Gilman Scholarship Helps Support Study Abroad Opportunities

At Knox, learning outside of the classroom is a key component of a student’s education, which is why the College requires students to engage in immersion experiences, including off-campus programs, internships, research, or creative work. Nearly 30% of Knox students choose to explore immersive learning through study abroad, and many seek outside funding to support their experiences, including the nationally competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.

“Since 2004, 50 Knox students have been awarded the Gilman Scholarship, which is impressive for a school of our size,” said TRIO Academic Coordinator Laura Bush, who advises students applying for the Gilman Scholarship.

The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program provides up to $5,000 in merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students with financial need to participate in academic studies or internships abroad, covering essential costs such as program tuition, international airfare, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance, and passport/visa fees. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, undergraduates in good standing at an accredited institution, and Federal Pell Grant recipients. The Gilman International Scholarship helps students gain global experience, build international networks, and improve language skills, supporting U.S. competitiveness and security, while directly enriching students' educational journeys. 

Bush is well-versed in the Gilman program. Since 2015, Bush has guided Knox students through the Gilman Scholarship application process, especially in crafting compelling application essays. She also brings insight from her experience as a Gilman selection panelist and Advisor Ambassador.

“I read 60 random essays. It is interesting to see the types of institutions and students who apply. You notice where they want to go and what makes an effective or impactful essay. That’s been insightful, and I’ve shared this with our students,” Bush said. “My biggest role is to help students find their authentic voice and ensure their program choices are well-justified. For most, that’s never a problem. Knox students are invested, curious, and always thinking critically about the world around them.” 

Bush’s experience reviewing successful essays provides her with valuable insight into what distinguishes strong candidates for the highly competitive scholarship, which is awarded to about 20 percent of applicants. 

“The essay requirements have changed over time. Now, there are four essays of about 500 words each,” she said. “They focus on a student’s purpose for studying abroad and how it connects to their career. Students also must describe what skills they'll bring and develop, and how they plan to pay it forward—whether at Knox or with another organization to help others access study abroad opportunities.” 

With her experience, Bush prepares Knox students to become strong candidates for the Gilman International Scholarship, ensuring they understand how it expands access to international study at Knox.

“I stress what we’re looking for in a successful applicant is their authentic story and original voice,” Bush said. 

Knox’s most recent Gilman Scholarship recipient was Lissette Adame ’26. Adame was awarded the Gilman and used it to help pay for an immersive trip to Peru to explore her passion for business and entrepreneurship as part of Professor and Director of Latin American Studies Julio Noriega’s Peru Cultural Immersion course.

Adame explained how staff members helped her use her Gilman Scholarship and Power of Experience Grant for the Peru trip, after her original plans to study in Japan changed. 

“I was originally going to study abroad in Japan,” Adame said. “I had the Gilman Scholarship, but I didn’t know what to do with it until Laura Bush, TRIO academic coordinator, and Tim Foster, director of the Stellyes Center for Global Studies, told me I could use it for the Peru trip Julio (Noriega) was organizing. I also had the Power of Experience Grant. It was my first time traveling. We were able to do a lot of networking, and I liked that we went as a class rather than me going by myself.”

In addition to outside scholarships, Knox students can receive direct support from the College. Not only do students’ financial aid packages travel with them, but the Power of Experience Grant, a $2,000 grant is available to all eligible Knox students in support of immersive learning experiences.

ABOVE: Tim Foster of the Stellyes Center with two past Gilman recipients and TRIO participants: Lissette Adame and Isaac Freeman (South Korea) taken this January at the Gilman info session.