May 4, 2018

VCU recognized as a top producer of Gilman scholars

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By V. Renee Russell
VCU Global Education Office

Virginia Commonwealth University has been recognized among education institutions that sent the most students overseas through the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program in academic year 2016-17. VCU ranked No. 41 among nearly 150 universities nationwide that enroll more than 15,000 undergraduates, according to a report issued last month.

Marwa Eltaib, one of 14 VCU students who received Gilman scholarships during the 2016-17 academic year, at Chamonix Mont Blanc, at the border between France and Switzerland. Eltaib studied abroad as a Gilman scholar in fall 2016. (Courtesy photo)
Marwa Eltaib, one of 14 VCU students who received Gilman scholarships during the 2016-17 academic year, at Chamonix Mont Blanc, at the border between France and Switzerland. Eltaib studied abroad as a Gilman scholar in fall 2016. (Courtesy photo)

In addition to its ranking among large institutions, VCU was listed in all of Gilman’s priority achievement categories, which included scholarships for minority students, first-generation college students, students with disabilities, STEM students, and variety in the total number of destinations.

VCU was Virginia’s top-ranked institution on all lists.

The Gilman scholarship plays a significant role in making study abroad accessible for VCU students, said Stephanie Tignor, director of the VCU Education Abroad office.

“We are immensely proud of our students’ accomplishments and of VCU being recognized among other institutions that produce Gilman scholars,” she said. “When students study abroad, they not only build skills that will benefit them academically, professionally and personally, they also bring their broadened global perspectives back to campus, and that enriches the entire VCU community.” 

The Gilman scholarship program provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving federal Pell Grant funding at two-year or four-year colleges or universities to participate in study abroad programs worldwide. The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Institute of International Education.

Over the past five years, 59 VCU students have received Gilman scholarships. Fourteen were awarded in 2016-17 to students from 10 different academic majors who studied in 13 countries between fall 2016 and summer 2017.

Gilman scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply toward their study abroad or internship program costs. The VCU Education Abroad office and National Scholarship Office work with students to develop competitive applications.