Five University of Arkansas undergraduates have been named early award winners of Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships to fund education abroad opportunities in the summer 2017 semester. The Gilman scholars will receive up to $5,000 to apply towards their study or internship abroad costs.

The scholarship program, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, is intended to increase international experiences for American students, so they will be better prepared to thrive in the increasingly global economy. Since 2001, more than 110 University of Arkansas students have earned Gilman scholarships.

"The Gilman Scholarship Program is a wonderful program, and I am excited to see our students afforded the opportunity to seek education abroad opportunities with the scholarship awards," said Curt Rom, associate dean for International Education.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Recipients

• Jesus Barrera Garcia, computer science major, interning in New Zealand
• Allyson Braggs, public health major, completing service learning experience in Ireland
• Ikenna Egbosimba, electrical engineering major, studying Spanish in Madrid
• Fernanda Oregon, pre-nursing major, studying Spanish in Madrid
• Christian White, English major, studying abroad in Spain

A growing number of University of Arkansas students are making education abroad part of their program curriculum. During the 2015-16 academic year, a record number of students participated in study abroad opportunities. More than 1,000 students went abroad and visited nearly 50 countries.

Students interested in learning more about applying for the Gilman Scholarship should contact the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange. Undergraduate students with limited financial means who plan to study abroad are encouraged to apply. The application deadline for the summer 2017 semester and the 2017-18 academic year is 11:59 p.m. on March 7, 2017.