The Gilman Scholarship Program is a prestigious scholarship sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It’s designed to provide funding for American undergraduate students to study or intern abroad, particularly in countries and regions where fewer students traditionally go. The program aims to diversify the kinds of students who study and intern abroad and the countries and regions they visit.
The Award Of This Scholarship
The Gilman Scholarship offers awards of up to $5,000 to support the costs associated with international study or internships, such as tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, and international airfare. Additionally, there are additional funds available for students studying critical need languages, like Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian.
Application Process Of Gilman Scholarship
The application process for the Gilman Scholarship typically involves several steps:
- Eligibility Check: Before applying, students should review the eligibility criteria on the Gilman Scholarship website to ensure they meet all requirements. Generally, applicants must be U.S. citizens, undergraduate students receiving Federal Pell Grant funding, and planning to study or intern abroad for at least 21 consecutive days in a single country.
- Research and Planning: Applicants should carefully research study abroad programs or internship opportunities that align with their academic and professional goals. They should also consider how their proposed international experience will contribute to their personal and professional development.
- Application Preparation: The Gilman Scholarship application typically includes several components, such as personal information, academic background, proposed study or internship details, essays, and a budget proposal. Applicants should give themselves plenty of time to complete these components and seek feedback from mentors or advisors.
- Financial Aid Office Approval: Applicants must work with their college or university’s study abroad office or financial aid office to complete the application process. This often involves obtaining certification from a study abroad advisor and ensuring that the proposed program meets academic and credit requirements.
- Submission: Once all application components are complete and reviewed by the appropriate office at the applicant’s institution, the application is submitted online through the Gilman Scholarship website before the deadline.
- Selection Process: After the application deadline, a selection panel reviews all submitted applications. Selection criteria typically include academic merit, impact of the proposed international experience, and financial need.
- Notification: Applicants are notified of their scholarship status via email. Recipients may be required to submit additional documentation or accept the award within a specified timeframe.
- Pre-Departure Requirements: Scholarship recipients are required to complete pre-departure orientations and other requirements outlined by the Gilman Scholarship Program before traveling abroad.
Do They Accept Transfer Students?
Yes, transfer students are eligible to apply for the Gilman Scholarship as long as they meet all other eligibility criteria. The primary eligibility requirement for the Gilman Scholarship is that applicants must be undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens and are currently receiving Federal Pell Grant funding at a two-year or four-year accredited institution in the United States.
As long as a transfer student meets these criteria and plans to participate in a study abroad program or internship that meets the Gilman Scholarship’s requirements, they are eligible to apply. It’s important for transfer students to work closely with their college or university’s study abroad office or financial aid office to ensure that they meet all application requirements and deadlines.
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