Thanks to the Gilman Scholarship program, Meghan Capuano, who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from URI in the spring 2026 semester, studied in Copenhagen, Denmark this summer. Her educational experiences extended well beyond the traditional classroom setting, as she interviewed Denmark residents about their experiences with the country’s overall well-being and asked for their perspectives on how community spaces contribute to positivity and quality of life.
“Though many diverse elements contribute to a community’s well-being and mental health, specific factors I learned and experienced were the importance of trust in the community and the structure of the city,” said Capuano. “Denmark understands the impact physical activity, social connection, and green spaces have on a person’s mental health and overall well-being. Copenhagen’s commuting culture is mostly done via exercise, such as biking and walking, sometimes assisted by its clean and efficient metros, which allow commuters the convenience of enjoying a community space without hassle. Locals revealed a strong belief that their government acts in the community’s best interests. A community built on trust, combined with cities designed for people rather than cars, creates an environment that supports positive mental health and overall well-being.”
The opportunity gave Capuano the curiosity and confidence to create connections she wouldn’t have otherwise made, she said.
“My study abroad experience through the Gilman Scholarship advanced my career goals by creating opportunities to overcome personal challenges, driving me to build greater confidence and resilience,” said Capuano, who is from Pawtucket. “This experience emphasized the importance of developing healthy coping strategies and building resilience in my own life so that I can better support others as they learn to navigate their own challenges.”
Capuano hopes to work as an elementary school counselor where she can support children’s development. Long term, she hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology and potentially become a university professor specializing in developmental psychology.
The Gilman Scholarship program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, provides students with funding to pursue credit-bearing academic studies and career-orientated internships abroad. Such opportunities equip Gilman Scholars with international experience, foreign language skills and global networks that are vital to advancing the United States’ economic competitiveness and national security.
“Being selected for a Gilman Scholarship is a reminder to continue striving for academic growth, as it opens doors to opportunities that motivate me to pursue new experiences and grow personally and professionally,” said Capuano.
Since the program began in 2001, more than 50,000 U.S. students have been awarded Gilman Scholarships to study or intern abroad in more than 170 countries.
Information about the Gilman Scholarship program, and other study-abroad opportunities at URI, is found on the University’s International Center website.