Gilman Scholar’s study abroad experience includes unique classes, cultural immersion

By Margaret Schell

G ilman Scholar Mary Piper, a junior political science major from Albany, Georgia, spent her summer studying in the United Kingdom. Piper, an SGA senator and Honor's College student, was one of over 3,500 undergraduates nationwide who were awarded the U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for their 2026 study or internship abroad.

In the U.K., Piper took two classes. One was Contemporary International Controversies, where she learned about international problems and how they affect tensions.

"Our professor focused on the tensions in the Middle East, particularly how Britain, India and Pakistan each played a part in it," she said. "That was super interesting."

The class went on a historic walking tour in London, visited the Imperial War Museum and the Barbican Performing Arts Centre, which was close to where Piper stayed.

She also took British Children's Literature.

"I learned how to connect with my inner child and imagination," she said. "It's an important skill to have as an adult."

The class visited a children's museum, fairy tale exhibit in the British Library and saw the War Horse Play, which is set in World War I and portrays the horse's perspective. Piper's final assignment was to write a short story.

"I studied in London - a large, busy city with a diverse culture," she said. "It was overwhelming at first and surreal. But I grew confident and figured out how to travel alone."

Her free time was spent going to shows and visiting other cities.

"I love theater," she said. "I saw 18 performances in London. I also went to Paris and Amsterdam. That was exciting. I loved the Eiffel Tower. Paris is beautiful, and Amsterdam is so unique."

Piper especially loved meeting the locals. It's what she'll miss the most.

"Everyone is so accepting of others," she said. "You can express yourself however you want and be the version of yourself you want to be. It's freeing to see so much diversity in the people and language. There's no judgment - everyone is accepted there. It felt authentic."

This experience provided Piper with a deeper understanding of her place in the world.

"Studying abroad gave me a rare opportunity to comprehend how big everything is, yet how small I am and how we're not that different," she said. "In talking with the residents, they have the same problems we do and feel the same things we feel."

Piper enjoyed learning to be the best version of herself as a Gilman scholar.

"It's been a huge honor to study in the U.K.," she said. "It's given me confidence to accomplish more. Just knowing someone believes in me makes me continue to push myself to grow and strive for more opportunities."

The study abroad program reinforced Piper's decision to pursue a career in international policy law. The Gilman program allows American students to gain career skills and global networks, furthering their professional development and the U.S. economy.

"I'm more confident in myself and what I want to be now," she said. "The lessons I learned in the U.K. will follow me through Georgia College, law school and my profession."

Header Images: While studying abroad on a Gilman Scholarship, Mary Piper stayed in London and visited Paris and Amsterdam. (Photos: Mary Piper)