Embedded Files
Scholarships and Financial Aid!
The Going Global Guide will mainly discuss the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship but will include other available scholarships as well.
The Going Global Guide will mainly discuss the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship but will include other available scholarships as well.
Eligibility
Eligibility
For the Gilman Scholarship, you must be:
a U.S. citizen or national
an undergraduate student in good academic standing at an accredited two-year or four-year institution
Receiving Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that you will be receiving a Pell Grant during your study abroad term.
Applying for a program that is credit-bearing and will be in a location with a Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2 ( U.S. Departments of State's Travel Advisory System )
Pre-Application Tips and Reminders
Pre-Application Tips and Reminders
Let your campus Study Abroad and Financial Aid Gilman Advisor know that you will be applying for the scholarship. They will be the ones certifying your application before it is reviewed for decisions.
The Gilman Scholarship is a merit-based award, which can seem intimidating. Just remember, especially when writing your essays, that the scholarship is heavily rooted in your diversity, equal opportunity, and community.
An application encompasses several terms, make sure you apply for the correct one within the deadline posted on the Gilman website. For example, the October 2023 application should be submitted by those with study abroad programs between Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Maymester 2024, Summer 2024, Fall 2024, and academic year 2024-2025 programs.
The Gilman Scholarship YouTube Channel is a good resource for tips and experiences from Gilman Alumni.
Calm down, breathe. Remember that if you are not awarded, there are dozens of other scholarships available for you.
The Gilman Website (linked above) explains in-depth what they are looking for in each essay. Below are questions taken from the Gilman Scholarship website you should ask yourself after writing your essay. Make sure you use these questions to your advantage and ensure you include all, if not, most points in your essays.
Follow the proper format: 1-inch margins, Times New Roman font size 12.
Make use of your existing experiences and skills, along with those you are looking to develop during your time abroad to create a meaningful and feasible follow-on project.
The Follow-On Service Project is a chance for you to contribute and spread awareness to the study abroad community and the Gilman Scholarship within your community. Ask your study abroad advisors if there is a role or project you can take on to help improve the study-abroad programs that can also serve as your Follow-On Service Project!
If comfortable, have someone proofread your essays. Make use of your campus writing center! I have a difficult time with this as I get really shy especially when I write about private circumstances, but getting another set of eyes to look at your essays makes sure that you get your point across properly and effectively, and helps spot spelling and grammatical errors.
The Gilman Scholarships seek scholars who will be good representations of the U.S. in terms of diversity and meaningful intercultural relationships. Make sure to write about your openness to learning the culture of your host country. Include concrete actions and ways you plan on outliving that openness in your Building Mutual Understanding Essay.
If you have more questions or would like to view my essays that helped me get the scholarship, feel free to contact me!
more opportunities
more opportunities
SDCCD Scholarships
SDCCD Scholarships
Each campus presents dozens of annual scholarship opportunities. Typically, applications become available around mid-fall, with scholarship awards announced in the spring. The majority of these scholarships have a deadline set in February. Seize the chance to benefit from these invaluable opportunities catered to us students. Below are the links to the scholarship pages of each campus.
more opportunities
more opportunities
Study Abroad-Specific Scholarships and Programs
Study Abroad-Specific Scholarships and Programs
The GGG will only include limited amounts of information. Below are brief descriptions of each opportunity, links to the scholarship/program websites, and other helpful links compiled for your convenience.
Sponsored and handled by the U.S. Department of State in support of the U.S. government’s efforts to encourage the acquisition and mastering of foreign languages deemed critical to national security, economic prosperity, and international engagement.
Eligibility
There is a multitude of details concerning the eligibility criteria for applicants. To reach the official Eligibility page of the program with complete details, click here.
Languages & Proficiency and Application Details
There are 4 essays required to apply:
Personal Statement - maximum of 500 words
Citizen Diplomacy & Mutual Understanding - maximum of 300 words
Preparation for the CLS Program - maximum of 300 words
Commitment to Language Study - maximum of 300 words
Click here for an essay preparation worksheet provided by CLS.
Unofficial transcripts are requested, official transcripts are needed after being selected as a finalist to confirm eligibility
Go to the CLS Applicant Resources Page for more helpful instructions, worksheets, and videos.
Program Benefits
Comprehensive language training and cultural immersion.
Access to textbooks and language learning resources.
Certification of language proficiency via the respected ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) assessment.
Non-competitive eligibility for U.S. government jobs for up to three years post-program.
Academic credit facilitated by Bryn Mawr College.
Covered international and domestic travel between the student's home city and the program site abroad.
Visa application fee coverage if applicable.
Accommodation and program-sponsored travel within the host country or location.
A nonprofit organization providing scholarships and financial support to U.S. students who wish to pursue academic and experiential learning opportunities abroad. The organization is dedicated to increasing access to international education for underrepresented groups and those with financial need.
Eligibility
To qualify for an FEA scholarship, you need to:
1. Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient.
2. Currently be an undergraduate student at a U.S. college (graduate students ineligible).
3. Earn credit at your home institution for the study abroad program.
Application/Process
Complete the online Application Form
Print the Financial Aid Form and take it to your university's financial aid office. They will complete it, and you need to upload it to your online application.
Upload unofficial transcript to the online application.
Ensure all application materials are uploaded and submitted by the deadline to be considered for an FEA scholarship.
Application Essays:
There are two required essays and each essay must be 750 words long
You will find the essay questions and prompts in the Application Form
Encompasses a wide range of financial aid opportunities, eligibility criteria, application processes, and award amounts can vary. Provided by various entities, including governments, educational institutions, private organizations, and international foundations.
Explore the SDCCD study abroad experience through this link, which not only provides access to individual Study Abroad pages for each campus but also presents a comprehensive list of exciting opportunities awaiting prospective students interested in studying abroad.
General Scholarship Resources
General Scholarship Resources
Below are some scholarship resources that aren't specific to studying abroad. These resources cover a wide range of educational interests and fields. Whether you're studying at home or abroad, these scholarships offer financial support for various academic pursuits. Remember to check the details of each scholarship, as they may have different requirements and application processes.
Tuition, Financial Aid, Other Sources
Tuition, Financial Aid, Other Sources
Unfortunately, the total cost of your program may not cover your course tuition, air fare, and other personal purchases. Aside from scholarships, there are other ways to help you pay for your expenses!
BOG Waiver
This is a program that helps eligible low-income students cover their enrollment fees at community colleges. The waiver essentially eliminates the enrollment fees for qualified students, making education more accessible to those with financial need. There may be situations where your FAFSA cannot cover summer or winter classes. If that is the case, this can be of great help!
Work-Study
If you still have a couple of months before you leave for your program and are eligible, Federal Work Study (FWS) is a great way to get a part-time job, most likely on campus, that is flexible and understanding of your situation as a student! Below are links that will lead you to the FWS pages of each SDCCD campus.
GoFundMe
Admittedly I was hesitant to start a fundraiser myself, but I quickly realized how the people around me believed in me enough to invest in my studies and growth. There are people out there willing and able to help you!
As a former applicant and fellow student, I understand the significant amount of time and effort required throughout the application process, not just toward the Gilman scholarship, but with any application. Yet, the immense financial support it offers, as well as the community you become a part of, makes every effort worthwhile. You're more than capable, you've got this!
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse