6 students win prestigious Gilman Scholarships to study abroad

Six students from Arizona State University have been awarded prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships to study abroad this summer in four different countries around the globe.

The Gilman Scholarship Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, provides the opportunity for university students in the United States who are receiving Federal Pell Grant Funding to participate in study abroad programs.

Combined the students received a total of $22,500 that they will each use for program tuition, room and board, books, transportation, insurance and airfare.

Elizabeth Hunt, a global health major and anthropology minor, will travel to Costa Rica for six weeks to study the language and history of the area, as well as the global health of the country.

“I cried and lost my breath as soon as I saw the email saying from the Gilman Program saying that I won a scholarship,” said Hunt. “I’ve always been interested in studying health practices and the cultures of Hispanic and Native Americans, so this will be a great hands-on opportunity.”

Hunt, a native of Ventura, Calif., says that she always wanted to study abroad in college, but the financial costs made her hesitant. With the help of Gilman Scholarship, she is now able to enhance her education without the monetary stress.

The Gilman Scholars are as follows:

Jason Baxter, Ariz. – China, $4,500

Zachary Marin, Ariz. – China, $4,500

Elizabeth Hunt, Calif. – Costa Rica, $4,500

Dillon Vaughn, Ariz. – Italy, $4,000

Dylan Muller, Ariz. – Spain, $2,500

Angelica Wagner, Ariz. – Spain, $2,500

ASU currently has more than 300 study abroad programs in over 60 countries around the world. The goal of each is to enhance and broaden the spectrum of knowledge based learning, and provide a hands-on opportunity for students to work in their designated fields of study.

“Studying abroad provides students the opportunity to better understand how to solve global problems within their field of study while earning ASU credit,” said Adam Henry, assistant director in the ASU Study Abroad Office.

Learn more about the Gilman Scholarship Program.