Students receive Gilman Scholarships to study abroad

Three Grand Valley students will receive financial assistance to study abroad in 2022-2023, thanks to the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. 

Shaylin Cota, Noah Kamekawa and Isabel Wychuyse received scholarship funds to continue their studies in Europe and Asia. 

“I’m delighted that our applicants have received these prestigious and highly competitive awards to help defray the cost of their GVSU-administered study abroad programs,” said Brenda Tooley, associate director for the Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement. “I’m looking forward to working with many more Gilman applicants this year as study abroad opportunities expand.”

Cota is the recipient of a $5,000 scholarship to study in Italy this summer. Kamekawa will receive $5,000 for his full academic year studying abroad in Japan.

“To be selected for the scholarship means so much,” said Kamekawa. “Gilman is seen as such a competitive scholarship. I wasn't sure of my chances, even after all the hours put into the essays alongside the Fellowship Office.”

Wychuyse receives $3,500 to study this summer in Ireland, where she plans to complete an internship in exercise science. 

“The Gilman Scholarship Program made my goals of studying abroad attainable,” said Wychuyse. “Winning this award means so much to me as a first-generation college student because without this award I would not have all the finances to travel overseas.”

Nearly 3,000 undergraduate students across the country were selected to receive a Gilman International Scholarship. Gilman Scholars will study or intern in 91 countries through April 2023. 

Named for the late U.S. representative, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad, providing them with skills critical to our national security and economic prosperity.

“I hope this good news provides encouragement for students now considering study abroad but concerned about costs,” said Tooley. “There are many forms of support for international engagement.” 

Tooley said the next cycle for applications to the Gilman Program opens in August with a deadline of October 6.  

The Frederik Meijer Office of Fellowships supports interested Grand Valley undergraduate and graduate students and alumni in pursuing major national and international award opportunities, providing information and direct support throughout the competitive application processes. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit the Frederik Meijer Office of Fellowships webpage.