Introduction:
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program empowers U.S. undergraduates facing financial constraints to partake in overseas study or internships. This initiative equips them with skills deemed vital for U.S. national security and economic well-being. Students undergo training in diverse languages and cultures, cultivating proficiencies crucial for both academic pursuits and career advancement. The program’s goal is to inspire students to engage in study and internships across a wide spectrum of countries, regions, and areas, with a particular emphasis on languages considered pivotal for national security.
Host institution(s):
Educational institutions and organizations situated outside the United States.
Level/Field(s) of Study:
Participation in overseas study and internship programs.
Number of Awards:
Approximately 3,000 scholarships are available.
Target group:
U.S. citizens facing financial constraints who aspire to study or intern abroad.
Scholarship Benefits/Inclusions:
Scholarship amounts vary from US$100 to US$5000, with the opportunity to receive a Critical Need Language Award of up to US$8000. The selection process is competitive, and recipients must allocate the award to cover eligible study or internship expenses, encompassing tuition, accommodation, books, local transportation, insurance, international airfare, passport, and visa fees. The final award amount is determined based on financial need, program duration, overall costs, and the strength of the application.
Eligibility:
Gilman Scholarship recipients are eligible for the scholarship once. Applicants who declined the scholarship previously may reapply, provided they still meet all eligibility requirements, including being:
- A citizen of the United States;
- An undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States (including both 2-year and 4-year institutions);
- Receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the application period or demonstrating eligibility to receive a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship;
- In the process of applying to, or accepted by, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program. Proof of program acceptance is mandatory before award disbursement;
- Applying for credit-bearing study abroad programs in a country or area with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2, according to the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory System. However, certain locations within these countries or areas may carry specific advisories, such as “Do not travel to” (Level 4) or “Reconsider travel to” (Level 3), and students are prohibited from traveling to these specific locations. Furthermore, students are ineligible to apply for programs in a country or area with an overall Level 3 or 4 Travel Advisory. The U.S. Department of State retains the right to request program changes for specific countries or locations if deemed necessary at any stage of the application, selection process, or during the program. Final awards are contingent on fund availability and the health and security status of a country or location. A Gilman Scholar’s status may be impacted if the health or security situation in a country or location undergoes changes.
Application Guidelines:
Students can engage in overseas study and internships during the spring, summer, fall, winter, or academic year term.
The application window for the October 2023 Deadline opens in mid-August 2023 for applicants whose in-person programs or internships commence between 1 December 2023 and 31 October 2024. This cycle covers Winter or January term 2024, Spring 2024, Maymester 2024, Summer 2024, Fall 2024, and Academic Year 2024-2025 programs. The application deadline is Thursday, 5 October 2023, at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.
For the March 2024 Deadline, the application period commences in mid-January 2024 for applicants embarking on in-person programs or internships between 1 May 2024 and 30 April 2025. This cycle encompasses Maymester 2024, Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Academic Year 2024-2025, and Spring 2025 programs or internships. The application deadline is Thursday, 7 March 2024, at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.
For comprehensive details on the application process for this scholarship, it is imperative to visit the official website provided: Official Scholarship Website.
