Fellowships Office hosts workshop for Gilman, Critical Language Scholarship applicants; applications open now

Grand Valley's Office of Fellowships was one of three colleges and universities nationwide to be selected to host a joint Critical Language Scholarship/Gilman Scholarship workshop, which included presentations from eight GVSU Gilman and CLS Alumni and advisers from 50 colleges and universities in 39 states, provided in-person support and tips for successful applications to these study abroad programs, which are funded by the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

The workshop coincided with the Gilman Scholarship deadline of October 1 for all 2020 study or intern abroad programs and the Summer 2020 CLS Application deadline on November 19. The Critical Language Scholarship fully funds 2-3 month intensive summer language programs in languages critical to national security. 

Grand Valley was selected to host the workshop because of the university's strong track record with Gilman recipients (193 and counting) as well as having three CLS scholars and two alternates for summer 2019. 

Gilman Scholars receive up to $8,000 to apply to their study abroad or internship program costs. The award is open to students who receive a Federal Pell Grant and who will be studying or interning abroad for 21 days or longer in host countries with Level 1 or 2 State Department Travel Advisories.

The new Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides $5,000 scholarships to support study and internship programs for dependents of active duty Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine and Navy service members who receive any form of Title IV Federal Financial Aid.

Gilman Scholars have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of other cultures, countries, languages and economies, making them better prepared to assume leadership roles within government and the private sector.

The Gilman Scholarship (https://gilmanapplication.iie.org/) program is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). The scholarships, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, are awarded to high-achieving students to help diversify the students who study and serve internships abroad, as well as the regions where they work and study.

Students considering studying or interning abroad in Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall Semesters 2020 should immediately contact the Office of Fellowships for Gilman application assistance or should visit walk-in hours in the Padnos International Center (Lake Ontario Hall 130) from 4-7 on Wednesdays. For more information, visit gvsu.edu/fellowships.