Morningside College student Natasha Hongsermeier was one of over 850 American undergraduate students across the U.S. selected to receive the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study or intern abroad.

Morningside College student Natasha Hongsermeier was one of over 850 American undergraduate students from 324 colleges and universities across the U.S. selected to receive the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study or intern abroad.

Hongsermeier will study in Merida, Mexico, this fall as part of the Central College Abroad program.

Gilman scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply towards their study abroad or internship program costs. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education.

“International education is one of the best tools for developing mutual understanding and building connections between people from different countries,” said Allan Goodman, president and CEO of the Institute of International Education. “It is critical to the success of American diplomacy and business, and the lasting ties that Americans make during their international studies are important to our country in times of conflict as well as times of peace.”

Hongsermeier is the daughter of Ivan and Jennifer Hongsermeier of Phillips, Neb. She is majoring in biology, chemistry and music.