Emory University has been recognized for its success in making international study and internships more accessible and inclusive for American students of all backgrounds through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program in academic year 2017-2018. The U.S. Department of State recently announced the U.S. higher education institutions that sent the most students overseas on the Gilman program.

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, with the support of the U.S. Congress, is reshaping study abroad to make it more accessible and inclusive for American students. The Gilman Program broadens the U.S. student population studying and interning abroad by providing scholarships to outstanding undergraduates who, due to financial constraints, might not otherwise participate.

The State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute of International Education, compiles the list, organized by small, medium and large four-year institutions, and associate’s colleges.

Emory has been cited for success as a top producer in the following categories:

• Medium Colleges and Universities (5,000-15,000 undergrads);
• STEM Students; and
• Racial and Ethnic Minority Students.

The number of Gilman Scholars from Emory has more than doubled in four years, with 34 selected in the 2017-18 academic year, compared to 15 students selected in 2014-15. 

Last year, Emory’s Gilman Scholars studied around the world, from the summer human health program in Paris and Brazilian studies in São Paolo to the Emory Global Internship in Hong Kong, an eight-week program that allows students to develop professional fluency in a global context.

“The Gilman Scholarship is a wonderful program that expands access to a wider audience of students who might not otherwise be able to afford international studies,” says Laura Ochs, director of study abroad for the Office of International and Summer Programs (OISP). 

“The Office of International and Summer Programs is honored to be recognized for our efforts in supporting a diverse and inclusive population on our study abroad programs,” she notes. “We celebrate these achievements, and we continue to look for more ways to make all students’ dreams of study abroad a reality.” 

Emory’s efforts to increase Gilman recipients

The OISP in Emory College of Arts and Sciences has made comprehensive efforts to increase the number of Gilman recipients, including collaboration with the Office of Financial Aid to send targeted Gilman promotion to Pell recipients.  

OISP also offers detailed reviews of application essays as well as information sessions about Gilman with past recipients present for advice. OISP advisers have also traveled to sit on Gilman review panels to learn more about the selection process in order to be better prepared to support Emory students.

“In particular, study abroad adviser Kate Dawson has created many of these efforts and worked individually with countless students,” Ochs says. 

Since the program’s establishment in 2001, over 1,300 U.S. institutions have sent more than 28,000 Gilman scholars to nearly 150 countries around the globe.  

Students interested in applying for the Gilman Scholarship can contact the study abroad team in the Office of International and Summer Programs at studyabroad@emory.edu.