The Gilman Scholarship
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is program focused on tearing down some of the financial burdens associated with studying abroad. Their official mission statements reads as follow:
"The Gilman Scholarship Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is an undergraduate program for U.S. citizens of limited financial means to enable them to study abroad, thereby internationalizing their outlook and better preparing them to thrive in the global economy. "
Other than just a scholarship, being a Gilman Scholar allows you to attend workshops before and after your trip abroad. They prepare you for what you can expect before setting off, and when you're back, there are workshops to help you utilize your experience abroad in a professional context. Not to mention being an alumni make you part of a community of those with similar aspirations!
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Click *here* to be directed to the official website to learn more.
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A quick overview when applying
Check your Eligibility
Make sure you're eligible for this scholarship, below are some of the requirements (remember to check the official website for full requirements by clicking on the title)
1. Be a U.S. citizen
2. Be an undergraduate in good standing
3. Be a Pell Grant recipient
4. Be in the process of applying to, or be accepted for a program abroad
5. Apply for a credit-bearing program
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Do your research
Learn more about this scholarship and program in general. Talk to Gilman alumni from your university. Consult with you financial aid adviser. I cannot stress how much talking to my adviser helped me! Make sure you are a good match for this program as it is for you! Universities also offer workshops catered to this program. The Gilman Program itself has their own workshop, webinars, and resources to help you complete your application with confidence. Click *here* to see more resources and webinar events.
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Get the documents you need
A few of the things you need, so remember to get these in line to make applying less stressful!
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1. Your transcript
2. Communicate with you study abroad adviser and financial aid office! They'll need to send in paper work aka do NOT do this last minute in consideration of their time and your sanity!
3. Proof of your program, financial aid, and your standing at your university or college.
Apply!
It's stressful but it will be worth it. The application takes time, so please allow yourself a good amount of time to complete it! Here are some things that you should remember.
1. Genuinely understand and want the scholarship and let that show through your essays!
2. REVISE, REVISE, REVISE your essays. Seeing the writing center (located in the PCL if you're a UT student) is such a big help!
3. Make sure all of your documents and all parts of the application are complete.
4. Be confidant in yourself and you aspirations. Genuinely understand why you want to study abroad.
