Three Baruch Students Win U.S. Department of State Scholarships to Study Abroad

January 7, 2026

What started as a dream of learning beyond the classroom is now a reality for three Baruch undergraduates. Each were awarded a U.S. Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad in spring 2026.

Selected from more than 7,500 applicants nationwide, the students are among the 1,550 chosen for the competitive, merit-based scholarship. Every Gilman scholar receives up to $5,000 to pursue academic studies and career-oriented internships.

According to the Department of State, study abroad “equips Gilman Scholars with international experience, global networks, and foreign language skills essential to advancing the U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.”

All three students who received awards are studying abroad on Baruch exchange programs.

Meet the Gilman Scholars

Manasvini Chitharanjan: Denmark

Manasvini Chitharanjan (’27), an operations management and consulting major at the Zicklin School of Business, will study at the Copenhagen Business School in Denmark.

“I was inspired to pursue this scholarship by my parents who want me to broaden my education and worldview,” Chitharanjan said.

Chitharanjan chose Denmark because it is a global leader in sustainability and efficient operations. She looks forward to engaging with peers from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds.

“This award will provide me with international experience that strengthens my global perspective, communication skills, and understanding of how sustainability is integrated into business operations worldwide.”

Jainab Jahra: France

Jainab Jahra (’27), a digital marketing major with a minor in journalism, will attend the University of Paris-Dauphine in France.

“I am a person who never passes up an opportunity, no matter how unattainable it may seem!” Jahra stated. “I have always been extremely fascinated by the French fashion powerhouses like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior, and I would like to work in Paris Fashion Week to learn the language, French culture and fashion history!”

Jahra hopes this experience will lead to a full-time position in the fashion industry doing marketing or editorial.

“Through this scholarship, I will have the opportunity to visit museums as well as purchase books that revolve around fashion,” Jahra mentions. “I will be able to open myself to newer experiences that influence my career goals without having to worry about how I can fund them.”

Felix Ramos: Spain

Felix Ramos (’26), an international business major with minors in psychology and marketing, chose to study abroad in Madrid, Spain because it serves as a cultural and linguistic bridge connecting his Dominican American heritage and professional future.

“Madrid is a premier global hub for business and innovation within the Spanish-speaking world,” Ramos explained. “Studying there allows me to refine my professional Spanish while observing firsthand how international markets and sophisticated tech ecosystems operate in a European context.”

Ramos will be immersing himself in Spanish culture from Flamenco to local festivals while gaining a local understanding of European markets. He is excited to connect with Madrid’s startup bionetwork environments at hubs like La Nave to see how they prioritize social impact alongside growth.

“This scholarship provides an opportunity to build the cross-cultural competency and global network necessary to lead in an increasingly interconnected world,” he says. “Studying abroad at the Charles III University of Madrid will give me the high-level professional confidence to bridge diverse markets, specifically helping me navigate the business landscapes of the U.S., Europe, and Latin America.”

Study Abroad Interest

Students from all three Baruch Schools who are interested in academic opportunities in foreign countries should visit the Study Abroad Office.

Staff help guide students to think about their experiences abroad in terms of goals—both more strictly educational and those related to cultural learning—and assists them throughout the application process.

Learn more about the benefits of studying abroad by signing up for a virtual information session.

Student Awards Advising Support

All Baruch students who applied for Gilman scholarships benefitted from the advice and assistance provided by Valerie Hrimnak, deputy director of Baruch College’s Office of National & Prestigious Fellowships Advising. This office helps guide students through the application process when pursuing fellowships and scholarships that support their academic studies.

In addition to the Gilman, other opportunities available to students include the Fulbright award, Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship, Freeman-ASIA scholarships, Schwarzman scholarship, and more.

# # #