Meet Kelly

Zoom image: Kelly's winning photo of Machu Picchu Kelly's photo of Machu Picchu.

Kelly's winning photo of Machu Picchu

Spanish Languages and Literatures major Kelly Aldinger won the 2017 UB Study Abroad Photo Contest with her image of a misty Macchu Picchu. Kelly hopes to pursue a degree in TESOL or ESL education.  

"I'm a WNY native who grew up in a tiny rural town about 45 minutes outside of Buffalo. Although the small town atmosphere has a lot of unique things to offer, I always dreamed of traveling and getting to know the rest of the world.

My first international trip was to Peru in the spring of 2017. I spent the first half in the coastal capital city of Lima and the second half of the semester in the Sierra City of Cusco, with the goal of becoming bilingual. It was undoubtedly the best decision I've ever made and I would encourage everyone, regardless of discipline, to go abroad and be immersed in another culture. It will change you in ways unimaginable." – Kelly Aldinger

More photos of Kelly's amazing trip!

From left: Gilman scholars Michael Pilgrom, Wanly Chen, Brandon Reilly and Kelly Aldinger. Photo: Douglas Levere.

From left: Gilman scholars Michael Pilgrom, Wanly Chen, Brandon Reilly and Kelly Aldinger. Photo: Douglas Levere 

Kelly was also one of four UB students to win a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for study abroad. 

“Studying in Peru is something I never thought I’d be able to do, primarily due to financial constraints.” – Kelly Aldinger

Read More About the Gilman Scholars

Meet More Students

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    "In light of recent events, I believe it is more important than ever to educate ourselves and each other about people from different walks of life."
  • Dijana Savija
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  • Elise Roberts
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    French and Political Science double major Sophie May has won a Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship beginning in Fall 2022! The Rangel Program selects outstanding Fellows annually in a highly competitive nationwide process and supports them through two years of graduate study, internships, mentoring, and professional development activities. How did she do it? Read on...
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