January 4, 2024

Study in Spain? Si, por favor, says Alexandra Dionisi ’25, a 2023 recipient of the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. She plans to study the Spanish language and culture at the University of Deusto.

Being a first-generation student and adult learner did not stop her from applying and will not stop her from a study abroad experience, something that does not necessarily come to mind for adult learners. The social science major works full-time at a community college, advising students about award opportunities, including the Gilman. Because of her job, she is well aware of the experiential learning opportunities that abound for award recipients, and knew she had to apply now that she is also a student. “I’ve always wanted to study in Bilbao, Spain so this scholarship was perfect,” she shared. As a Pell Grant recipient who anticipates graduating in 2025, this was her last chance to shoot her shot for the scholarship, and it paid off.

Gilman Scholarship recipient Alexandra Dionisi ’25 plans to study in Spain

Dionisi is one of four Gilman scholars who have called Ramapo their #HomeSweetPo in only the last four years. She is also only the second adult learner to become a Gilman scholar. In 2022, two undergraduate Ramapo students were awarded the Gilman. Jamie Kim ’23 studied accounting, management, and language at Korea University. Mellanie Trenado ’22 interned at the #1 English language magazine in Japan, Metropolis Japan. In 2020, Patrice Lenowitz ’20, the first adult learner Gilman scholar at Ramapo, studied issues surrounding climate change in Peru.

Who is an adult learner?

Adult learner is a term gaining popularity in recent years, replacing “non-traditional students.”  It is used to describe students who are typically 25 or older with experiences that are oftentimes unique from those of students who enroll in college immediately or very soon after graduating high school. During those formative years after high school, adult learners might have encountered a range of life circumstances that can include jobs, family or military commitments, and a number of factors that put higher education on pause after high school.

Ramapo College’s Degree Completion Program provides the opportunity for Dionisi and students like her to earn a college degree in a way that balances with their established lifestyle through personalized advisement, support, and flexible course delivery. She also appreciates the intimate size of Ramapo College, noting that “Ramapo can dedicate more time and attention to each student. As a first-generation student, I really needed that.”

Support for adult learners increases

In July of 2023, the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education announced the state’s Some College, No Degree initiative, aimed to empower the almost 800,000 NJ residents who fall into the SCND category to return to or begin college coursework to earn their degrees. Ramapo College is proudly part of the SCND initiative and will be able to provide additional support for adult learners, including the expansion of specialized curricular pathways and refresher workshops on time management and reading and writing skills.  Adult learners thrive at Ramapo College and not only can apply for prestigious scholarships, but win them, just like Dionisi did.

About the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Launched in 2001, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, overseen by the U.S. Department of State, provides opportunities for financially constrained students to pursue overseas study or internships. Students who receive a Pell Grant and are enrolled in any undergraduate degree program, which includes the Adult Completion Program at Ramapo, are eligible to apply. Contact the Roukema Center for International Education for more information about applying.

Learn more about the Degree Completion Program and study abroad opportunities for all Ramapo students.