The U.S. Department of State announced its inaugural list of U.S. higher-education institutions that sent the most students overseas on the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program in the 2016-17 academic year. Berea College has been recognized for its success in making international study and internships more accessible and inclusive for American students of all backgrounds through the Gilman Program.
The State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute of International Education, compiles the list, organized by institution size and type. Berea College was cited for success among top small colleges and universities with fewer than 5,000 undergraduates. Only two other schools—Spelman College and Worcester Polytechnic Institute—were in cited in this category.
“It is a huge honor to become one of The Benjamin Gilman Scholarship’s Top Producing Schools,” said Ann Butwell, Berea College Education Abroad advisor. “Gilman has helped us prove to students that study abroad is an attainable goal, and that they are worthy candidates.”
“My advisors at Berea College helped me tremendously during my application process and in-country study abroad,” said Gilman Scholar Olivia Cundiff, reflecting on the support Berea College provided. “They coached me in how to tell my story through a persuasive essay.”
Fellow Gilman Scholar Lilia Mundelius shared similar sentiments.
“My Gilman adviser has always been there for me every step of the way,” she said. “She demanded lots of work on my part, but she was always there to help solve the problem. I am forever grateful to her.”
View the full list of the institutions by category at the Gilman Scholarship website.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, with the support of the U.S. Congress, is reshaping study abroad to make it more accessible and inclusive for American students. The Gilman Program broadens the U.S. student population that studies and interns abroad by providing scholarships to outstanding undergraduates who, due to financial constraints, might not otherwise participate. Since the program’s establishment in 2001, more than 1,300 U.S. institutions have sent more than 25,000 Gilman scholars to 145 countries around the globe.