Five Syracuse University Abroad students are among the approximately 1,200 American undergraduate students from 354 colleges and universities across the U.S. selected to receive the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study or intern abroad during the summer 2017 term. Big congratulations to:
- Amber Hunter, Madrid Summer Session
- Ekiuwa Imariagbe, Survey of Current Issues in African Migration
- Jakia Nur, Florence Summer Session
- Yara Osman, Survey of Current Issues in African Migration
- Angelina Vargas, Survey of Current Issues in African Migration
Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply towards their study abroad or internship program costs. Students receiving a Federal Pell Grant from two- and four-year institutions who will be studying abroad or participating in a career-oriented international internship for academic credit are eligible to apply. Scholarship recipients have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of other cultures, countries, languages, and economies — making them better prepared to assume leadership roles within government and the private sector.
The late Congressman Gilman served in the House of Representatives for 30 years and chaired the House Foreign Relations Committee. When honored with the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Medal in 2002, he commented, “Study abroad is a special experience for every student who participates. Living and learning in a vastly different environment of another nation not only exposes our students to alternate views, but also adds an enriching social and cultural experience. It also provides our students with the opportunity to return home with a deeper understanding of their place in the world, encouraging them to be a contributor, rather than a spectator in the international community.”
The program is administered by the Institute of International Education. According to Allan Goodman, President and CEO of IIE, “International education is one of the best tools for developing mutual understanding and building connections between people from different countries. It is critical to the success of American diplomacy and business, and the lasting ties that Americans make during their international studies are important to our country in times of conflict as well as times of peace.”
The deadline for students applying for the Gilman Scholarship for Spring 2018 programs is October 3, 2017. Interested students are encouraged to contact Syracuse Abroad admissions counselor Mary Fedorko for assistance with their application.