University of Arizona Among Top Producers of Gilman Scholars
The University of Arizona (U of A) has earned a distinguished place among the nation’s top producers of Gilman Scholars. Recognized by the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, the university ranks fourth among institutions with an enrollment exceeding 15,000 students.
The Gilman Program, managed by the U.S. Department of State through the Bureau of Cultural and Educational Affairs, provides need-based scholarships for undergraduates to study or intern abroad. This initiative, named after the late Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman, has been overseen by The Institute of International Education since 2001, aiming to equip students with international experience, language proficiency, and critical thinking skills.
Each year, the program awards nearly 3,000 scholarships, up to $5,000 each, to support students with financial constraints, covering tuition, accommodation, travel, and other expenses. Eligibility for the program requires students to be recipients of the Federal Pell Grant.
At U of A, Gilman Scholars receive support from Study Abroad at Arizona International. These study abroad programs offer various formats, including short-term, faculty-led courses and longer programs in over 30 countries.
“Being named one of the nation’s top producers of Gilman Scholars is a testament to the hard work we do every day to provide access to our students, and it’s amazing to see that work recognized at a national level,” said Harmony DeFazio, executive director of Study Abroad. “At its core, this office is a tool that supports student success at the University of Arizona, and this scholarship is an important part of that work.”
For 25 years, the U of A has facilitated over 600 students in obtaining more than $2.3 million in scholarships, with an average award size of $3,700 per student. The university boasts a 30% success rate in securing Gilman funding, surpassing the national average of 20%.
Peer Support and Student Success
Peer advisors play an essential role in guiding students through the Gilman application process at U of A. Alyssa Ortega, a senior majoring in information science at the College of Information Science, spent last summer in Seoul, South Korea, as a Gilman Scholar. She studied at UA Seoul, partnering with Hanyang University, enhancing her academic pursuits while experiencing Korean culture.
Alyssa Ortega during her summer trip to Seoul, South Korea.
Back in Southern Arizona, Ortega assists fellow students with their applications, offering guidance during open office hours. “Students are often worried about the costs of studying abroad and applying for a nationally competitive scholarship, and what I’ve found to be most helpful is actually sitting down and walking them through the process,” she explained. “I can guide them through the various scholarship websites and provide one-on-one feedback on their application and essays. I make sure they know I can always lend a hand if they need it.”
Dafne Johnson, Study Abroad scholarships program director, emphasizes the importance of student advisors like Ortega in U of A’s achievements with the Gilman Program. Johnson aims to help students experience diverse cultures and share Southern Arizona’s essence through study abroad opportunities. She describes the Gilman Scholarship as “a key tool” in enabling students to pursue their dreams without financial worries.
“Gilman is one of the first scholarships we tell our students about because it supports those who couldn’t otherwise afford the experience,” Johnson stated. “I think the Gilman program presents a wonderful opportunity for students because it’s a nationally competitive scholarship that shows students what they want to accomplish is possible.”
Beyond the Gilman Scholarship, Johnson and her team assist students in applying for other scholarships, such as the Garcia Family Foundation Scholarship for Study Abroad, established to enhance access to credit-bearing study abroad programs for financially needy students.
The University of Arizona’s dedication to international education has been previously acknowledged by the Fulbright Program, which identified the institution as a top producer of Fulbright Scholars. Additionally, the university received the Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization, celebrating its innovative strategies for global learning.
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