Gilman Scholarship Spotlight: Angel Rojas ’27

Angel Rojas ’27, a junior at Purchase College, was awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which helped fund a summer study-abroad experience in Oslo and Tromso, located above the Arctic Circle. For Angel, the opportunity marked his first time traveling to Europe and his first trip outside the Western Hemisphere since childhood.

Angel, a student interested in theater and history, chose Norway because he had already begun studying the Norwegian language and was fascinated by the country’s culture. When he discovered that Purchase’s Summer in Norway program could count toward his electives, he immediately applied.

Traveling abroad had long been a dream for Angel. “I love traveling, and this was my first time going to Europe,” he said. “Being able to study in another country and experience a new culture was really exciting for me.”

The program spent two and a half weeks in Oslo and several days in Tromso. Angel was especially moved by Norway’s natural landscapes. Seeing mountains, snow, and the Arctic scenery in person made the experience unforgettable. “When I was in Tromso, I was honestly emotional because it was so beautiful,” he said.

Support from the Gilman Scholarship

Angel applied for the Gilman Scholarship after encouragement from study-abroad advisor Nicole Smolenski, who also helped him refine his application essays. The scholarship ultimately covered more than half of the maximum award amount.

For Angel, the funding made the trip possible. “My parents supported the idea of me going, but they couldn’t afford the cost,” he explained. “The Gilman Scholarship gave me the freedom to travel and really experience Norway.”

The award helped cover major travel costs such as suitcases, transportation, and program supplies. It also allowed Angel to explore the city more freely. Oslo’s public transportation system (ferries, trains, buses, and trams) made it easy to travel around the city and discover new places.

Studying Expressionism Abroad

During the program, Angel enrolled in a course on Expressionism, which combined art, theater, and history. The class included visits to museums and cultural sites such as the Oslo Opera House, giving students the chance to see how art reflects historical events and social movements.

Although Angel is not an art major, the course connected closely with his academic interests. “Art and history really work together,” he explained. “Art can be another way to tell the story of history.”

Angel hopes to become an actor in the future, but he also plans to pursue teaching if acting does not become his primary career path. In that case, he hopes to teach European or modern history, and the experience in Norway gave him new perspectives he could one day bring into the classroom.

While abroad, he gained new skills both academically and personally. The art-focused class pushed him to think creatively, even though he had limited experience with visual art.

One powerful moment came during a museum visit where he learned about protest art created by the Sámi people, the Indigenous people of northern Scandinavia. The exhibit used reindeer skulls to protest government policies affecting Sámi communities. The experience made Angel reflect on art as a form of activism and identity.

He also practiced speaking Norwegian with locals and was proud to hold full conversations in the language. “People were very kind and welcoming,” he said. “Some even assumed I was Norwegian at first.”

Memories That Will Last

Angel says some of his favorite memories came from everyday experiences, sharing meals, attending hostel events, and exploring nature with fellow students. One highlight was a picnic by a lake where he tasted fresh strawberries that he says were unlike any he had tried before.

He also enjoyed trying traditional Norwegian foods, including salmon and even a tasting plate with moose, whale, and reindeer.

Beyond the food and scenery, what stood out most to Angel was the kindness of the people he met. He even stayed in touch with one of the hostel receptionists and continues to exchange photos and messages about life in New York and Norway.

Advice for Future Applicants

Angel encourages students interested in applying for the Gilman Scholarship to begin the process early.

“Start writing your essays as soon as possible,” he advised. “It takes more time than you think, especially if you’re balancing school and work. Also make sure you apply for FAFSA early and plan ahead for the advocacy project.”

Looking Ahead

Studying abroad has had a lasting impact on Angel’s academic and personal goals. The credits he earned during the program have helped accelerate his progress toward graduation, and the international experience has strengthened his resume for future graduate school plans.

More importantly, the trip changed the way he sees the world.

“For a long time, studying abroad felt like a distant dream,” he said. “Now that I’ve done it, I feel like anything is possible.”

Angel hopes to return to Norway one day and encourages other students to pursue their own international experiences whenever they can.

Written by: Jo-Emma Felix ’26