The power of one student story: Frida, Gilman, and the case for continued advocacy

This spring, as the international education field absorbed the shock of abrupt federal funding uncertainty, something powerful happened behind the scenes. Global education advisors, program alumni, and advocates across the country mobilised. What began as a moment of confusion became a collective push to ensure that the life-changing impact of programs like the Gilman, Fulbright, and many others are not forgotten nor diminished.

At the heart of that effort was one consistent message: student stories matter. They demonstrate to the administration, better than any budget line or policy brief ever could, why international exchanges are a strategic investment in the country’s future.

When Frida Larios was left in her Korean dormitory in Seoul eating only ramen, she had no idea her story would end up in the New York Times – or that it would change her life forever. Frida’s courage in sharing her story internationally marked a pivotal moment not only for her personally, but for the broader field of international education.

When the March 7, 2025 article on federal study-abroad funding featured her as a Gilman Scholar navigating uncertainty, her experience became a public symbol of what was at stake. After the article was published, it helped topple the funding hold on her scholarship, as well as many others with the Gilman program and other international education programs.

Completing this spotlight were countless advisors and advocates who sprang into action this spring to educate the field and broader public on the benefit of global programs, mobilise partners to call for support, and encourage institutions to advocate for federal support. The rallying cry was simple: Tell the stories. Share the impact. Show the country what happens when we invest in students like Frida.

The stakes behind a scholarship

When rising professionals like Frida travel abroad with the support of programs like Gilman, their trajectories shift. Their confidence grows, their worldview expands, and their aspirations stretch.

Soon after Frida’s spotlight in the New York Times, the US Embassy in Seoul reached out to her directly, inviting her to meet, offering mentorship and resources, and that first-hand engagement with diplomats crystallised her interest in international relations. By bravely stepping into the spotlight, she helped accelerate the release of her scholarship, built a new professional connection, and changed the trajectory of her career.

For Frida, this experience rewired her understanding of what was possible. It sparked the beginnings of a path that now includes applying to master’s programs in International Relations, preparing for the Fulbright, and planning to pursue prestigious diplomatic fellowships like the Pickering and Rangel.

These are programs that have historically produced leaders who serve the United States across the world. But as of now, these and many others remain in limbo, as uncertain casualties of funding instability. So let’s keep going and continue to show their impact.

Why international education week Is the moment

Every November, International Education Week brings together higher ed institutions, international offices, and global partners across the country. Its purpose: to celebrate the benefits of international education and cultural exchange.

IEW is already a celebration. But this year, it can also be a megaphone.

With thousands of professionals aligned around a single theme for one week, we have a rare chance to renew urgency, channel passion, and reaffirm the value of global engagement – right when federal programs need the strongest possible support.

Frida’s story, and the stories we still need to tell

Frida’s experience abroad didn’t just shift her life; it shaped the kind of future she wants to build. Her dreams of graduate study, public diplomacy, and service through programs like Fulbright and the State Department fellowships are exactly the kinds of outcomes the Gilman Program was designed to spark.

But these pathways stay open only when we keep the stories alive.

As we celebrate International Education Week, now is the time to recommit to collecting and sharing the successes of Gilman, Fulbright, CLS, Pickering, Rangel, and other life-changing programs. We owe it to our students, to the field, and to the future.

Let’s make this winter a season of storytelling – because the next Frida is already out there, waiting for a door to open.

The post The power of one student story: Frida, Gilman, and the case for continued advocacy appeared first on The PIE News.