The United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has recognized New Mexico State University as a top 20 producer of Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program recipients during the past 20 years.
Erica Nikolaisen, Education Abroad program manager, said she was excited for NMSU to earn the honor in the medium institution category.
“I think being named as a top producer is going to encourage future NMSU students to consider participating in an education abroad experience,” Nikolaisen said. “I think sometimes, students do not apply for competitive national scholarships because they think they are unattainable or out of reach. I think seeing that so many other NMSU students have been successful in applying and receiving the scholarship, will encourage others to apply and participate in education abroad experiences as well.”
The Gilman International Scholarship Program provides students with skills critical to the country’s national security and economic prosperity. This year marks the 20th anniversary of partnership between the Gilman Program and the higher education community to make study abroad more accessible to outstanding and diverse American students who otherwise would not have had the funding for an international academic experience. Since 2001, NMSU has had 135 Gilman International Scholarship Program recipients.
In partnership with NMSU’s University Financial Aid and Scholarships, Education Abroad offers two Gilman International Scholarships every semester. Nikolaisen said the office heavily promotes the scholarship to eligible students and supports them through the application process.
Education Abroad offers workshops that cover the mission and objectives of the scholarship program, eligibility requirements, how to prepare and be successful when applying in addition to providing students the opportunity to have their scholarship application essays reviewed.
“Education abroad opens many doors for our students, with an immediate and long-term positive impact on a student’s personal, professional and academic life,” Nikolaisen said. “Education abroad provides transformative global learning experiences for students that support the development of the soft skills necessary to successfully achieve their career goals and become contributing members of society.”
To learn more about NMSU’s Education Abroad programs visit https://oel.nmsu.edu/educationabroad/.