What are you doing in the summer and what do you think made you a good Gilman candidate?
This summer I will be studying abroad for one month with the University of Arkansas faculty-led program in Besançon, France. This is a really great opportunity that allows us as French students to be totally immersed in the language. After a brief stay in Paris, we will take a train to Besançon in eastern France where we will meet our host families. There we will take intensive French courses at the highly renowned Center of Applied Linguistics. For this trip, I was awarded the Gilman scholarship, which is an incredible aid in helping those who may not be able to study abroad due to financial restraints.
What was the application process like?
Applying for the Gilman scholarship is an extensive process, but it is definitely worth it! They want to make sure that you are a well-rounded individual and that you will be a good representative of the Gilman program. It is crucial that you emphasize your involvement in organizations on and off campus. The goal is to distinguish yourself, as they are particularly inclined to award those who are from underrepresented and/or diverse backgrounds. I believe that my being in Army ROTC was a contributing factor to my selection, because not many cadets have the opportunity to study abroad due to the major time commitment that ROTC entails during the academic year. It is for this reason that I chose to study abroad during the summer. Whatever your reason, make sure you emphasize the importance of study abroad for your future career and academic goals!
What will your follow-up project be about?
For my follow on project, I am going to arrange 2-3 presentations here at the University of Arkansas that will spread awareness of the many study abroad programs available through the University of Arkansas and how the Gilman Scholarship can help fund those who wish to study abroad. My goal is that more students would consider studying abroad, and that they also would have an increased desire to learn about other countries, cultures, and languages. In doing this, my intent will be to spread cultural awareness and inform others about the great opportunities that studying abroad provides. I will share information on my personal experiences abroad and expound upon the aims of the Gilman Scholarship program. I believe that this will inspire more students to look into studying abroad and increase their knowledge of the opportunities available to them. If you are unsure about what you should do for your follow on project, the office of study abroad is a very helpful resource, as is the Gilman website.
What tips would you give to others considering applying?
I encourage those who are eligible for the Gilman scholarship to go ahead and take the extra time to apply. While it is highly competitive, it is definitely worthwhile to go through the process. I personally did not think that I would not receive the scholarship, but I went ahead and applied anyway. Applying can only help you, and in the event that you are awarded the scholarship, you will be more than happy that you did it!
---
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.
