Campus Connection

Bronwyn Bond reflects on transformative study abroad experience, supported by Gilman Scholarship

Expanding education beyond the classroom through international experiences is a transformational – though, sometimes pricey – adventure.  

However, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship through the U.S. Department of State helped ease the financial burden of studying abroad for UW-La Crosse students – an opportunity that senior Bronwyn Bond jumped on.

"I first learned about the Gilman Scholarship at a UWL Study Abroad information session," Bond explains. "Writing the application was intense, but I got guidance from the Writing Center, my professors and friends to make my application as strong as possible. When I received the scholarship, the relief I felt was incredible. It relieved so much of the financial burden, and I was endlessly grateful to have it." 

As an English writing and rhetoric major with minors in linguistics and creative writing, Bond chose to study at the University of Galway in Ireland, where she could dive into her academic passions while immersing herself in Irish culture.

Bond notes the courses she enrolled in: “Exploring Shakespeare,” “Celtic Languages and their Relatives,” “Celtic Mythology, Religion, and Folklore” and “Contemporary Literature.” 

"The cultural immersion was present in every aspect of my time there from academic learning to casual conversations with locals,” Bond explains. “I learned so much about Irish history and culture, often in the most unexpected ways. The references to Irish history and culture in my classes taught me more than I could have learned in any American classroom.” 

In addition to her studies, Bond enjoyed being involved in campus clubs. 

“I was on the Book Club committee, taught crochet for the ‘Granny Society’ and even had the chance to be published in the student journal with the Writers Society,” Bond says. 

Bond's experience abroad has inspired her to pursue a master’s degree in Irish writing in Ireland, and she hopes to be the first person in her family to complete a PhD. 

"All of my classes were unique and taught by passionate professors who made the most of the Irish culture and humor,” Bond says. “It shifted the way I think about my future. Now, I’m focused on getting my master’s in Irish writing." 

Bond credits UWL’s International Education & Engagement (IEE) office for their support throughout the entire process, from application to departure and beyond.  

"The IEE office was incredibly helpful,” Bond says. “They provided essential resources, guidance, and support before I left, and now, they are helping me explore scholarships for my master’s degree. You can tell they want students to succeed.” 

As Bond finishes her undergraduate degree, she reflects on the quality of her UWL education and the opportunity to study abroad. 

“I have loved being at UWL, especially due to the incredible teachers in the English Department,” Bond says. “I have found a deep passion for writing that has been nurtured by the classes I took in Ireland. It was a truly transformative experience that helped me grow both as a student and as an individual." 

Learn more about UWL International Education or the Gilman Scholarship here, or stop by 1140 Centennial Hall.