USA Students Earn Prestigious Award to Study Abroad

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Posted on December 16, 2022

Joy Washington

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Two University of South Alabama students who received the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship had a great summer study abroad experience. 

Tiffany Pogue, a senior psychology major from Mobile, and Freddie Garcia, a recent USA communication graduate from Bogart, Ga., joined thousands of students from around the country to receive the Gilman Scholarship to study or intern abroad. Pogue was awarded $5,000, which paid for most of her study abroad experience. And, Garcia was awarded $4,000. Both students are recipients of numerous other honors and awards.

“We have data that shows us when students study abroad, they have a significantly positive experience, which has a major impact on student's academic and career journeys,” said Shawn Dillard, interim director of International Education and Study Abroad. “We are very proud of our students receiving this nationally competitive scholarship. And, we are pleased that programs like the Gilman scholarship are available to boost access to international education.”

Applicants of the Gilman Scholarship must be an undergraduate student in good standing at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States receiving a federal Pell Grant. 

“I am grateful for the Gilman scholarship,” Pogue said. “I am paying for my education completely out of pocket, and I must take out loans and work multiple jobs to cover what financial aid does not cover. Interning in Madrid, Spain, was an incredible experience that has expanded my global perspective and connected me with many people from around the world.”

The Gilman Scholarship is named for the late U.S. Rep. Benjamin A. Gilman of New York, who received the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Medal in 2002. The Gilman International Scholarship is among one of the most competitive national programs for undergraduates seeking to fund their study of internship abroad experiences. 

This scholarship is intended to make study abroad more accessible to outstanding and diverse American students who have high financial needs and may not otherwise be able to have this great opportunity to pay for an international, academic experience.

“Receiving the Gilman’s scholarship award as a first-generation college student of immigrant parents meant the world to me,” Garcia said. “I am honored to receive this scholarship and show other first-generation students that anything is possible, no matter where you come from. Through the Gilman scholarship program, I am going to make a video about my experience studying abroad as well as providing advice and recommendations to those who also wish to study abroad who may be unable to do so because of financial obstacles.”

The Gilman scholarship is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The scholarship is also supported by the Institute of International Education.

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