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December The Bootcamps offer community college students the opportunity to study abroad in France during a two-week summer program. The French Embassy offers scholarships to most participants to reduce the participation cost. If selected, you will receive a $1400 grant. You will need to pay the remaining $1000, plus your international air fare.

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The Bootcamps offer community college students the opportunity to study abroad in France during a two-week summer program. The Bootcamps are organized and hosted by French higher education institutions, with the support of the FACE Foundation, the Embassy of France in the U.S. and the L'Oréal Fund for Women.
What to expect:

High-quality academic programs from top French institutions

A multi-disciplinary and project-based learning experience on sustainable development and ecology

An all-inclusive package

An enriching personal experience and memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life!

Check out the flyer and FAQ.

Ready to embark on a thought-provoking journey to explore sustainability? Discover below the exciting programs for summer 2023.

How to apply?

The call for applications will open on December 5, 2022

The program fees are $2400, and include:

Tuition

Housing

Meals

Pick up at the airport

Local transportation

The fees do not include airfare to and from France.

The French Embassy offers scholarships to most participants to reduce the participation cost. If selected, you will receive a $1400 grant. You will need to pay the remaining $1000.

Get in touch with your community college for information on additional financial support.
I'm a Community College advisor and I'm interested in joining one of the Bootcamps: more info here.
Check out what our Bootcamps alumni have to say about their experience in France!
"My experience in the Bootcamp program has given me the opportunity to see and understand so much more about sustaining our mountains, lakes, and forests than I was ever able to learn in the classroom. I have developed many skills and have a much greater concept of how to expand my professional career. The quality of the researchers and professors who participated was very high and made the program incredibly unique and valuable. One of the greatest benefits that I have received is a greater appreciation of French Culture and People. I'm already planning to return next year!"
Jose Plascencia, Reedley College, 2022
"Going to Paris was incredible and life-altering. I had so much fun and learned so much while I was out there. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to get out of their comfort zone!"
Sarah Coveney, Norco Community College, 2022
"This program was an unforgettable experience, full of new friendships and personal accomplishments. I learned so much that I will be able to not just use immediately within my own community, but will shape how I approach life going forward."
Ashley Moore, Sinclair Community College, 2022
"Spending two weeks in Lyon, France learning about Urban Sustainability was one of the best experiences I had in community college. I met interesting people, experienced a new culture, and was able to learn more about the world and myself in the process.",
Piedmont Virginia Community College, 2022

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The Bootcamps offer community college students the opportunity to study abroad in France during a two-week summer program. The Bootcamps are organized and hosted by French higher education institutions, with the support of the FACE Foundation, the Embassy of France in the U.S. and the L'Oréal Fund for Women.

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January FEA makes life-changing, international experiences accessible to all by supporting students of color, community college, and first-generation college students before, during, and after they participate in education abroad programs. (https://fundforeducationabroad.org/)

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Welcome to the Fund For Education Abroad

The mission of the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population. FEA makes life-changing, international experiences accessible to all by supporting students of color, community college, and first-generation college students before, during, and after they participate in education abroad programs.

Welcome ED Angela Schaffer!

Please give a warm welcome to FEA's new Executive Director, Angela Schaffer. Angie brings 15 years of experience developing and managing international education programs, partnerships, and fundraising efforts, in addition to launching a small business and award-winning nonprofit.

scholar journals

Read the latest journals from our students!

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The mission of the Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) is to provide scholarships and ongoing support to students who are underrepresented among the U.S. study abroad population. FEA makes life-changing, international experiences accessible to all by supporting students of color, community college, and first-generation college students before, during, and after they participate in education abroad programs. Please give a warm welcome to FEA's new Executive Director, Angela Schaffer.

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February The Boren Awards fund the intensive study of language and culture abroad by U.S. undergraduate or graduate students. All eligible applicants have the option to either apply for a Regional Flagship Language Initiative or select/design their own study program.

(https://www.borenawards.org/)

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The Boren Awards fund the intensive study of language and culture abroad by U.S. undergraduate or graduate students. All eligible applicants have the option to either apply for a Regional Flagship Language Initiative or select/design their own study program.
Apply for a Regional Flagship Language Initiative
Boren Awards Regional Flagship Language Initiatives offer undergraduate Boren Scholars and graduate Boren Fellows carefully-selected, credit-bearing language courses during the summer (domestic) and fall (overseas), with the option to continue overseas study into the spring. In 2022, the Regional Flagship Language Initiatives include:
-OR- Select/Design Your Own Study Program -- See Below
The majority of eligible students will apply for Boren Awards to fund overseas language study programs that they have identified themselves. Program design guidelines differ slightly where noted for undergraduate Boren Scholars and graduate Boren Fellows .
All applicants must be:

U.S. citizens at the time of the national application deadline

A high school graduate, or have earned a GED

At least 18 years of age or older at the time of the national application deadline

Planning an overseas program in a country outside of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand

Planning to study in a country of which they are not a citizen

Matriculated for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded program in an undergraduate or graduate degree program located within the United States and accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education

(For ROTC cadets and midshipmen and members of the military Reserves or National Guard) In inactive, non-drilling status for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded program

In addition to these basic eligibility criteria, the Boren Awards give preference to programs based on their duration, focus on intensive study of a preferred language in a preferred country, and the applicant's field of study.

Boren Fellows have additional guidelines for self-designed research, internship, and study programs. They are also eligible to receive funding for domestic summer language programs immediately prior to their overseas study.
A specific subset of Boren Scholarships applicants already enrolled in The Language Flagship may receive funding for their Capstone year abroad. They use the same application as other applicants.
Boren Scholars and Fellows must remain matriculated in a degree program at a U.S. post-secondary institution for the duration of their Boren Awards-funded program. To prove matriculation, grantees will be required to submit a letter from a dean or registrar at their home institution stating that their graduation date will occur after the completion of their Boren Scholarship or Fellowship.

Boren Scholarships applicants must be matriculated in an associate's or bachelor's degree program located within the United States and accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education at the time of application. They must remain matriculated in an undergraduate degree program for the duration of the scholarship and may not graduate until the scholarship is complete.

Boren Fellowships applicants may be matriculated in or applying to a graduate degree program located within the United States and accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Boren Fellows must be matriculated in a graduate degree program by the start date of their fellowship and may not graduate until the fellowship is complete. Eligible graduate degree programs include master's (MA, MS, MBA, LLM and others), juris doctor (JD), or doctoral (PhD, MD and others) programs. Non-degree certificate programs are not eligible by themselves.

The Boren Awards do not require grantees to receive academic credit at their home institution for their overseas study. Many types of programs may be eligible to receive Boren Awards funding, including:

Study abroad programs arranged by your home institution, a consortium of colleges and universities, or another U.S. institution

Overseas programs with a robust language component arranged by an independent provider

Direct enrollment in a foreign university or independent language school

In addition to reviewing study abroad opportunities available through their home institutions, applicants may consult search engines for international study programs such as IIEPassport.org, GoAbroad.com, and GoOverseas.com. (Note that some information on these websites may be out of date. Applicants should confirm program details and costs directly with their providers.)

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact their Boren Awards Campus Representative as early as possible in the application process to discuss how to ensure compatibility between their proposed Boren Awards-funded program and their institution's matriculation requirements. Campus Representatives and administrators with questions about Boren Awards matriculation requirements are encouraged to contact us at boren@iie.org or 1-800-618-NSEP (6737).

The Boren Awards promote long-term linguistic and cultural immersion. Proposed programs of two or more semesters are strongly encouraged. Preference will be given to Boren Awards applicants proposing overseas programs of at least 25 weeks' duration. The minimum duration of an eligible program is 12 weeks for most Boren Awards applicants. (A special exception to this rule exists for undergraduate STEM majors, who may propose summer programs of 8 weeks or longer -- see below).

Boren Awards funding in the 2022 application cycle may be applied to programs starting as early as June 4, 2022 or as late as March 1, 2023. ( Note: Funding for program expenses incurred after May 31, 2023 is contingent upon availability and cannot be guaranteed at the time of award. Applicants should include a budget for the full duration of their proposed program. Confirmation of availability of funds for study beyond May 31, 2023 will be communicated to recipients in Spring 2023.)

Boren Awards funding must cover a continuous period of overseas study. Short mid-program trips out of the country of study are allowed but will need to be pre-approved by IIE. Multiple, sequential programs in the same language and country are eligible for Boren Awards funding and may be necessary to reach the desired award threshold.
Boren Scholarships Maximum Award Amounts:
Study tours of several countries, such as a semester at sea, are not eligible for Boren Awards funding.
Boren Fellowships Maximum Award Amounts:

8-11 weeks: $8,000 for a summer program (STEM majors only)

12-24 weeks: $12,500

25-52 weeks: $25,000

Boren Fellows have the option to apply for up to $12,000 for domestic summer intensive language courses. If requested, the maximum total combined domestic and overseas award amount is $30,000. See further guidance below.

Total actual award amounts are based on the amounts listed in the budget section of the application. Financial aid from other sources applied to the overseas study program must be reported and may affect the total Boren Awards grant. Student loans will not affect the grant. See the Boren Scholarships application instructions and Boren Fellowships application instructions for additional guidance.

All Boren Awards-funded programs must include language study as a core element for the duration of the grant. Applicants are encouraged to select or design programs that will provide an immersive environment both in the classroom and through extracurricular activities in order to demonstrate their commitment to language study.

Boren Scholars should seek study abroad programs that have a serious language component. Although such programs may include some coursework, unpaid internships, or volunteer opportunities conducted in English, the strongest applicants will make every effort to immerse themselves in language study. Language study should comprise the majority of overseas coursework. Beyond the classroom, language immersion may take place in university housing with local students, in homestays with local families, or through research or volunteering conducted in the local language.

Boren Fellows must have a serious language component in their overseas study proposals. This is the only required element, so proposals to enroll in a traditional language program will be sufficient. Graduate students are encouraged to simultaneously pursue research relevant to their degrees, additional academic coursework, and/or internships. If these activities are conducted in the target language, they may be considered part of the language component of the proposal. Graduate students may also supplement their overseas study with private tutoring.

The Boren Awards do not have a minimum proficiency requirement for most languages. We recognize that courses in many of the preferred languages listed below are not available at most colleges and universities. There is also no maximum proficiency limit for the Boren Awards; many grantees begin their Boren Awards-funded study at an already-advanced level. Whatever their starting proficiency level, applicants should select language programs appropriate to their level and set realistic goals for improving their proficiency.

Languages should be studied in a preferred country where they are spoken by a significant portion of the population.

In very few cases, Boren Awards may be granted to applicants studying non-preferred languages indigenous to preferred countries. Applicants seeking such awards must make an especially strong argument for the value of their language study to U.S. national security and public service in their application essays.

Boren Awards Preferred Languages
Special Note on French and Spanish
*Boren Awards funding for these languages is also available outside of AFLI, IFLI, SAFLI, or TURFLI.
**All languages indigenous to preferred countries in Africa are preferred languages for the Boren Awards

French is a preferred language only through the African Flagship Languages Initiative, which is appropriate for students at the intermediate-high (ILR 1+ in Speaking) or greater proficiency level in French. For all other applicants, study of French or Spanish is only permissible for advanced speakers (ILR 2 or greater in Speaking) of the language, or at the intermediate level (ILR 1 or greater in Speaking) if enrolled in a STEM field. Such proposals are eligible for funding but will not be considered to meet the Boren Awards language preference. Any award granted for the study of French or Spanish will be made contingent upon verification, through testing, of the student's language level.

See this language self-assessment guide for more information on how to rate your proficiency in these languages.

Boren Awards fund study in Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (colored grey in the map below) are always ineligible for Boren Awards funding.

All countries marked on the list and map below are preferred Boren Awards destinations:

Countries in are unrestricted. Applicants need only select eligible program(s) based in those countries, unless they are planning to study Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, or Russian. Applicants for those languages, regardless of preferred destination, must select a backup country not marked with an asterisk (*) in case their primary country of study is not approved.

Countries in or marked with an asterisk (*) are destinations that will likely not be approved for Boren Awards travel in 2022. Applicants to these countries must include a viable alternate program in another, unrestricted country appropriate for immersive study of the same language.

Languages should be studied in a country where they are spoken by a significant portion of the population.

In very few cases, Boren Awards may be granted to applicants studying in non-preferred countries. Applicants seeking such awards must make an especially strong argument for the value of their language and country of study to U.S. national security and public service in their application essays.

Boren Awards Preferred Countries

The Boren Awards give preference to applicants who will be matriculated in degree programs (i.e. majoring or double-majoring) in the following fields of study. These fields of study are summary categories -- applicants should choose the field of study that most closely resembles their major subject(s) of study.

Note that only undergraduates majoring in subjects marked as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are eligible for summer-only awards of at least eight weeks' duration.

The Boren Awards are available to students from other fields of study than those listed below. Applicants from other fields of study will need to explain clearly how they will make competitive applicants for specific public service careers in their second application essay.

Boren Awards Preferred Fields of Study

· Agricultural & Food Sciences - STEM

· Anthropology

· Archaeology

· Area Studies

· Astronomy - STEM

· Biology - STEM

· Business

· Chemistry - STEM

· Computer & Information Sciences - STEM

· Criminal Justice

· Cybersecurity - STEM

· Economics

· Engineering - STEM

· Environmental Studies - STEM

· Geography

· Geology - STEM

· History

· International Affairs

· International Development

· Languages

· Law

· Linguistics

· Mathematics - STEM

· Medical Sciences - STEM

· Military Science

· Nursing - STEM

· Physics - STEM

· Political Science

· Psychology

· Public Administration

· Public Health - STEM

· Social Sciences

· Social Work

· Sociology

The Boren Fellowships are designed to give graduate students maximum flexibility to pursue their academic goals alongside their study of the target language. As noted above, Boren Fellows may concentrate only on language study during their time abroad -- such an application will be given equal consideration. Language study throughout the duration of the grant may be supplemented with any or all of the following activities:

Academic Internship: Boren Fellows may conduct internships related to their degree programs while abroad. Internships conducted during the period of a Boren Awards grant may not be remunerated, nor may they be conducted with the U.S. or a foreign government. If you have questions about an internship with an organization with ties to the U.S. or a foreign government, please contact us at boren@iie.org or 1-800-618-NSEP (6737). Boren Fellows also may not work as journalists while abroad, even if the work is freelance or unpaid.

Classroom Study: Boren Fellows may enroll in or audit courses in their academic disciplines at host-country institutions while abroad.

Research: Boren Fellows are encouraged to conduct research related to graduate theses or dissertations while abroad.

Boren Fellows with sufficiently advanced skills in the target language may be able to conduct any of the above activities in that language. They are also encouraged to supplement those activities with languages courses or tutoring. If advanced language immersion or supplemental tutoring are part of the proposed program, applicants should make this explicit in the study program description.

Applicants proposing internships, other classroom study, or research are strongly advised to secure letters of affiliation from overseas host institutions or faculty and attach them to their applications.

All elements of the proposed program -- language study, internships, other classroom study, or research -- should be tied to U.S. national security and public service in the application essays.

The Boren Fellowships offer up to $12,000 for summer intensive language study. If requested, the maximum total combined domestic and overseas award amount is $30,000. Domestic study is entirely optional, but may be useful preparation for Boren Fellows whose overseas program requires that they arrive in country with strong language skills.

Domestic funding is limited to the summer immediately before the applicant's proposed program overseas. Therefore, in order to be eligible for domestic funding, the applicant must have an overseas program that starts no later than September 30. Additional rules for domestic study include:

Boren Fellows may receive domestic funding for study at their own institution or other U.S. academic institutions.

Domestic funding must be for the primary language the applicant plans to study while overseas.

Domestic funding for tutors, commercial services, and/or self-study guides will not be provided.

Domestic funding is for language classes only. Boren will not fund other academic coursework, internships, or research conducted in the United States.

Applicants planning on taking language classes at their home university or in their local area are eligible to receive funding for tuition and fees only. Applicants planning domestic summer intensive language study in a different geographic area will also be eligible for room and board funding. The Boren Fellowship does not cover travel or relocation expenses associated with domestic funding.

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The Boren Awards fund the intensive study of language and culture abroad by U.S. undergraduate or graduate students. All eligible applicants have the option to either apply for a Regional Flagship Language Initiative or select/design their own study program. Apply for a Regional Flagship Language Initiative

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February Frederick Douglass Global Fellows will explore conflict and injustice from various perspectives and the leaders who sought to affect positive change for their communities and their countries.  Fellows will return to America with new perspectives on how effective leaders influence positive social change and inspired to be the catalyst for positive change in their communities and in our world. (https://www.ciee.org/go-abroad/college-study-abroad/scholarships/frederick-douglass-global-fellowship#section-4)

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What is the background of the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship?
CIEE began the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship in 2017 to empower students of color - who are traditionally underrepresented on study abroad programs - with a curated study abroad experience focused on leadership, intercultural communication, and the tools needed to create positive change. Fellows are selected based on their academic achievement, communication skills, and commitment to social justice.

What will the Fellows study?
The program explores the impact that effective leaders have had on social justice movements and critical peace and conflict resolution efforts around the world. Frederick Douglass Global Fellows will explore conflict and injustice from various perspectives and the leaders who sought to affect positive change for their communities and their countries. Fellows will return to America with new perspectives on how effective leaders influence positive social change and inspired to be the catalyst for positive change in their communities and in our world.

Nettie Washington Douglass, the great, great granddaughter of Frederick Douglass and co-founder of theFrederick Douglass Family Initiatives, has supported the Fellowship since its inception. To use her words, "We are excited to participate in the development of leaders that are taught the value of intercultural awareness and molded to be change agents in their communities like our great ancestor, Frederick Douglass."

Where will the Fellows study?
The Fellows will be based in Dublin and travel around the country where Douglass campaigned against slavery and oppression in 1845. Co-sponsored by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, the Fellows will have the opportunity to meet Irish government representatives, as well as the leaders of organizations who support social justice and the advancement of diverse communities in Ireland. You can watch Nettie Washington Douglass's August 2020 interview with CBS This Morning about her ancestor's journey to Ireland on .

What are the dates of the program?
This summer's cohort will study from July 11 to August 6. Please note these dates are subject to change. Please confirm with CIEE before making any travel plans.

Is the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship a full scholarship?
The award covers the full cost of travel, housing, program field trips, and participation in a four-week summer study abroad course taught by CIEE. Meals and recreational activities are not covered.

Who is eligible for the Fellowship?
We invite applications from first-, second- and third-year students who have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and are from ethnic backgrounds typically underrepresented on study abroad programs.

How do I apply?
The application is online atciee.org/FDGF and due on February 14, Frederick Douglass's birthday. Applicants must submit a recent transcript (an unofficial version is acceptable), a letter of recommendation, and a 3-4 minute video that answers at the following questions:

How are you inspired by the life and legacy of Frederick Douglass?

Why are you interested in this study abroad opportunity?

How have you tried to solve a social problem or improve the lives of others?

What should I know about the application?
Request your letter of recommendation well in advance of the deadline. You must secure this recommendation from someone at your college or university. You can request this from the president, chancellor, provost, vice provost, dean, administrator or faculty member who knows you.

In the application, you will submit the name and email address of the person you are requesting a recommendation from. The recommender will automatically receive an email with directions to upload his or her letter of recommendation to your application. Your recommender's letter must be received by the February 14 application deadline.

Your video is another critical component. We hope that you will use it to share your story, and why you are uniquely qualified to take advantage of this opportunity.

How many students will be selected for the Fellowship?
This year we expanded the class from ten to sixteen fellows.

Is the Fellowship competitive?
Yes, the Fellowship is competitive, but somebody has to be chosen and it might be you! Additionally, even if you're not selected for the Fellowship, all eligible applicants receive a $1,500 grant that may be used for a CIEE Summer 2022, Fall 2022, or Spring 2023 program. Many have been successful raising the remainder of the program fee from their institution or other scholarships.

When is the application due?
Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on February 14. Late applications will not be considered for any reason and all application tasks must be finished in their entirety.

When will the selection of the Fellows be announced?
March 17 - Saint Patrick's Day - of course!

Where can I find more information?

1. Visit our website: www.ciee.org/FDGF

2. Follow us on Instagram: @ciee_Douglass

3. Email us with your questions: FDGF@ciee.org

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Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship | College Study Abroad

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What is the background of the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship? CIEE began the Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship in 2017 to empower students of color - who are traditionally underrepresented on study abroad programs - with a curated study abroad experience focused on leadership, intercultural communication, and the tools needed to create positive change.

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March  (https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/program/program-overview/)

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Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

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The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship. The Institute of International Education has administered the program since its inception in 2001.

Why Gilman?

A Gilman Scholarship enables American students to gain proficiency in diverse languages and cultures, skills that are critically important to their academic and career development.

The Gilman Scholarship Program broadens the student population that studies and interns abroad by supporting undergraduates who might not otherwise participate due to financial constraints.  The program aims to encourage students to study and intern in a diverse array of countries or areas and world regions. The program also encourages students to study languages, especially critical need languages (those deemed important to national security). Veterans of military service are encouraged to apply, and preference is given to veterans when other factors are equivalent. By supporting undergraduate students who have high financial need, the program has been successful in supporting students who have been historically underrepresented in education abroad, including but not limited to first-generation college students, ethnic minority students, students with disabilities, students attending HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) or other minority-serving institutions, students attending community colleges, and students coming from U.S. states with less study abroad participation.

Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman

This is a congressionally funded program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and named after the late congressman Benjamin A. Gilman from New York. With his support, the program was established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000. Shortly thereafter in 2002, Congressman Gilman retired after serving in the House of Representatives for 30 years and chairing the House Foreign Relations Committee.

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.
Benjamin A. Gilman

Award Benefits

Nearly 3,000 scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded this academic year for U.S. citizen undergraduates to study or intern abroad.

Award Recipients

Award recipients are chosen by a competitive selection process and must use the award to defray eligible study or intern abroad costs. These costs include program tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, international airfare, passport and visa fees. For more information, please check Eligible & Non-Eligible Expenses.

noncompetitive eligibility (NCE) for Federal employment

Under Executive Order 13750, Gilman scholars are eligible for 12 months of noncompetitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government, with the possibility of extensions if certain criteria are met. NCE allows U.S. federal government agencies to hire eligible exchange program alumni outside of the formal competitive job announcement process and to compete for certain federal employment jobs that are only open to federal employees. In other words, a Gilman alumna/us can receive a job offer with as little as an open position and a résumé that reflects the necessary experience and education for an agency.

Additional information is available through the following resources:

Gilman Noncompetitive Eligibility document

U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Alumni website

U.S. Department of State

For more than 50 years the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has sought to cultivate mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries to promote friendly, and peaceful relations, as mandated by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961.

ECA accomplishes its mission through a variety of exchange programs and other initiatives that support mutual understanding by protecting cultural heritage across the globe and providing educational resources for people interested in learning about American culture and the English language. ECA programs engage participants from a variety of backgrounds and specialties.

Learn more about ECA

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Program Overview - Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

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The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be r…

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March The Gilman-McCain Scholarship is a congressionally funded initiative that provides awards of $5,000 for child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application

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Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

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The U.S. Department of State's Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for undergraduate child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application (including Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps) to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Developed under the framework of the State Department's Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, the John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families (Gilman-McCain Scholarship) is open to eligible students enrolled at accredited U.S. colleges and universities who receive any type of Title IV federal financial aid.

The Gilman-McCain Scholarship is a congressionally funded initiative of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and named after the late senator John S. McCain from Arizona. With the support of the U.S. Congress, this scholarship honors the Senator's legacy of public service by enabling children and spouses of active or activated United States military personnel to develop the leadership and career readiness skills and global perspective to pursue careers of service and contribute to preserving the principles and alliances that are critical to an international order based on the rule of law, human rights, and democracy.

Please note the following updates to our current program eligibility, below in bold italics. To be eligible for a Gilman-McCain Scholarship, an applicant must be:

A citizen or national of the United States;

An undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States (including both two-year and four-year institutions);

Dependent (child or spouse) of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application (including Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps);

Recipient of any type of Title IV federal financial aid during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving Title IV federal financial aid during their study abroad program or internship;

In the process of applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program. Proof of program acceptance is required prior to award disbursement;

Applying for credit-bearing study abroad programs in a country or area with an overall Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2, according to the U.S. Department of State's Travel Advisory System, or is on the list of approved Travel Advisory Level 3 countries/areas. However, certain locations within these countries or areas may be designated within the Travel Advisory as either "Do not travel to" (Level 4) or "Reconsider travel to" (Level 3) locations, as such; students will not be allowed to travel to these specific locations.

Please note that the Gilman Program has temporarily updated the Travel Advisory Policy to allow Gilman Scholars to study/intern in select locations with a Level 3 Travel Advisory, starting January 1, 2022. Please check here for Travel Advisory Policy details and a current list of applicable countries. The U.S. Department of State reserves the right to request program changes for specific countries or areas if deemed necessary during any stage of the application, selection process, or program period. Final awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and the security situation in country. Furthermore, programs in progress may be suspended in consultation with the U.S. Embassy in country during the course of the program.

The Gilman-McCain Application is now open for applicants whose in-person programs or internships start between May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024. This cycle encompasses Summer 2023, Fall 2023, and Academic Year 2023-2024, and Spring 2024 programs or internships. The application deadline is Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 11:59pm Pacific Time, and the advisor certification deadline is Thursday, March 16, 2023. Please be aware that the application deadline is in Pacific Time and take into consideration any time difference as you prepare to submit your application.

All applicants are notified of their status via email in May 2023. All advisors will also be notified of scholarship recipients via email and will have access to the status of each student in their Gilman Advisor account.

During application eligibility review, all eligibility criteria will be reviewed including review of the dependent military ID documentation confirming child or spousal dependent status of an active duty military member. All complete and eligible Gilman-McCain Scholarship applications will then be reviewed in selection panels separate from other applicants.

The Gilman-McCain Scholarship recipients are awarded $5,000 to be used toward the cost of study abroad or international internship programs.

Q: If a student is not receiving a Federal Pell Grant, how can they apply for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship?

A: We recommend that any eligible child or spousal dependent of an active duty military member should complete the Gilman-McCain Scholarship application. Applicants must be a child or spousal dependent of an active duty military service member of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard) and be receiving any type of Title IV federal financial aid. If any eligible child or spousal dependent applies for the Gilman Scholarship, the Gilman Program will automatically consider them a Gilman-McCain applicant as long as they provide the proof of their child or spousal dependent status when they submit their application.

Q: Is a student eligible for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship if their parent or spouse is on active duty at the time of their application, but no longer active when the student goes abroad?

A: Yes, the student is eligible when their parent or spouse is an active duty military member at the time the student applies for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship.

Q: If a student is a child or spousal dependent of an active duty military member and is receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of the application or while abroad, which application should they fill out?

A: We recommend that any student eligible for both scholarships should complete the Gilman-McCain Scholarship application. If any eligible child or spousal dependent applies for the Gilman Scholarship, the Gilman Program will automatically consider them a Gilman-McCain applicant as long as they provide the proof of their child or spousal dependent status when they submit their application.

A: If a student is receiving a Federal Pell Grant and is also a child or spousal dependent of an active duty military member, then the student is eligible for both scholarships; however, the student can only receive one. If they are eligible for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, then they will no longer be considered for the Gilman Scholarship.

Q: Can Gilman-McCain applicants apply for the Critical Need Language Award?

A: Yes, if a Gilman-McCain applicant is studying a critical need language in the specified locations, they are eligible for the Critical Need Language Award.

A: The Gilman-McCain Scholarship offers 100 awards of $5,000 each for the current academic year.

Q: Are dependents of military personnel who died while on active duty eligible to apply to the Gilman-McCain Scholarship?

A: No, only dependents of current active duty military members are eligible for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship.

For information on other study abroad scholarships and grants for which you might be eligible, consult Other Study Abroad Resources.

Q: Is there an application fee for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship?

A: There is no application fee for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship. It is completely free to submit an application.

Q: Are child or spousal dependents of reservists eligible?

A: Child or spousal dependents of all active duty U.S. military members are eligible (assuming all other eligibility criteria are met). This includes active duty in the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps. All applicants will need to provide their child or spouse dependent military ID (DD1173 Form), which confirms guardian or spouse's active duty status.

The study abroad advisor certification will be required for Gilman-McCain Scholarship applicants.

The financial aid advisor certification will be updated to reflect the same statements provided under the Application Overview Page. This means that information on Federal Financial Aid status and total financial aid amount will be captured.

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Gilman-McCain Scholarship - Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

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The U.S. Department of State's Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for undergraduate child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application (including Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps) to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Developed under the framework of the State Department's Benjamin A.

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March A Freeman-ASIA award provides need-based funding to assist the recipient with the cost of the study abroad program and related expenses, including airfare, basic living costs, local transportation, books, etc. (https://www.iie.org/freeman-ASIA)

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March An opportunity to study Italian language and culture in Perugia, with free accommodation for the whole month of July, free meals, course registration and activities.

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One of SPSCA's signature opportunities for our members is our Scholarship Program. Scholarships are awarded to study at the University for Foreigners (Università per Stranieri), the oldest and most prestigious Italian institution engaged in teaching Italian language and culture, located in the heart of historic Perugia. Students not only have an opportunity to improve their language skills in an intensive one-month program and meet students from all over the world, they also are exposed to living la dolce vita in the "Green Heart of Italy."
For 2022 studies, applications were accepted March 1 to April 1, scholars were selected and most have completed their studies. We anticipate we will seek applications for 2023 studies in early 2023.
Applicants must be members of the Seattle-Perugia Sister City Association ( JOIN HERE), must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and have some prior basic knowledge of the Italian language.

In most cases, scholars can choose the month that works best for their schedule. In addition to tuition, a modest stipend is provided to help defray the cost of an apartment, food or airfare.

Learn more about the SPSCA scholarship program in our SPSCA scholarship FAQ. ​

Recent scholars share their experiences:

From Jeff, July 2021 scholar: "I had the pleasure of spending my July 2021 in Perugia thanks to my scholarship from SPSCA. Perugia, and the surrounding areas in Umbria, are the perfect backdrop to experience everything central Italy has to offer. The university itself is located in a beautiful building, filled with classrooms so picturesque that they make you feel like you are inside a painting. I had the pleasure of meeting locals who were always so eager to show off their beautiful city, as well as other foreigners in the program who became the perfect co-explorers of the region. A daily serving of a morning cornetto, a bowl of mid-afternoon pasta, some evening pizza, and nightly cone of gelato will feel guilt-free after hiking the inevitable inclines included in every journey through this hilltop city. Perugia offers a wide-ranging menu of activities to do in your free time, such as markets, theaters, museums, concerts, soccer matches, etc. I highly recommend using the local buses or trains to explore the surrounding areas within Umbria when you feel the need to change up your scenery!"

From Jackie, September 2021 scholar: "Living and studying in Perugia provided not just a profound experience but the culmination of a dream. It was also a pilgrimage. My Italian Mother passed away in 2020 and she had encouraged me to learn Italian and to seek out the family we have in Sicily and in Italy. So I combined my time in Perugia with trips to visit family and for the first time met my 82-year old Uncle Vincenzo in Pisa.

Learning a language at 60+ years is transformative-and deeply humbling. I am grateful to my three teachers at l'università in Perugia. Though their teaching styles differed, they were all extremely well prepared, knowledgeable, engaging, and compassionate.

This experience in Perugia gave me the opportunity to live in the present each day. I woke every morning to a stunning panorama of the beautiful Umbrian countryside and the sights and sounds of la città coming to life."

We are able to offer these scholarships through the generous support of our friends, business sponsors and the Università per Stranieri.

We thank Kent Bakke, former CEO of La Marzocco, for his generous contribution toward one scholarship in 2022.

Caffe Umbria and its owner Emanuele Bizzarri have been long-time supporters of SPSCA, and the Caffe Umbria Scholarship was established in 2016. Bizzari's grandfather, Ornello Bizzarri, built a roastery in Perugia in the 1940s, and Emanuele is the third-generation to enter the coffee business. The company logo even carries a stylized version of the city's famous Etruscan arch. Caffe Umbria's Pioneer Square location is also the site of our twice-monthly Italian language conversation group, La Tavola Italiana. We are very appreciative of our long-time partnership with Caffe Umbria and Emanuele Bizzarri, and his generous support of our programs.

​If you would like to make a personal or corporate contribution to sponsor a scholarship or artist exchange, please contact us.

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One of SPSCA's signature opportunities for our members is our Scholarship Program. Scholarships are awarded to study at the University for Foreigners (Università per Stranieri), the oldest and most prestigious Italian institution engaged in teaching Italian language and culture, located in the heart of historic Perugia.

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March / August The Gilman-McCain Scholarship is a congressionally funded initiative that provides awards of $5,000 for child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application (https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/program/gilman-mccain-scholarships/)

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Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

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The Gilman-McCain Scholarship is a congressionally funded initiative of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and named after the late senator John S. McCain from Arizona.

The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application (including Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps) to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Applicants must be recipients of any type of Title IV federal financial aid during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving Title IV federal financial aid during their study abroad program or internship.

The U.S. Department of State's Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for undergraduate child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application (including Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps) to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Developed under the framework of the State Department's Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, the John McCain International Scholarship for the Children and Spouses of Military Families (Gilman-McCain Scholarship) is open to eligible students enrolled at accredited U.S. colleges and universities who receive any type of Title IV federal financial aid.

The Gilman-McCain Scholarship is a congressionally funded initiative of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and named after the late senator John S. McCain from Arizona. With the support of the U.S. Congress, this scholarship honors the Senator's legacy of public service by enabling children and spouses of active or activated United States military personnel to develop the leadership and career readiness skills and global perspective to pursue careers of service and contribute to preserving the principles and alliances that are critical to an international order based on the rule of law, human rights, and democracy.

Please note the following updates to our current program eligibility, below in bold italics. To be eligible for a Gilman-McCain Scholarship, an applicant must be:

A citizen or national of the United States;

An undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States (including both two-year and four-year institutions);

Dependent (child or spouse) of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application (including Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps);

Recipient of any type of Title IV federal financial aid during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving Title IV federal financial aid during their study abroad program or internship;

In the process of applying to, or accepted to, a credit-bearing study abroad or internship program, or a virtual international program. Virtual programs and internships will be eligible until April 30, 2023. Proof of program acceptance is required prior to award disbursement;

Applying for credit-bearing study abroad programs in a country or area included in this list of countries/areas. If a student is selected for the award, they may be paid in accordance with the Funds Disbursement Policy, but they may only be permitted to travel abroad as a Gilman Scholar if their program's country/area(s) have a Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2, according to the U.S. Department of State's Travel Advisory System, or is on the list of approved Travel Advisory Level 3 countries/areas.

Please note that the Gilman Program has temporarily updated the Travel Advisory Policy to allow Gilman Scholars to study/intern in select locations with a Level 3 Travel Advisory, starting January 1, 2022. Please check here for Travel Advisory Policy details and a current list of applicable countries. If the country where you choose to study abroad is at a Level 3 or 4 due to COVID-19 at the time of application, the Gilman program will still review your application. In the event that an applicant is selected for the Gilman Scholarship and if the destination country is still at a Level 3 or 4, and is not one of the select locations indicated in the current list of applicable countries before the program starts, then the recipient will be required to change their program location. The U.S. Department of State reserves the right to request program changes for specific countries or areas if deemed necessary during any stage of the application, selection process, or program period. Final awards are contingent upon the availability of funds and the security situation in country. Furthermore, programs in progress may be suspended in consultation with the U.S. Embassy in country during the course of the program.
The Gilman Program, under the direction of the U.S. Department of State, aims to work with students to make scholarship experiences a success. Should a Travel Advisory change to a Level 3 or 4 after the student has been granted the award, the program will coordinate with participants to select a different destination study site that falls within the guidelines provided by the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory system. In determining a grantee's status, the Gilman Program, under the direction of the U.S. Department of State, is the final decision making authority regarding the continuation of a student's participation as a grantee of the Gilman Program.

The modification to the travel advisory-related eligibility criteria is a system update that has been incorporated into both the student application and advisor certification portals, in light of COVID-19.

For reference, below is a sample travel advisory that shows when a country's level is based on COVID-19 conditions:

Reconsider travel to intended host country due to COVID-19.

Read the Department of State's COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for intended host country due to COVID-19.

Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in intended host country.

If you decide to travel to intended host country:

See the U.S. Embassy's web page regarding COVID-19.

Visit the CDC's webpage on Travel and COVID-19.

Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.

Review the Crime and Safety Report for intended host country.

Have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist.

Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information.

The Gilman-McCain Application is now open for applicants whose in-person programs or internships start between September 1st, 2022, to April 30, 2023. This cycle encompasses Fall 2022, and Academic Year 2022-2023, and Spring 2023 programs or internships. The application deadline is Monday, August 1, 2022, at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Please be aware that the application deadline is in Pacific Time and take into consideration any time difference as you prepare to submit your application.

The Gilman-McCain Application will open in mid-January 2022 for applicants whose in-person programs or internships start between May 1, 2022, to April 30, 2023. This cycle encompasses Summer 2022, Fall 2022, and Academic Year 2022-2023, and Spring 2023 programs or internships. The application deadline is Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 11:59pm Pacific Time, and the advisor certification deadline is Tuesday, March 8, 2022. Please be aware that the application deadline is in Pacific Time and take into consideration any time difference as you prepare to submit your application.

All applicants are notified of their status via email in May 2022. All advisors will also be notified of scholarship recipients via email and will have access to the status of each student in their Gilman Advisor account.

During application eligibility review, all eligibility criteria will be reviewed including review of the dependent military ID documentation confirming child or spousal dependent status of an active duty military member. All complete and eligible Gilman-McCain Scholarship applications will then be reviewed in selection panels separate from other applicants.

The Gilman-McCain Scholarship recipients are awarded $5,000 to be used toward the cost of study abroad or international internship programs.

Q: If a student is not receiving a Federal Pell Grant, how can they apply for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship?

A: We recommend that any eligible child or spousal dependent of an active duty military member should complete the Gilman-McCain Scholarship application. Applicants must be a child or spousal dependent of an active duty military service member of the U.S. Armed Forces (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard) and be receiving any type of Title IV federal financial aid. If any eligible child or spousal dependent applies for the Gilman Scholarship, the Gilman Program will automatically consider them a Gilman-McCain applicant as long as they provide the proof of their child or spousal dependent status when they submit their application.

Q: Is a student eligible for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship if their parent or spouse is on active duty at the time of their application, but no longer active when the student goes abroad?

A: Yes, the student is eligible when their parent or spouse is an active duty military member at the time the student applies for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship.

Q: If a student is a child or spousal dependent of an active duty military member and is receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of the application or while abroad, which application should they fill out?

A: We recommend that any student eligible for both scholarships should complete the Gilman-McCain Scholarship application. If any eligible child or spousal dependent applies for the Gilman Scholarship, the Gilman Program will automatically consider them a Gilman-McCain applicant as long as they provide the proof of their child or spousal dependent status when they submit their application.

A: If a student is receiving a Federal Pell Grant and is also a child or spousal dependent of an active duty military member, then the student is eligible for both scholarships; however, the student can only receive one. If they are eligible for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, then they will no longer be considered for the Gilman Scholarship.

Q: Can Gilman-McCain applicants apply for the Critical Need Language Award?

A: Yes, if a Gilman-McCain applicant is studying a critical need language in the specified locations, they are eligible for the Critical Need Language Award.

A: The Gilman-McCain Scholarship offers 100 awards of $5,000 each for the current academic year.

Q: Are dependents of military personnel who died while on active duty eligible to apply to the Gilman-McCain Scholarship?

A: No, only dependents of current active duty military members are eligible for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship.

For information on other study abroad scholarships and grants for which you might be eligible, consult Other Study Abroad Resources.

Q: Is there an application fee for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship?

A: There is no application fee for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship. It is completely free to submit an application.

Q: Are child or spousal dependents of reservists eligible?

A: Child or spousal dependents of all active duty U.S. military members are eligible (assuming all other eligibility criteria are met). This includes active duty in the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Space Force, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and USPHS Commissioned Corps. All applicants will need to provide their child or spouse dependent military ID (DD1173 Form), which confirms guardian or spouse's active duty status.

The study abroad advisor certification will be required for Gilman-McCain Scholarship applicants.

The financial aid advisor certification will be updated to reflect the same statements provided under the Application Overview Page. This means that information on Federal Financial Aid status and total financial aid amount will be captured.

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Gilman-McCain Scholarship - Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

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The Gilman-McCain Scholarship is a congressionally funded initiative of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and named after the late senator John S. McCain from Arizona.

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October (https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/program/program-overview/)

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Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

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The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship. The Institute of International Education has administered the program since its inception in 2001.

Why Gilman?

A Gilman Scholarship enables American students to gain proficiency in diverse languages and cultures, skills that are critically important to their academic and career development.

The Gilman Scholarship Program broadens the student population that studies and interns abroad by supporting undergraduates who might not otherwise participate due to financial constraints.  The program aims to encourage students to study and intern in a diverse array of countries or areas and world regions. The program also encourages students to study languages, especially critical need languages (those deemed important to national security). Veterans of military service are encouraged to apply, and preference is given to veterans when other factors are equivalent. By supporting undergraduate students who have high financial need, the program has been successful in supporting students who have been historically underrepresented in education abroad, including but not limited to first-generation college students, ethnic minority students, students with disabilities, students attending HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) or other minority-serving institutions, students attending community colleges, and students coming from U.S. states with less study abroad participation.

Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman

This is a congressionally funded program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State and named after the late congressman Benjamin A. Gilman from New York. With his support, the program was established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000. Shortly thereafter in 2002, Congressman Gilman retired after serving in the House of Representatives for 30 years and chairing the House Foreign Relations Committee.

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.
Benjamin A. Gilman

Award Benefits

Nearly 3,000 scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded this academic year for U.S. citizen undergraduates to study or intern abroad.

Award Recipients

Award recipients are chosen by a competitive selection process and must use the award to defray eligible study or intern abroad costs. These costs include program tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, international airfare, passport and visa fees. For more information, please check Eligible & Non-Eligible Expenses.

noncompetitive eligibility (NCE) for Federal employment

Under Executive Order 13750, Gilman scholars are eligible for 12 months of noncompetitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government, with the possibility of extensions if certain criteria are met. NCE allows U.S. federal government agencies to hire eligible exchange program alumni outside of the formal competitive job announcement process and to compete for certain federal employment jobs that are only open to federal employees. In other words, a Gilman alumna/us can receive a job offer with as little as an open position and a résumé that reflects the necessary experience and education for an agency.

Additional information is available through the following resources:

Gilman Noncompetitive Eligibility document

U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Alumni website

U.S. Department of State

For more than 50 years the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) has sought to cultivate mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries to promote friendly, and peaceful relations, as mandated by the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961.

ECA accomplishes its mission through a variety of exchange programs and other initiatives that support mutual understanding by protecting cultural heritage across the globe and providing educational resources for people interested in learning about American culture and the English language. ECA programs engage participants from a variety of backgrounds and specialties.

Learn more about ECA

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Program Overview - Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

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The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must be r…

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November The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Students spend eight to ten weeks abroad studying one of 15 critical languages. The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains. (https://clscholarship.org/about)

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Program Overview

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Students spend eight to ten weeks abroad studying one of 15 critical languages. The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains.

CLS, a program of the U.S. Department of State, is part of a wider government initiative to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering foreign languages that are critical to national security and economic prosperity. CLS plays an important role in preparing students for the 21st century's globalized workforce and increasing national competitiveness.

Most languages offered by the CLS Program do not require applicants to have any experience studying critical languages. The CLS Program seeks participants with diverse interests, and from a wide range of fields of study and career paths, with the purpose of representing the full diversity of the United States. Participants are selected based on their commitment to language learning and plans to apply their language skills to their future academic or professional pursuits. Please note that CLS is an intensive group-based language program.

The Critical Language Scholarship Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by American Councils for International Education.

Program Structure

CLS Program institutes cover approximately one academic year of university-level language coursework during an eight- to ten-week program and are designed to meet the needs of students from a variety of language levels and backgrounds. Some CLS institutes require one to two years of prior language study (or the equivalent), while others accept students with no prior background in the language.

Formal classroom language instruction is provided for a minimum of 20 hours per week. Extracurricular activities are designed to supplement the formal curriculum, including regular one-on-one meetings with native speaker language partners for conversational practice, as well as cultural activities and excursions designed to expand students' understanding of the history, politics, culture and daily life of their host country.

Program Benefits

The CLS Program covers most of the costs of participating in its overseas institutes, including:

International and domestic travel between the student's U.S. home city and the CLS Program site

Visa application fees

Language instruction, room, board, program-sponsored travel within the host country

All entrance fees for program activities

Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) language assessments

U.S. academic credit issued through Bryn Mawr College.

The following expenses will not be covered by the CLS Program:

U.S. passport fees; and

The cost of medical exams and any follow-up visits necessary to pass the medical review process, as determined by the CLS Program.

U.S. Department of State

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) works to build friendly, peaceful relations between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through academic, cultural, sports, and professional exchanges, as well as public -private partnerships. Critical Language Scholarship recipients are among the more than 30,000 exchange program participants that are overseen annually by ECA. Other programs the Bureau manages include the Fulbright Program and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.

American Councils for International Education

American Councils for International Education advances scholarly research and cross-border learning through the design and implementation of educational programs that are well grounded in key world languages, cultures and regions. We contribute to the creation of new knowledge, broader professional perspectives, and personal and intellectual growth through international training, academic exchange, collaboration in educational development, and public diplomacy. With a presence in the U.S., Russia and Eurasia for nearly four decades, in addition to representation in over thirty countries across Asia, the Middle East and Southeastern Europe, American Councils strives to expand dialog among students, scholars, educators and professionals for the advancement of learning and mutual respect in the diverse communities and societies in which we work.

Founded in 1974 as an association for area and language professionals, American Councils has focused its expertise on academic exchange, professional training, distance learning, curriculum and test development, and research. In its four decades, American Councils has developed into one of the premier American education and international training organizations, offering quality-assured, intensive overseas language study and research programs for U.S. undergraduates, graduate students, teachers and scholars.

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The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Students spend eight to ten weeks abroad studying one of 15 critical languages. The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains.