Khloe Benton, a University of Arkansas sophomore, has been awarded a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study abroad this summer. Benton will spend five weeks in Japan as part of an international business seminar led by economics professor Robert Stapp.

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. The scholarship will cover up to $5,000 of Benton's study abroad costs.

The international studies and Asian studies major was overjoyed when she learned she had won the scholarship.

"I saw 'Congratulations!' in the preview text of the email, and I dropped my phone and started shaking," Benton said. "I couldn't believe it was actually happening."

Benton had applied for the scholarship previously, but her application was denied. However, she did not let that stop her from continuing to pursue her dream of studying abroad. Benton revamped her application, working closely with the staff in the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange to ensure her she was submitting the best possible application.

"The first time I applied, I tried too hard to make my application and accompanying essay sound pretty, instead of being true to myself and showing who I am," she said. "When I reapplied, I tried to be more straightforward and do a better job showing my passion for the study abroad program."

After completing her undergraduate degree, Benton plans to join the Peace Corps.

"I've wanted to join the Peace Corps since I was a child, and I think this experience will give me a head start."

Benton was one of several University of Arkansas students to win a Gilman scholarship to study abroad this summer. The other winners are:

• Michelle Amos, interdisciplinary studies major, studying abroad in Mexico
• Dinah Benford, journalism major, studying abroad in France
• Allyson Braggs, public health major, studying abroad in Chile
• Erica Brewer, psychology major, studying abroad in Italy
• California Burhmester, animal science major, studying abroad in Thailand
• Ikenna Egbosimba, electrical engineering major, studying abroad in Spain
• Gabriel Gutierrez, public health major, studying abroad in Spain
• Quinten Johnson, architecture major, studying abroad in Thailand
• Jesse Keener, journalism major, studying abroad in the Czech Republic
• Fernanda Oregon, nursing major, studying abroad in Spain
• Roya Rashidi, public health major, studying abroad in Peru
• Sabrina Rivas, art major, studying abroad in Italy
• Sydney Spradlin, biomedical engineering major, studying abroad in Denmark
• Christian White, educational studies major, studying abroad in Spain
• Eric Williams, accounting major, studying abroad in Ireland

Students interested in studying abroad or 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.