Deadline: Visit the Deadlines and Timeline Overview for when each application cycle runs

Apply Here: Application Overview – Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

 

Students can study and intern abroad during the spring, summer, fall, winter, or academic year term. Refer to each term for specific dates on the deadlines and timelines for the application cycle. It is important that students apply for the correct scholarship term according to their program dates.

Eligibility: 

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (Gilman Program) is a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. To be eligible for a Gilman scholarship, an applicant must be:

• A citizen or national of the United States;
• An undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States (including both two-year and four-year institutions);
• Receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship;
• In the process of applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program. Proof of program acceptance is required prior to award disbursement;
• Applying for credit-bearing study abroad programs in a country or location with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2, according to the U.S. Department of State’s Travel Advisory System. It is important to note that certain areas within a country or location that has an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2 may be designated within the Travel Advisory as either Level 3 or Level 4; Gilman scholars will not be allowed to travel to these specific areas. Gilman scholars are unable to participate in programs located in a country or location — or an area within a country or location — that is designated as either a Level 3 (“Reconsider travel to”) or Level 4 (“Do not travel to”).

Application Essays

There are four short essays required as part of the scholarship application: two Statement of Purpose essays and two Representing America Abroad and Hometown Impact essays. For those applying for a Critical Need Language Award (CNLA) or for the STEM Supplemental Award, additional essays are required.

Essay Guidelines

• Compose your essays first in a word processing program, and then upload the file to your online application. Ensure your essays are no more than one page single-spaced, with 1-inch margins, and using Times New Roman 12-point font. Do not exceed the 500-word limit for each essay.  Applications with essays exceeding the stated word limit may be deemed ineligible.  
• Your essay should be composed in paragraph format, not as numbered responses to the prompts. Review the word limit for each essay. 
  • Short Essay 1: Motivations for Studying or Interning Abroad (max of 500 words)
    • Make the case for why your study abroad academic experience (or your internship experience abroad) would contribute to your future academic and/or career goals.
    • Why did you select your specific program or internship and host country?
  • Short Essay 2: Knowledge and Skill Development through Studying and Interning Abroad (max of 500 words)
    • Please describe specific examples in which your knowledge, skills, and/or experiences (academic, professional, extracurricular and/or volunteer activities, etc.) have equipped you to effectively adapt to and succeed in your host country.
    • What specific knowledge and skills do you hope to develop through your experience abroad?
  • Short Essay 3: Gilman Scholars as Citizen Diplomats (max of 500 words)
    • Gilman Scholars represent the United States overseas as citizen diplomats and are expected to build meaningful connections in their host communities. While studying or interning abroad, Gilman Scholars will have the opportunity to share what it means to be an American citizen with their host communities, which is particularly relevant as we approach the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
      • Describe your plans and strategies for engaging your host community and showcasing what it means to be an American.
  • Short Essay 4: Contributions to U.S. Communities and Follow-on Service Project Proposal (max of 500 words)
    • Gilman Scholars return to their communities across the United States with global networks and foreign language skills that support U.S. prosperity.  As part of this effort, Gilman Scholars are expected to complete a Follow-on Service Project, which aims to highlight the critical role of study abroad in enhancing U.S. national competitiveness and security and the benefits of the Gilman Program.
      • How do you plan to leverage and share the knowledge and skills gained overseas on return to the United States?
      • How you will raise awareness of the value of study abroad and highlight support available through the Gilman Program?
      • Who is the primary audience for your follow-on service project and why have you selected them?

      For more information and recommendations, see examples below of some Follow-on Service Projects and check out our VIDEO on the Follow-on Service Project Proposal.

  • The optional Critical Need Language Award essay (max of 300 words)
  • The optional STEM Supplemental Award essay (max of 300 words)
• Ensure that your essays address all the required prompts.
• Please preview your essays once you have uploaded them into the application to ensure the correct file was uploaded.