History student studies abroad in Czech Republic as Gilman Scholar

Liberty University senior Hannah Dugan is spending one of the final semesters of her undergraduate education studying abroad at historic Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic, as a recipient of the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.

Dugan is Liberty’s first Gilman Scholar. The scholarship program, facilitated by the U.S. Department of State, supports students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity.

In Prague, Dugan is completing her bachelor’s degree in history in the midst of centuries-old buildings, including Charles University, which first opened its doors in 1348. With a passion for European history, she is taking courses on World War II in Central Europe, Prague art and architecture, and others related to her field of study.

“Being in another part of the world and in another culture opens your worldview, makes you more culturally aware, and I think it gives a good perspective on trying new experiences and meeting new people,” she said. “Overall, it gets me ready for higher academic schooling and opens my horizons, worldview, and outlook on things. … and to make me more adaptable.”

Her trip also included a week in Brussels, Belgium, through the European Union, where she learned about the EU’s transatlantic relations with the United States, visited the EU parliament, met with representatives from the Fulbright Commission and U.S. Mission to the EU, and more.

“My time in Brussels at the EU deepened my appreciation for the complex work shaping global policies,” she said. “It was a valuable experience that I feel strengthened my connections abroad and made me a more engaged global citizen.”

In addition to academic enrichment, Dugan is using the study abroad experience to grow her faith. Through the WordStrides Veritas Christian Study Abroad program, she meets weekly with a church planter from the U.S. who mentors her in spreading Christ’s love in Prague, which she said has a small Christian presence.

“I try to act every day in a way that’s Christ-honoring and make choices that are Christ-honoring, and hope that I look a little bit different,” she said. “It’s been a great opportunity even if I’m not directly telling them about my faith.”

Although from Virginia, Dugan said she had no intention of attending Liberty but quickly changed her mind after visiting campus and feeling “at home.” She credits LU with giving her the robust educational background to complete her studies abroad and the LU Send Office, which facilitated the trip, for helping her discover her desire to travel and connect with the Veritas program.

“Liberty is a university that encourages us to take these opportunities and then provides the information for opportunities to continue your faith journey and have a Christian community pour into you once you are over there,” she said. “It doesn’t have to stop when you’re in a different school across the ocean. I was very happy Liberty encouraged study abroad and opened other opportunities for me to take. It’s been great.”

Dugan plans to pursue a master’s degree in history after graduation with the hopes of one day becoming a college professor.