STORY: Exploring Cambridge: Sparsh Gupta ’26 on Studying Abroad and the Gilman Scholarship
For Sparsh Gupta ’26, studying abroad at the University of Cambridge in Fall 2024 was about stepping into an entirely different academic and cultural experience. Through the , Sparsh immersed himself in Cambridge’s deep-rooted traditions, rigorous coursework, and vibrant student life—an opportunity made possible in part by the prestigious .
“When I decided to study abroad, I wanted something completely different from ’s hands-on, project-based curriculum,” Sparsh says. “I’ve always loved math and economics—the really theoretical side of things— and Cambridge is famous for its deep academic traditions, intense lectures, and rigorous exams. It felt like the perfect challenge.”
Beyond the academics, Sparsh was drawn to the chance to experience life in the UK. Having lived in the U.S., Canada, and India, he was eager to explore another country’s culture and history. “The UK’s history fascinated me. Plus, the IFSA program organized trips to places like Wales, Liverpool, London, and Oxford, which made exploring and meeting new people even easier.”
Sparsh Gupta ’26, a junior Engineering:Computing major, is pictured while studying abroad at the University of Cambridge in Fall 2024.
Unforgettable Moments: Friendship and Rowing
Reflecting on his time at Cambridge, two experiences stand out: the friendships he built and his involvement in rowing.
“I met some of the best people through this program, and even after coming back, we still keep in touch. I’ve even met up with a few since returning to the U.S.!” he says. “After long days spent buried in problem sets, we’d all gather in our house’s kitchen, just talking and unwinding. Midnight walks to Jack’s Gelato became a ritual—sometimes two or three times a week!”
Sparsh also took on a new challenge by joining Pembroke College’s competitive rowing team. “I joined my college's rowing team in my first week, and it became one of the best experiences of my life. Waking up before sunrise for 6 a.m. practices wasn’t always easy, but the moment we got out on the water, it was worth it. There was something surreal about rowing down the River Cam as the sun would rise. It was exhausting but also peaceful—one of those experiences you can’t really put into words.”
Academic Growth and Meeting a Financial Titan
The academic rigor at Cambridge was exactly what Sparsh had hoped for.
“The math and economics courses were tough, but that challenge was exactly what I wanted. Spending hours figuring out proofs and concepts forced me to develop a new level of problem-solving skills. Now, I feel like I can tackle complex material much more efficiently.”
One standout moment from his time abroad was meeting Ken Griffin, the founder of . “I’ve been interested in quantitative finance for a while, so hearing his insights in person was awesome!”
As for the future? “Who knows—maybe this wasn’t my last time at Cambridge. I might go back for a PhD if things work out!”
Advice for Future Gilman Applicants
Receiving the Gilman Scholarship helped make Sparsh’s study abroad experience a reality, and he has some advice for students considering applying:
- Your statement of purpose is everything. “This is your story—tell it authentically and compellingly.”
- Take help from the study abroad office. “They’re incredibly resourceful and will guide you through the whole process.”
- Apply early! “The application requires multiple documents, so give yourself plenty of time.”
- Look into extra funding. “If you’re doing STEM research or studying a foreign language while abroad, you might qualify for additional scholarships—something that’s definitely worth checking out, especially for students.”
Bringing the Experience Back to
Sparsh’s semester at Cambridge broadened his academic perspective, introduced him to lifelong friends, and pushed him out of his comfort zone in the best way possible. His story is a testament to the incredible opportunities that studying abroad—especially with the support of scholarships like Gilman—can provide for students.
For those interested in studying abroad, whether at Cambridge or elsewhere, Sparsh’s journey is an inspiring reminder that stepping outside of the familiar can lead to some of the most transformative experiences.
