The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) announced that 164 University of California students were recently awarded Gilman Scholarships for study abroad in the summer and fall of 2011. The Gilman Scholarship Program offers awards for undergraduate study abroad of up to $5,000 for each recipient.
UC students made up 10.9% of all awards distributed nationally by the Gilman Foundation in 2011, receiving $604,000 to date for the 2011-2012 academic year. And while only 1.6% of the nation’s study abroad students are from UCEAP, UC students participating in the University of California’s official study abroad program comprised 9.2% of all award recipients across the nation, receiving $512,500 in Gilman Scholarships.
“Given the current state of the economy and the rising cost of higher education, a growing number of students are applying for and receiving these awards, which is a testament to the quality of the UCEAP and the students themselves,” said Jean-Xavier Guinard, Associate Vice Provost and Executive Director of the University of California Education Abroad Program. “We are also pleased with the continued and expanded outreach efforts on the UC campuses that have enabled more students than ever to gain access to much needed scholarship funds for their studies aboard.”
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Gilman Scholarship program focuses on applicants who are Pell Grant recipients, studying abroad for at least four weeks in one country, considering programs in “non-traditional countries” and/or programs that promote nationally recognized critical languages.
“Our program’s strong academic focus speaks to the core goals and objectives of the Gilman program, and the $604,000 in Gilman Scholarships awarded to UC students will help fund an international education that will help equip these students with the knowledge, understanding, and skills for work and life in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world,” Guinard said.
The Gilman Scholarship Program accepts applications two times per year. Ideally, students should begin their application one full semester before their study abroad program is scheduled to begin.
“Despite increasing fees and costs, UC Santa Barbara students and parents are demonstrating great interest in the variety of UCEAP’s program options – more than ever before,” said Juan Campo, Director of UC Santa Barbara EAP office. “The challenge before us is to show that study abroad is still an affordable aspect of undergraduate education and available to all our students.”
The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) has served as the UC systemwide international exchange program since 1962. Serving all ten campuses, UCEAP continues its support of the University of California’s mission through academic instruction and exchange relationships around the world. Through study abroad, UCEAP provides the opportunity for students to become international citizens and global thinkers, equipping them with the understanding and skills necessary for success in the global marketplace. For more information, visit eap.ucop.edu