I will be traveling abroad to Japan for the Intensive
Japanese program to further improve my Japanese and gain some experience with
their culture and traditions. I feel that the language choice and country
to travel abroad helped give me a little boost to be chosen as a candidate for
this scholarship. I also think that my follow-up project was an
interesting choice to do.
What was the application process like?
The application process was not too difficult. I had
attended one of the meetings for study abroad early on last semester, so I knew
about what I needed to do to be prepared before even applying for the
Gilman Scholarship. I think that help me with my essays because I thought
about them thoroughly before I submitted my application.
For my follow-up project, I chose to stick with what I was
best at doing, which is drawing. I wanted to challenge myself with what I
am capable of doing so I decided that I wanted to make a little animation clip
of the experience, knowledge, andactivites that I will learn and
gain while studying abroad. I want this animation clip to reflect
upon the Gilman Scholarship opportunity because I would not be able
to study abroad and to go experience what I will be when I am abroad this
summer. I also felt that this clip could promote the
Gilman Scholarship to many others who are struggling with
financial support to go abroad because this video could be shared
on social networks, to clubs, and many other institutions.
What tips would you give to others considering applying?
Don't stress out too much about the two essays you have to
write. Just be yourself when writing those essays because that way, the
people who are choosing the candidates will be able to see your personality and
it will make you a better candidate. I would also suggest to be creative
about the follow-up project because creativity can go a long
way and don't be afraid to show them your creativity with what
you are capable of doing but as I mention before, with what you are
capable of doing because if you choose to come up with something that might be
over your head, you should not do that. Consider the time that you are
given to put the follow-up project together so that way you aren't considering
something that might be impossible to do in that time frame.
Anything else you want to add?
Good Luck, be creative, and confident.
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About the Benjamin A.
Gilman International Scholarship Program
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (http://www.iie.org/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program)
offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial
means to pursue academic studies abroad. Such international study is intended
to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly
global economy and interdependent world.
