Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship For U.S. Students Pursuing Study Abroad Opportunities

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a prestigious initiative aimed at empowering U.S. undergraduate students with limited financial resources to study or intern abroad.

This program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is designed to equip students with critical skills that contribute to the nation’s security and economic growth. By encouraging proficiency in diverse languages and cultures, the Gilman Scholarship supports students in their academic and career development, fostering a generation of globally competent individuals.

Insights into the Gilman Scholarship

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to U.S. students who wish to broaden their academic horizons through study or internships abroad. The program is specifically targeted at students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to gain international experience due to financial constraints. Through this scholarship, students can study or intern in a wide range of countries and regions, gaining invaluable exposure to different cultures and languages.

Host Institutions

The Gilman Scholarship is open to students planning to study or intern in institutions and organizations outside the United States. This broad scope allows for a diverse array of educational experiences, from traditional study abroad programs to unique internships that provide hands-on experience in various fields.

Fields of Study

The scholarship supports both study abroad and internship programs. These programs can span a variety of academic disciplines, allowing students to pursue their specific academic interests while gaining international experience. The scholarship particularly encourages the study of critical need languages—those languages identified as vital to U.S. national security.

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Number of Scholarships Available

Approximately 3,000 scholarships are awarded annually through the Gilman Program. This large number of awards highlights the program’s commitment to making international education accessible to a broad spectrum of students across the United States.

Target Group

The Gilman Scholarship is specifically aimed at U.S. citizens who are undergraduate students with limited financial means. This focus ensures that students who might otherwise be unable to afford such opportunities can still benefit from international experiences that enhance their educational and professional trajectories.

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Scholarship Value and Inclusions

The scholarship awards range from $100 to $5,000, with an additional opportunity to receive a Critical Need Language Award of up to $8,000. The amount awarded to each student is determined by several factors, including financial need, the length and cost of the program, and the overall strength of the application.

What the Scholarship Covers

Recipients of the Gilman Scholarship can use the funds to cover a variety of study or internship-related expenses. These include:

Tuition and fees
Room and board
Books and educational supplies
Local transportation
Insurance
International airfare
Passport and visa fees

By covering these essential expenses, the scholarship helps to alleviate the financial burden associated with studying or interning abroad, making these opportunities more accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Gilman Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

U.S. Citizenship: Applicants must be citizens of the United States.
Undergraduate Status: Applicants must be enrolled as undergraduate students in good standing at an accredited U.S. institution of higher education. Both 2-year and 4-year institutions are eligible.
Pell Grant Recipient: Applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad or internship program.
Credit-Bearing Program: Applicants must be in the process of applying to or accepted into a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program.
Travel Advisory Compliance: The program must be in a country or area with a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2. Programs in locations with an overall Level 3 or 4 Travel Advisory are not eligible.

Reapplying for the Scholarship

Students who have previously declined the Gilman Scholarship may reapply, provided they still meet all eligibility requirements. However, those who have already received the scholarship are ineligible to receive it again.

Application Deadlines and Instructions

Students can apply for the Gilman Scholarship for programs or internships that take place during the spring, summer, fall, winter, or academic year. There are two key deadlines to be aware of:

October 2024 Deadline: This application period opens in mid-August 2024 for programs starting between 1 December 2024 and 31 October 2025. The application deadline is Thursday, 10 October 2024, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. The advisor certification deadline is Friday, 18 October 2024, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.
March 2025 Deadline: This application period opens in mid-January 2025 for programs starting between 1 May 2025 and 30 April 2026. The application deadline is Thursday, 6 March 2025, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. The advisor certification deadline is Thursday, 13 March 2025, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

How to Apply

Interested students should begin by exploring their study abroad or internship options and ensuring they meet all eligibility criteria. Once a suitable program is identified, students can submit their application through the Gilman Scholarship website during the appropriate application cycle.

The application process involves submitting detailed information about the study or internship program, including proof of acceptance and a personal statement outlining the applicant’s goals and how the experience will contribute to their academic and career development. Additionally, applicants must submit a certification from their academic advisor, confirming their eligibility and program details.

Conclusion

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a valuable opportunity for U.S. undergraduate students to expand their horizons through international education. By providing financial support to those who might not otherwise have the means to study or intern abroad, the Gilman Scholarship plays a crucial role in fostering global understanding and preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century. For students interested in gaining international experience and enhancing their academic and career prospects, the Gilman Scholarship is an opportunity not to be missed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship? The Gilman Scholarship is a program funded by the U.S. Department of State that provides financial assistance to U.S. undergraduate students with limited financial resources to study or intern abroad.
Who is eligible for the Gilman Scholarship? U.S. citizens who are undergraduate students receiving a Federal Pell Grant are eligible to apply for the Gilman Scholarship.
How much funding can I receive through the Gilman Scholarship? Scholarship awards range from $100 to $5,000, with the possibility of receiving an additional $8,000 for studying critical need languages.
Can I apply for the Gilman Scholarship if I have already received it once? No, the scholarship can only be awarded to a student once. However, students who have declined a previous award may reapply if they still meet the eligibility criteria.
What expenses does the Gilman Scholarship cover? The scholarship can be used to cover tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, international airfare, and passport and visa fees.
What are the application deadlines for the Gilman Scholarship? The deadlines are 10 October 2024 and 6 March 2025, depending on the start date of the study or internship program.
Where can I study or intern with the Gilman Scholarship? The scholarship can be used for programs in countries or areas with a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2.
How do I apply for the Gilman Scholarship? Applications can be submitted online through the Gilman Scholarship website during the designated application periods.
What is a Critical Need Language Award? It is an additional scholarship of up to $8,000 awarded to Gilman Scholars studying languages that are deemed critical to U.S. national security.
Can graduate students apply for the Gilman Scholarship? No, the scholarship is only available to undergraduate students enrolled in accredited U.S. institutions.