Four University of Arkansas undergraduates have earned Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships to fund education abroad opportunities this academic year. Additionally, one student was selected as an alternate. The Gilman scholars will receive up to $5,000 to apply toward their study abroad costs.

"Thanks to the Gilman scholarship, I have been able to learn about South African culture and research my honor's thesis in Cape Town this summer and fall," said Samantha Tafoya, a Gilman scholarship recipient and an Honors College senior. "I would like to become a political foreign service officer with the Department of State, and I believe this experience offers knowledge that cannot be gained in a traditional setting and this particular coursework will sculpt me into a better foreign service candidate."

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 Gilman Scholarship Program is a wonderful program, and it's rewarding to see University of Arkansas students are routinely selected as Gilman scholarship recipients," said Curt Rom, associate dean for International Education. "The international experiences our students will receive because of this program are beneficial, not only to the university, but to the state of Arkansas."

Gilman international scholarship recipients

• Margaret Goodrich, international studies major, studying abroad in Morocco
• Nathan Hemby, industrial engineering major, completing an exchange student experience in Sweden
• Luis Palafox, biomedical engineering major, completing an exchange student experience in Spain
• Samantha Tafoya, journalism and political science major, studying abroad in South Africa

Gilman international scholarship alternates

• Caleb Smith, chemistry major, studying abroad in France

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.