The Gilman Scholarship is a U.S. government-funded program aimed at providing financial assistance to American undergraduate students who are traditionally underrepresented in study abroad programs. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the scholarship supports students who wish to study abroad and helps them gain international experience, while also promoting global understanding.
Here are some key points about the Gilman Scholarship:
- Eligibility: It is available to U.S. citizens who are enrolled as undergraduate students and receive Federal Pell Grant funding. Applicants must be studying abroad for a minimum of 21 days in a program that is eligible for academic credit.
- Award Amount: The scholarship provides up to $5,000 for a semester or year abroad, and additional funding may be available for students studying in certain regions or participating in specific programs (e.g., students with disabilities or studying critical need languages).
- Application Process: The application involves submitting an essay, a personal statement, and information about your study abroad program. The deadlines are typically in the fall and spring.
- Program Goals: The scholarship aims to increase the diversity of students studying abroad by supporting those from diverse backgrounds, including minority, first-generation college, and students with financial need.
For more information, you can visit the official Gilman Scholarship website, which provides specific details on eligibility, deadlines, and application instructions.
The Gilman Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and widely recognized funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduates studying abroad. It is administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) within the U.S. Department of State, with the goal of fostering global understanding and engagement by increasing the number of American students who study abroad. Below are more detailed aspects of the scholarship program:
Eligibility Criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Pell Grant Eligibility: You must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application or have received one during the semester of application.
- Undergraduate Status: You must be an undergraduate student in good academic standing and be applying for study abroad during your undergraduate career. Both two-year and four-year institution students are eligible.
- Study Abroad Program: Your study abroad program must be eligible for academic credit and take place for at least 21 days in one country. Programs can be during a semester, summer, or academic year.
- Study Location: You may apply for study abroad in any country except for those on the U.S. State Department’s current Travel Warning list.
Funding Amounts:
- Base Award: Up to $5,000, based on the length of your study abroad program and your financial need.
- Additional Funding:
- Critical Need Language Award: Up to $3,000 additional funding for students who are studying a critical need language (like Arabic, Mandarin, Russian, etc.). This is available to students whose study abroad program includes at least one semester of study of a critical need language.
- Diversity Award: This is an additional award for applicants who identify as from diverse backgrounds (e.g., students with disabilities, first-generation college students, students from racial or ethnic minority groups, and those from rural or underrepresented areas).
Application Components:
- Application Form: Includes basic information about your study abroad program and your financial status.
- Essays:
- Personal Statement: Why do you want to study abroad? How will this experience help you achieve your academic, career, and personal goals?
- Study Abroad Statement: Describe your study abroad program, how it fits into your academic and career objectives, and why you chose that particular destination. You will also be asked to explain how your program will help you achieve your goals and how it will enhance your understanding of the global community.
- Transcript: A copy of your current academic transcript may be required.
- Faculty Recommendation: A letter of recommendation from a faculty member who can speak to your qualifications, academic potential, and character.
Application Timeline:
- The Gilman Scholarship typically has two application cycles per year:
- Fall Cycle (for spring and summer study abroad programs)
- Spring Cycle (for fall, academic year, and summer study abroad programs)
- You can check the exact application deadlines on the official Gilman Scholarship website, as they can vary slightly year-to-year.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Academic Excellence: You should demonstrate strong academic performance and the potential for success in an international setting.
- Financial Need: Since the scholarship is aimed at Pell Grant recipients, your financial need will play a significant role in the evaluation process.
- Diversity of Background: The program is designed to promote diversity among study abroad participants, so applicants from diverse backgrounds, including students from underrepresented regions or populations, are encouraged to apply.
- Impact: The selection committee will look at how the study abroad experience will help you achieve your academic, career, and personal goals, and how you will apply the experience in your future endeavors.
Additional Benefits:
- Alumni Network: Once you receive the Gilman Scholarship, you become part of an exclusive network of over 30,000 Gilman Scholars. This community offers ongoing support and resources.
- Pre-Departure Orientation: Selected applicants are required to attend a virtual pre-departure orientation that prepares them for their study abroad experience.
- Follow-Up Requirement: Upon returning from your study abroad program, Gilman Scholars are asked to complete a Follow-up Report, including a personal reflection and a description of how their experience has influenced their personal and professional life.
Gilman Scholarship Support for Students with Disabilities:
The Gilman Scholarship is committed to increasing access to study abroad for students with disabilities. It offers an accessibility toolkit to help students with disabilities navigate the study abroad process, including information on accommodations and how to approach study abroad programs.
Why Apply for the Gilman Scholarship?
- Financial Support: The scholarship can significantly reduce the cost of studying abroad, making it more accessible for students who might otherwise struggle with the financial burden.
- Enhance Career Prospects: A study abroad experience is a valuable addition to your resume, showing employers that you are globally-minded, adaptable, and culturally aware.
- Cultural Exposure: You will gain a deeper understanding of global issues, improve your language skills, and enhance your cultural competence.
- Government Endorsement: Being a Gilman Scholar reflects positively on your academic profile and shows a commitment to international engagement.
Where Can You Study?
You can study abroad in virtually any country, except for those under a U.S. State Department Travel Warning. Popular destinations include:
- Europe: UK, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, etc.
- Asia: Japan, China, India, South Korea, etc.
- Latin America: Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, etc.
- Africa: South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, etc.
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, etc.
For more details about the application process, eligibility, and deadlines, visit the official Gilman Scholarship website at www.gilmanscholarship.org.
