Seven students from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) have been selected to receive scholarships through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, enabling them to pursue study abroad opportunities during the spring, summer, and fall of 2024.
These students were chosen from a pool of approximately 1,700 American undergraduates who applied during the October 2023 cycle of the Gilman program. The initiative, which caters to students with limited financial resources, seeks to expand access to international academic experiences. Eligibility for the scholarships is based on receiving federal Pell Grant funding, thereby promoting diversity among study abroad participants.
Stephanie Tignor, director of global learning at VCU’s Global Education Office, emphasized the significance of the Gilman Scholarship in facilitating global learning opportunities for students. Tignor noted that the scholarships contribute to a more diverse representation of students engaging in study abroad programs, aligning with VCU’s commitment to embracing diversity.
The selection process for the Gilman Scholarship is rigorous, with support provided by staff from the Global Education Office and VCU’s National Scholarship Office to enhance applicants’ submissions. Tignor expressed pride in the success of VCU students in securing the scholarships, highlighting the collaborative efforts to assist students in articulating the transformative impact of studying abroad on their academic, professional, and personal growth.
2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the Gilman program, which has provided scholarships to over 34,000 undergraduates, fostering international academic and internship experiences that enhance global and cultural competencies. The scholarships, which can amount to up to $5,000, contribute to covering the expenses associated with studying abroad.
The following seven VCU students have been awarded Gilman Scholarships for the upcoming 2024 session:
- Sara Abdelrahim, a senior majoring in criminal justice and homeland security and emergency preparedness, will participate in an exchange program with Rabdan Academy in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, during spring 2024.
- Nonso Akunwafor, a junior Honors College student majoring in urban and regional studies, will study in Granada, Spain, as part of ISA’s Spanish Language, Culture, and Electives program during spring 2024.
- Buffy Bui, a senior Honors College student majoring in political science, will enroll in health and law courses at the University of Bristol in England during fall 2024.
- Catherine Nguyen, a senior majoring in mass communications, will study at Chung Ang University in Seoul, South Korea, during spring 2024. Nguyen has also been awarded the program’s supplemental Critical Need Language Award.
- Aseel Packry, a sophomore Honors College student majoring in medical laboratory sciences, will participate in an independent study on leadership in the healthcare field with VCU’s Emerging Leaders Program during summer 2024.
- Meg Stallard, a junior majoring in fashion merchandising, will attend Chung Ang University in Seoul, South Korea, from March through December 2024.
- Grace Tammaro, a junior majoring in fashion merchandising, will participate in a four-week program at Santa Reparata International School of Art in Florence, Italy, during summer 2024.
- Catherine Nguyen, one of the scholarship recipients, expressed gratitude for the financial support provided by the Gilman Scholarship, emphasizing its role in facilitating enriching educational experiences and cultural immersion opportunities.
VCU encourages students who receive federal Pell Grants to explore study abroad programs and apply for the Gilman Scholarship by the March 7 deadline.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is sponsored by the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education, established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000.
