SandiThe Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program opens vistas for students to international experiences. This highly coveted scholarship offers funding to financially disadvantaged U.S. undergraduate students who wish to study or intern abroad.
Funded by the U.S. Department of State, its stated purpose for the program is “to allow students from across the country better opportunities to become internationally exposed, promoting greater cultural understanding.”
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship was established in 2001 by former Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman, a champion of international education. This scholarship is designed to assist U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving federal Pell Grants in studying or interning abroad.
It is meant to inspire students from underrepresented groups in U.S. institutions to pursue an international experience in order to enhance their educations and careers.
This kind of financial support from the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship relieves many students, who demonstrate excitement about international academic exposure, from a number of financial pressures. It also provides the opportunity to study critical languages in order to improve the chances of employability in the global standard.
Eligibility to Apply for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship has a criteria that one would have to fulfill to be eligible for application under the Program. Thus, the Program sets the following eligibility:
- United States Citizenship: You must be a citizen of the United States.
- Federal Pell Grant Recipient: You have to be a recipient of a Federal Pell Grant either currently or at any time during your study abroad period.
- Enrolled in an Undergraduate Program: Applicant must be currently enrolled at an accredited U.S. higher education institution in good standing – undergraduate degree programs only.
- Study abroad program: The program must be approved for credit by the student’s home institution, in one country, and at least three weeks in length.
- Country Restrictions: Programs in countries at a U.S. Travel Advisory Level 3 or 4 are not eligible.
All these make the eligibility criteria interesting for students who otherwise would not have been in a position to explore international opportunities apply for support through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.
Benefits of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship offers a lot of benefits to students, from financial to personal. Here are some of the things you can expect:
1. Financial Support
It does, depending on program length and demonstrated financial need. Most awards range from $100 to $5,000. Students studying a critical language can also apply for the Critical Need Language Award up to $8,000.
2. Global Perspective
Living and studying in another country expose one to other cultures, traditions, and perceptions of the world. An international outlook enriches one’s academic experiences and helps you be more flexible and open-minded.
3. Career Enhancement
That’s one thing that stands out on any resume-international experience. Most employers tend to appreciate a candidate with a global outlook-presenting themselves well and being flexible-some of the soft skills one develops while studying abroad.
4. Networking Opportunities
This network opens the student to a community of fellow students and alumni who also are Gilman Scholars worldwide, which will lead to connecting to resources valuable for one’s future career.
How to Apply for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
Application to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is relatively easy but preparation is warranted. In detail, here is the step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Review Eligibility
To begin with, check whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria described above. If yes, then proceed with the steps below.
2. Prepare Your Application Documents
You need to prepare some documents for your application. These are:
- An official copy of your transcript.
- Proof that you have ever received a Pell Grant.
- A letter of recommendation-opted but highly recommended.
- Information about the proposed study or internship program.
3. Submit Essays
Applicants are required to submit two essays: Statement of Purpose and Community Impact Essay. These are quite important essays through which the applicant can express commitment, goals, and how study abroad will have a positive effect on them and their community.
4. Apply Online
All applications must be submitted online through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship portal. Fill out each section carefully and submit it before the deadline.
5. Follow Up
Send in your application by attaching all relevant documents and personal statements, after which you should await follow-ups or other requests for information by email. Some months later, you will be called to go through with the status of your application.
Tips to Make Your Application in Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Stronger
The competition for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is very tight, hence encouraged to give it your best foot forward. Here are tips to boost your chances:
- Start Early: Give yourself a lot of time to write your essays and to gather any other documents you may need.
- Personalize Your Essays: Write carefully and show that you’ve taken the time to outline how your essays relate to the scholarship mission. You may want to describe how this study abroad relates to academic and professional goals.
- Seek Help: Most universities have the resources available, such as writing centers that can help perfect applications.
Conclusion
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is one of the best avenues for the expansion of an undergraduate student’s horizons within the United States via international experiences.
The scholarship will allow the successful applicant to further his or her language capabilities or enhance the career attributes, and even reach personal goals as so many students have received financial viability and access to study abroad.
Through its provision of financial support to recipients of the Pell Grant, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship has made it possible for all students to study abroad and become world citizens, regardless of their diverse backgrounds. And if this sounds like you, then don’t let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slip away from your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much money can I receive from the Gilman Scholarship?
The award will range from $100 to $5,000 depending on need and the length of study abroad. For critical language study, up to $8,000.
2. Can I apply if I’m not currently receiving a Pell Grant?
No, you have to be a current recipient of a federal Pell Grant in order to qualify for the Gilman Scholarship.
3. What are the deadlines for applying to the Gilman Scholarship?
There are two application cycles per year: one for spring programs and one for summer/fall programs. Please refer to the official website for actual dates.
4. Am I eligible to apply as a graduate student for a Gilman Scholarship?
No, the Gilman Scholarship is for an undergraduate degree student enrolled at an accredited U.S. institution.
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