for students across all academic programs.
Moore credits the support of SEMO’s faculty, staff, and her family for helping her return to higher education as a nontraditional student.
“The faculty and staff have been very supportive—many are parents themselves, so they understand the challenges of balancing school and family.”
After completing her semester abroad and earning her degree, Moore hopes to secure a teaching position at an elementary school, bringing the insights and global perspective she gained overseas back to her students.
For more information about SEMO’s study abroad programs, visit semo.edu/studyabroad.