Roanoke student wins national award to study in Costa Rica

As a new semester nears, Kaley Hottle ’27 is gearing up for more than just the start of classes — she’s preparing for the adventure of a lifetime.  

Hottle, a double major in Spanish and biochemistry, is headed to Costa Rica with support from a competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship awarded by the U.S. State Department. 

The semester abroad will mark the Winchester, Virginia, native’s first time leaving her home state. It’s an opportunity to dive into another culture, stretch herself and discover where the world can take her. 

“Honestly, I just want to go everywhere,” she said of her plans for her time in the historic center of Heredia, Costa Rica, just outside the capital city of San Jose. “I want to see as many places as I can.” 

The Gilman Program is a prestigious national award created to make it possible for more students from diverse backgrounds to explore and study internationally. Only about 1 in 4 applicants are granted scholarships.  

Hottle will be living with a local host family and studying at the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, which offers a biochemistry-focused program for international students. The opportunity is a perfect fit for her passions. As an aspiring doctor, she decided to double major in Spanish to build bridges with her future patients and make it easier for a wider cross-section of people to access health care. 

“I just want to be as helpful as possible to as many people as possible,” she said. 

Hottle was supported through the process by Director of Global Engagement Michael Hancock-Parmer, who offered guidance and tips for success. 

“My best advice for students thinking about study abroad is go see Dr. Hancock-Parmer. He’s so accessible and helpful,” she said. “Even if you’re not sure about your options, go. There is a way. There is always a way.” 

Hottle is looking forward to honing her Spanish conversation skills and immersing herself in the daily life and culture of Costa Rica. There’s a mix of excitement and nerves that go with taking this leap into a new experience. 

But Hottle, a first-generation college student, said she’s eager to discover what the unknown holds for her. 

“Even now, I’m so nervous about going,” she said. “But I had that same feeling about applying to college, and coming to Roanoke College turned out to be the best experience of my life.”