Всем привет (Hello, everyone)! My name is Elena Jaimes, and my hometown is Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I am a junior (third-year student) at the University of Maryland, College Park, studying international relations. International relations, to me, means how countries interact with each other and why. I chose international relations because I love learning about different cultures and systems of government. I also love traveling, which allows me to immerse myself in different cultures. Although my hometown is in Florida, I was actually born in Miass, Russia. This is a city in Siberia (Eastern Russia) near the border of Kazakhstan, and is where my mom’s side of the family lives. I grew up speaking Russian, but I can not read or write very well. That’s why I decided to spend this semester studying the Russian language in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I also look forward to learning about Central Asian history and culture. I was very lucky to receive the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to support my studies and adventures in Bishkek. Outside of school, I enjoy watching historical television series, playing soccer, and snowboarding. I am excited to continue these hobbies while I am in Kyrgyzstan and perhaps pick up some new ones!
Want to know more about how you can study or intern abroad when you are a college student? The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Learn more about the scholarship by clicking here!
