Multiple U of A Students Earn Gilman Scholarships to Study Abroad

Ten University of Arkansas undergraduates were selected as early recipients of Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships to fund education abroad opportunities for the summer 2018 semester. The Gilman scholars will receive up to $5,000 to apply toward their study abroad costs.

The University of Arkansas produced the second highest number of Gilman recipients in the nation for the summer 2018 early award period.

"The Gilman Scholarship Program is a wonderful program, and it's rewarding to see so many University of Arkansas students selected for the award," said Curt Rom, associate dean for International Education. "The experiences our students will have while abroad will be beneficial to our university and our state."

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 Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange will host a Gilman Scholarship information session from 1-2 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 19 at the World Language Learning Center in JBHT 207.

Gilman International Scholarship Recipients

• Liliana Barrientos-Figueroa, nursing major, studying abroad in Mexico
• Jordan Cottrell, international business major, studying abroad in Japan
• Emily Haggard, marketing major, studying abroad in India
• Mariana Pacheco, Spanish major, studying abroad in Mexico
• Jennifer Padron, public health major, studying abroad in Spain
• Jacqueline Payne, chemical engineering major, studying abroad in Iceland
• Melanie Ross, nursing major, studying abroad in Sweden
• Alexia Selvera, international studies and political science major, studying abroad in France
• Carolina Tovar, Spanish major, studying abroad in South Africa
• Esmeralda Verdin Gomez, political science major, studying abroad in France

Gilman applications for students studying abroad in summer 2018, fall 2018 or academic year 2018-19 are still open and will close at 11:59 p.m. on March 6. Undergraduate Pell grant recipients may be eligible to apply. Those interested in learning more about the scholarship should contact the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange.