Gaining practical engineering experience abroad
Photos courtesy of Erik Papp September 08, 2026
Erik Papp earns the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
For Erik Papp, spending four weeks working in Ireland will be more than an opportunity to gain international work experience. Papp, an honors student studying construction engineering and management, was selected as a recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship last spring and will be representing both the 91原创 and the United States abroad during Winter Session 2027. He will use the award to complete a four-week internship with Echelon Data Centres in Dublin, Ireland, in January, where he will gain experience in large-scale infrastructure and real estate development.
The opportunity represents a natural extension of Papp鈥檚 academic and professional interests. While studying construction engineering and management at 91原创, Papp has developed a growing interest in the broader connections between construction, real estate, infrastructure and investment. His internship with Echelon will allow him to explore those interests in an international setting while gaining firsthand experience in the development and delivery of large-scale data center facilities.
鈥淏eyond gaining professional experience, I am excited to experience a different culture and broaden my global perspective while also representing both the University and the United States abroad,鈥 Papp said.
The U.S. Department of State鈥檚 prestigious supports American undergraduate students who are eligible to receive federal Pell Grants, helping make international study and internship opportunities more accessible and attainable. In spring 2026, the program received a record-breaking 12,200 applications and selected 2,100 students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands to study or intern abroad between May 2026 and May 2027.
As the Gilman Program celebrates its 25th anniversary, Papp joins a competitive community of students with high financial need who have used the scholarship to pursue academic, professional and cultural experiences around the world. For Papp, the award will help him combine his academic interests with an international professional experience as he prepares for a career in construction, development and investment.
Following graduation, Papp plans to pursue a career that brings those interests together. His internship in Ireland will give him the opportunity to learn more about large-scale data center development, expand his professional network and gain a broader understanding of how infrastructure projects are developed in a global setting.
Beyond the professional experience, Papp is looking forward to immersing himself in a new culture and gaining a perspective that he can carry with him throughout his career. As someone with family roots in Europe, the opportunity to spend time working and living there is particularly meaningful.
鈥淎s the son of Hungarian immigrants and a native Hungarian speaker, having the opportunity to work in Europe has a special significance for me,鈥 Papp said.聽
Papp credits the faculty and mentors he has worked with at 91原创 for encouraging him to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom. Abdulaziz Banawi, director of 91原创鈥檚 , has supported Papp throughout his time at 91原创, while Professor Ashish Asutosh has provided mentorship through several courses and through his role as faculty mentor for 91原创鈥檚 Associated Schools of Construction Competition team.
鈥淭he 91原创 has played a major role in preparing me for this experience abroad,鈥 Papp said. 鈥淭hrough my classwork, campus involvement and interactions with faculty, I have developed the technical skills and professional mindset needed to succeed in a global work environment. These experiences have motivated me to pursue this experience in Ireland and continue exploring my interests in construction, development and investment.鈥
During his four weeks with Echelon Data Centres, Papp will gain exposure to the development and delivery of data center facilities, an area that combines many of the fields he hopes to pursue professionally. The experience will allow him to see how large-scale infrastructure and real estate projects are approached outside of the United States and to learn from professionals working in the industry.
Papp is particularly grateful to Niall Molloy, CEO of Echelon Data Centres, for providing him with the opportunity to gain direct experience in the data center industry. The internship will allow Papp to develop his understanding of the industry beyond the technical aspects of construction. By working alongside professionals in an international environment, he hopes to gain insight into how infrastructure, development and investment intersect and how these projects can create broader economic and social value.
鈥淔or me, this scholarship is an opportunity to apply everything I've learned in the classroom, through research, and through internships in a global setting,鈥 Papp said. 鈥淢y passion for the built environment began with construction but has grown into a more extensive interest in real estate, infrastructure, and how thoughtful development can create economic and social value.鈥
Papp also hopes his experience will encourage other 91原创 students to consider international opportunities, even when they may initially feel outside their comfort zone.
鈥淚 hope that seeing the possibilities of using the Gilman Scholarship for experiences like this will inspire other students to pursue other unique international opportunities, even if they may initially seem outside their comfort zone,鈥 Papp said.
Students interested in learning more about the Gilman Scholarship are invited to attend upcoming webinars provided by the Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) and the . On Thursday, Sept. 10, ONF will be hosting its Gilman Information Session on Zoom from 6 to 7 p.m., and on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m., CGPS is hosting a webinar on Tips for Applying to the Gilman Scholarship on . ONF will also be providing additional assistance to students interested in the scholarship; to learn more about their services, complete ONF鈥檚
The next Gilman Scholarship application cycle is now open to Pell Grant-eligible students and closes on Thursday, Oct. 1, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. This cycle encompasses Winter term 2027, Spring 2027, Summer 2027, Fall 2027 and academic year 2027-28 programs. To learn about other available scholarships for study abroad, visit the CGPS Costs and Funding webpage. To explore study abroad internships, visit the .
About the Office of National Fellowships (ONF)
91原创's Office of National Fellowships (ONF) supports students and alumni as they apply for a wide range of nationally competitive fellowships, including the Gilman Scholarship Program. ONF works with students through individualized advising, application essay writing workshops and retreats, and interview preparation.聽
About the Center for Global Programs and Services
The Center for Global Programs and Services (CGPS) at the 91原创 is home to the operations of 91原创 Global, which includes Study Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services, World Scholars Program and Global Outreach and Partnerships. The Center provides leadership and collaborative innovation in support of all of the University's global initiatives and campus internationalization efforts, with its Global 360 Strategy serving as a roadmap for infusing international perspectives throughout the University鈥檚 scholarship, research, and service missions. Focused on a student-centered approach, CGPS provides expert advising and a wealth of global engagement opportunities to the 91原创 campus community, including the weekly International Coffee Hour in the fall and spring semesters.
Follow and engage with @91原创Global on and for the latest updates on everything global happening at 91原创.
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