Fulbright Scholar, Giovanni Gallina from Italy, Shares His Journey of Pursuing a Master’s in Marketing at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, USA

My name is Giovanni Gallina, a 26-year-old from Messina, Sicily, Italy. I was selected through the Italy–USA Fulbright Commission to pursue a Master’s degree in Marketing in the United States, at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I began the program in August 2023 and graduated in May 2024.

I chose to further my education in marketing because I had already started my professional career in that field and wanted to deepen my business and marketing expertise through an immersive experience in the United States. The intensive one-year program allowed me to go beyond theory, gaining hands-on exposure and real-world insights that significantly strengthened my understanding not only in marketing but in business in general in a global context.

Fulbright Scholarship Details

I was awarded the Fulbright Scholarship through the Italy–USA Fulbright Commission, which supported my graduate studies in the United States. The scholarship provided $50,000 in funding to cover the full duration of my master’s program. Additionally, the Fulbright Program provided basic health insurance (ASPE) and a round-trip flight allowance of €1.100 (around $1,300)

Were You Offered any Other Scholarships? 

The prestige of the Fulbright Program helped me secure a full scholarship from my host institution, the University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management, with approximately a $52,000 scholarship applied towards tuition.

Educational Background

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Management in Messina, Sicily, Italy, with a converted GPA of around 3.3/4.0. During my undergraduate studies, I pushed myself to gain valuable international and professional experience, including a six-month Erasmus+ exchange program in Bratislava, Slovakia, which exposed me to a different academic system and a multicultural environment.

In parallel with my studies, I completed two 6-month professional experiences with Heineken and Campari Group in Milan (Northern Italy), working in teams and on projects within international business settings. These academic and professional experiences prepared me well for the Fulbright Program and for graduate studies in the United States by strengthening my adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills, and practical understanding of business and marketing in both national and international contexts.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the University of Minnesota?

How Did You Find Information About Fulbright Scholarships and Institutions?

My application journey began approximately one year before my departure. In the summer of 2022, I decided to leave my job and fully commit to pursuing graduate education in the United States. I started by researching and compiling a list of universities and programs that aligned with my academic background and career goals, gradually narrowing it down to a focused set of options that made sense to me.

I ultimately applied to two universities and was accepted by both, each offering strong scholarship packages. I chose the University of Minnesota based on the reputation of the institution and its master’s program, as well as because of the higher scholarship amount offered as a tuition waiver. In parallel, I invested significant time in the Fulbright application process, which involved multiple stages and extensive documentation. Preparing well in advance and managing timing carefully played a vital role in successfully completing both application processes with clarity and confidence.

Did You Take Any Standardized Tests? If So, How Did You Prepare for Them?

Because my decision to pursue graduate studies in the United States came relatively late, only about one year before my departure, in August 2022, I did not have any standardized test scores at the time of application. As a result, I strategically focused on universities that offered waivers or alternative evaluation methods, filtering out those that required mandatory exams such as the GMAT or GRE.

The programs I applied to required only English language proficiency and had standardized tests marked as optional. Although I was already proficient in English, I did not have a valid, up-to-date test score, so I chose to take the Duolingo English Test. It proved to be an efficient and cost-effective option, with quick results and broad acceptance. I would strongly recommend it to applicants who are short on time, working with a limited budget, or looking for a flexible alternative to traditional standardized tests.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the Fulbright Scholarship?

The submission window for the Fulbright application lasted approximately two months, during which all required materials had to be completed and submitted. However, the entire selection process, from the opening of applications to the final award decision, extended over seven to eight months.

The initial stage required extensive documentation, including recommendation letters, study objectives, a thesis summary, and detailed personal, academic, and professional information. This was an intense period, and I treated the application almost like a part-time job, dedicating significant time and focus to it. Many of my documents went through multiple revisions before submission. In my opinion, preparing in advance and researching what to expect at each stage of the process played a crucial role in managing the timeline effectively.

How is (was) Your Experience at the University of Minnesota?

Looking back at my experience at the University of Minnesota, I still feel very emotional, even more than one and a half years after graduating. The experience went far beyond academics and professional development, encompassing meaningful friendships, personal growth, and life experiences in both Minneapolis and the United States more broadly.

Academically, the university fully met my expectations. The campus is vibrant and resource-rich, and the Carlson School of Management is truly top-tier. Professors are approachable yet highly professional, and the small class sizes in the master’s program allowed for close interaction, honest feedback, and deeper learning. I was particularly impressed by the American approach to teaching and assessment, which emphasizes critical thinking, experiential learning, and real-world application. Overall, I couldn’t be more satisfied with my program, the university, and the impact the experience had on my personal and professional development.

How Do You Rate the University of Minnesota Academically and Why? 

Academically, I would rate the University of Minnesota very highly. Like many leading U.S. universities, it offers a wide range of dedicated departments and resources supporting academics, career development, international students, and student engagement.

These structures allow graduate students, even in intensive one-year programs like mine, to fully experience the academic and professional ecosystem that many students encounter over several years. Overall, I would strongly recommend the University of Minnesota as an authentic American graduate-level experience at a highly reputable institution.

How Does the University of Minnesota Support International Students?

The University of Minnesota provides good support for international students through dedicated offices, academic advisors, and career services. Throughout my experience, I always felt there was someone available to guide me, answer questions, or offer support, which is especially important when navigating a new country, academic system, and job market.

It is important to note that post-graduation employment in the United States can be quite challenging for international students, particularly in competitive fields such as marketing and business. While I did feel supported by the university, I also faced limitations related to my J-1 visa status, which is standard for Fulbright scholars. Any frustration I experienced was more related to the broader U.S. visa sponsorship system rather than the quality of support provided by the university, which I found to be well-structured and genuinely helpful.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out for different but complementary reasons in both the Fulbright selection process and the university admissions process.

For the Fulbright application, my prior international academic and professional experience, combined with a clearly expressed motivation to advance my education in the United States, played a key role. Coming from a middle-class background in Sicily, with historically limited access to international opportunities, I emphasized how this scholarship represented a meaningful step in my personal and professional growth. As I wrote in my application, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door,” a principle that reflects the proactive mindset behind my entire journey and all experiences I’ve had so far.

For the university applications, in addition to my academic background, I highlighted my willingness to act as an ambassador for the institution that would host me. I clearly communicated why studying in the U.S. was a natural and intentional step in my academic, professional, and personal path, as well as my commitment to representing my home country, Italy, and contributing positively to campus life.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

Looking back, I can honestly say that I would not change anything about my journey. I gained invaluable knowledge, life experience, meaningful relationships, and perspectives that I will carry with me forever. I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason, even when a path may not initially seem optimal.

My Fulbright experience in Minneapolis unexpectedly led me to New York City, where I became part of a new professional ecosystem and eventually founded a company, the New York Business Fellowship. With this company, my mission is to help students and young professionals from all over the world become New York City insiders in one week through mentorship sessions, company visits, and networking.

Looking back, the U.S. chapter of my life, first Minneapolis and then New York, has been exactly the right step. If I were forced to identify one thing I might do differently, it would be starting the application process earlier, particularly to allow more time for standardized test preparation, which could have expanded my options. 

That said, I’m a big believer that long-term success is not defined by prestigious university names alone, and that it is always possible to prove one’s value through mindset, effort, and impact.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My main advice is to be genuine and authentic throughout the entire application process, both for Fulbright and for university admissions. While there is certainly an element of personal positioning when preparing applications, that becomes much easier when you focus on clearly and honestly showing who you are, your motivations, and your goals.

Another simple but often underestimated piece of advice is to just apply and go for it. Programs like Fulbright and many universities exist because they genuinely want to give people the opportunity to pursue education and attract talented people. Having a plan works, but you should start working on it today and take the leap.

If it doesn’t work the first time, try again. And if it doesn’t work two or three times, that experience is not wasted. It may be a sign that there is something better waiting for you out there. Just keep looking.