Welcome to CytheWorld

Hi, I’m Cynthia. I’m a Fulbright alum, Gilman Scholar, and international education advocate helping students access study abroad opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and practical guidance.

Quick Facts About Me

• 🎓 B.A. in Political Science & French — University of Rhode Island
• 🎓 Master’s in Development Studies — Ghent University
• 🇧🇪 Fulbright U.S. Student Program — Belgium
• 🇫🇷 Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar — France
• 🇨🇳 Studied Abroad in China
• 🏆 Beatrice Demers Language Fellow
• 🤝 Alumni Ambassador — Benjamin A. Gilman Program
• 🌍 Mentor to college students applying for scholarships

A decade ago, as a high school senior researching colleges, I had one question: Do they offer study abroad opportunities?

You see, when I was younger, I had many dreams. I dreamed of going to Paris, Barcelona, London, Geneva, and many other places. However, I thought I would have to fulfill those dreams when I became a working adult, with financial freedom to make those dream trips a reality. 

Then the idea of going abroad as a youngster came to me when I watched The Lizzie McGuire Movie, where Lizzie traveled to Rome as part of her middle school graduation. Being in middle school myself, I thought it was possible and not just something that happened in the movies. 

To confirm my suspicions, while in 8th grade, I came across a flyer about a third-party company taking middle school-age students on a multi-European city excursion with destinations to Paris, Rome, and Barcelona, to name a few. 

I excitedly showed my mother, who went to the program open house with me, but after finding out how much it would cost, my mother explained to me that she would not be able to afford it. Knowing kids who were able to have that experience that year and I couldn’t because my mother couldn’t afford it crushed me. 

I thought to myself, surely, there were opportunities out there that would enable kids like me to go abroad even if we came from families that cannot pay out of pocket for such adventures. 

While in high school, I shared that story with my advisor, who then told me about the possibility of studying abroad. 

That information became my motivation to go to college.

However, like many students from underrepresented communities, I did not know where to begin. 

I got accepted to the University of Rhode Island, switched my major from health science to Political Science, and later added Chinese and French. Because I knew I wanted to have an international career, I wanted to ensure I incorporated studying abroad. 

Not knowing how to start, I decided to express my desire to one of my professors, who introduced me to the director of national fellowships and academic opportunities, opening my eyes to a wide range of national and international opportunities. 

That one conversation opened the door to a wide range of opportunities to study abroad, but most importantly, study abroad without letting finances stand in the way. 

During my four years as an undergraduate, I earned scholarships and fellowships that allowed me to see the world without financial limitations. Through those opportunities, I studied in China, France, and Belgium. 

By the time I graduated in 2020, I had earned the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship to study in France, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program to pursue graduate studies in Belgium, the Beatrice Demers Language Fellowship, and the Public Policy & International Affairs Law Fellowship. 

After graduation, I served as an ambassador at the University of Rhode Island and as an Alumni Ambassador as part of the Gilman Scholarship program. 

Today, students from across the United States reach out to me through LinkedIn, Instagram, and email for advice on scholarships, study abroad applications, and choosing the right destination. Watching students I’ve mentored earn awards like the Fulbright Alternate designation and the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship reminded me that this knowledge shouldn’t stay with me. Rather, it should be accessible to every student willing to dream big. 

So I decided to pay it forward and create a singular platform to help many more students learn about study abroad opportunities and resources to support their experience. 

Hence, the creation of CytheWorld, a place where we turn every road into a classroom. 

I created CytheWorld to be the resource I wish I’d had when I first dreamed of studying abroad.

About CytheWorld

CytheWorld is a place that will inspire you to study abroad, gain global perspectives, interact with different cultures, and see the world without breaking the bank. At CytheWorld, you will find step-by-step guides to choosing a destination, finding scholarships, preparing your visa, adjusting to life abroad, and making the most of your international experience.

What You’ll Find at CytheWorld

• Study abroad planning
•  Scholarship and fellowship guidance
• Country guides
• Student life abroad
• Global opportunities
• Practical travel resources

CytheWorld is for you if you:

• Dream of studying abroad
• Want to earn scholarships
• Are curious about different cultures
• Want an international career
• Hope to learn another language
• Want to become globally competitive

We will cover everything from researching where to go to your last days of school while abroad. 

You will get tips on: 

• Choosing the right country
• Choosing the right study abroad programs
• Applying to the study abroad programs
• Applying to scholarships
• Visa applications
• Pre-departure tips
• Packing must-haves
• Dealing with cultural shock

And many more!  

I will share with you everything I know from experience, wins, losses, mistakes, and keep you updated on new developments in the study abroad space.

The Goal of CytheWorld

Our goal is to prepare college students of all backgrounds, especially those from underrepresented communities, for the global opportunities available to them. We want to prepare college students to become global citizens without incurring financial burdens. 

Whether you’re searching for your first scholarship, preparing for a semester overseas, or wondering if studying abroad is even possible, you’re in the right place.

Welcome to Cytheworld.

Let’s turn every road into a classroom.

Xoxo,

Cy