Nancy Rocha Macalester College

Fall 2011 Gilman Scholarship Recipient Follow-On Project

What is study abroad? Being able to

receive college credit by studying in another country for a semester or an academic year

Usually done during junior year of college

Study abroad means different things to different people

Opportunity to learn/continue a foreign language in the native country

Fulfill major requirements (courses at a local university or independent research)

Opportunity to gain international work experience (internships)

Taking courses that are not related to your major

Benefits of Study Abroad: Best way to learn or

continue speaking a foreign language

Opportunity to travel Immerse yourself in

another culture

Develop new skills and gain experiences that a classroom will never provide

Make new friends and connections

Source: http://www.vistawide.com/studyabroad/why_study_abroad.htm

Helps you learn about yourself

Breaks you out of the academic routine

Expands your worldview

Enhances employment opportunities

Fun Times!

Financing for Study Abroad

It sounds overwhelming when you think about all you have to be financially prepared for, but there are programs who are willing to help students who wish to study abroad.

Study abroad program fees vary, but there are additional costs to consider when planning: Visa fees Airfare Required shots Transportation Food Travel within/outside

country Textbooks Entertainment

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program

sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State

Goal of the Gilman Scholarship Program:

aims to broaden the student population that studies abroad by supporting undergraduates who

might otherwise not participate due to financial constraints

Source: www.iie.org/gilman

Is open to all U.S. citizen undergraduates in good academic standing

with high financial need

studying in non-traditional countries, especially those outside of Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand

with diverse ethnic backgrounds

from a diverse range of institutions including four-year, public, private, community colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges, Hispanic Serving Institutions and other

Minority Serving Institutions

with disabilities

Source: www.iie.org/gilman

Scholarships range from $2,500-5,000

The money can be used for:

program tuition

room and board

books

local transportation

insurance

international airfare

Source: www.iie.org/gilman

Resources General Information on Study Abroad Preparation:

Your college’s study abroad office/website

www.studentsabroad.state.gov

Funding for Study Abroad:

Scholarships offered by accepted study abroad program

Your own college may also offer scholarships/grants for study abroad

Specific scholarships geared towards international study such as The Gilman Scholarship (www.iie.org/gilman)