While the main aim of Al Jamiat is to assist international students in their decision to study in the United States, we also believe in the benefits of cultural exchange and the importance of American students studying abroad. The Gilman International Scholarship Program deadline is fast approaching on April 7, 2009. More than 1,200 scholarships will be awarded this year, some up to $5,000 for US undergraduate students to study abroad. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education.

Auckland NZ, study abroad CC License by justinwyne

We hope this type of scholarship can encourage diversity in the study abroad, currently more than 80% of undergraduate students who study abroad are Caucasian. While the numbers of minority students choosing to study abroad have risen in the last decade, the overall percentage is still remarkably low with Hispanic and African American students making up just about 10% of all students abroad.

Study Abroad in Egypt CC License by Erin Berg

The Gilman International Scholarship Program aims to serve under-represented students and communities by awarding this scholarship to those in financial need, community college students, students from diverse minority backgrounds, and students with disabilities.  The program also seeks to increase the number of students studying engineering and math abroad as they currently comprise only 5% of the total number of US students abroad.

Studying abroad is a eye opening experience to most, it allows you to learn about a new culture, pick up a new language, and make diverse new friends.  Our friend Maria from Maria Abroad gives you 10 great reasons to study abroad – and we really agree with all of them. We also just received this link to the Benefits of Studying Abroad – an article that will help you quantify the benefits of study abroad, written by IES (www.iesabroad.org).

Its the opportunity of a lifetime, the application is simple and straight forward: for more information, full eligibility criteria and the online application visit:  http://www.iie.org/gilman – but hurry the deadline is in just a few days – April 7!

Contact for Applicants:
Email: gilman@iie.org
Phone: 1-888-887-5939, ext 25

Contact for Advisors:
Email: gilmanadvisors@iie.org
Phone: 1-888-887-5939, ext 16

Leave us a comment if you decide to apply for this scholarship and certainly if you receive it!