Thank You Gilman International!

It is officially ONE WEEK prior to my departure. This semester I will be participating as an exchange student at University College Utrecht - a tiny (approx. 750 students small, compared to my home institution of 56,000+) honors college of Utrecht University. I am a student at the University of Central Florida (current temperature 75 degrees). However, I am soon to be living on campus in Utrecht, Netherlands (current temperature 35 degrees).

YEAH, IT'S BEAUTIFUL :)

I expect to be taking four psychology courses (which will only be finalized upon my arrival). Some reasons I chose Utrecht College:

• Location: The Netherlands are in the heart of Europe, rich with history, art and culture. 
• Academics: This college is ranked #1 in the Netherlands, #11 in Europe. I did not chose this school FOR being ranked highly, but the reasons WHY it is ranked so. With a strong focus on class participation, demanding curriculum, small class sizes so that classes are more personal, along with hands on experiences, and so much more.
• Culture: I visited Amsterdam this previous summer and fell in love with the city. Whether it be architecture, city parks, historic districts, or the amazingly friendly atmosphere of the general population, the Netherlands has an infinite amount to offer.
• Language: It sort of helps to speak the language your are instructed in. Although, you may catch on eventually...right?

I will be arriving in the Netherlands one week prior to classes to partake in a full week of orientation during in which I will register for classes, learn about the university, city, and campus, but most importantly meet the students I will be studying with for the next four months. Utrecht, from the orientation week schedule, makes a clear point that students need to feel as comfortable as possible and "at home," so as to make the best of their experiences abroad.


It is currently a 60% chance of snow (happens often in Florida...ha ha...) when I arrive on January 24. This minor HUGE change in temperature, was and should be a big consideration when applying to a study abroad program. From an average high of 85 to 95 degrees in the Spring semester in Florida, Utrecht's average high is 40 to 50 degrees. Weather alone, may be a "make or break" for anyone who decides on their location abroad.


Money Matters. If you are like me, you are not holding a six-figure job as a student. Research the currency differences between the USA and your country of interest.

BUT, none of this could have been possible without the help of a scholarship.

Let me thank the Institute of International Education for awarding me with the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. This award has taken a HUGE weight off my shoulders financially and relieved me of my worries about needing to find work during my study abroad experience. Students may receive up to $5,000 and another $3,000 if one studies in a country which Gilman considers to have a critical language.

So for anyone interested in receiving money while studying abroad (and you better not think it's impossible for you to be selected, because not only will I give you all the information you need to prepare for the application, but each applicant has about 1 in 3 chance of being selected!), the criteria are as follow:


Eligibility for semester scholarships: 

1. You MUST be receiving the Federal Pell Grant DURING your time abroad; not just be eligible too.
2. You MUST be accepted into a study abroad program (duh).
3. You MUST be studying for AT LEAST four (4) Weeks abroad in ONE country!  So if you are planning a sea abroad program or something of the like, you must be in at least one country for a month to qualify for this scholarship!
4. You may NOT study in a country on the U.S. Warning Travel List 

For more detailed information you should click HERE!


To apply for the Gilman Scholarship, you must submit two (1000 word limit) papers. That's it. No recommendation letters, no 80 page essay about the hardest times of your life, or anything irrelevant to the program. 

The first essay is your Statement of Purpose. This is your time to shine. Include information about yourself, the program you chose, why that said program, what you will accomplish abroad, what you will bring back with you upon your return, what you will do to get involved, who you will live with, what classes will you take, what will you do during your spare time, and much more. Pretty much, the reviewers of your applications want to make sure that if awarded $5,000 it will not be spent on alcohol, shopping, and alcohol. If you would like more information of help with your essay, feel free to contact me!


The second essay is your Follow-on-Project. The reason why the chances of receiving this award is 1 in 3 and not the usual 1 in 1000 is partly due to the lack of student knowledge that this award even exists. So the follow-on portion is a way for the recipients to "spread the word," and advertise for the Gilman scholarship to students in their home communities about the award. As you may have figured out, I proposed to write a weekly blog during my time abroad. This blog will include everything from applying to the Gilman scholarship, to everyday activities and "need to know" information such as packing for your trip, how my classes are, what I do during my free time, where I may travel to, who I meet, pictures and videos I take throughout the semester, and anything I can think of writing about.


I believe my follow on proposal was strong because I did not simply say I will write a blog, but instead contacted several clubs throughout my college and who have agreed to have a link leading to my blog posted on their home websites so that students (who were informed about my future adventure abroad) may have access to my blog.

Upon my return home, I proposed to the Gilman scholarship (after speaking with several clubs and the study abroad office), that I will have PowerPoint presentations about my experiences abroad, as well as a short article in my home institutions official newspaper. So once again, if you apply and need any help with either essay PLEASE feel free to contact me!


Lastly but probably most importantly, the help I received from the study abroad office, my institutions honors college, and my friends greatly impacted my essays. It is NEVER too early to apply for this award. I began my application in early July, for a mid-October deadline. Every minute of revision counts. The more feedback you receive from peers the stronger your essay will be.


I hope this information helped!


So the next time I will write to you will be about one week, a day or so before I depart. I will include information about what and how I packed, details about how to make your study abroad affordable (because everyone loves to save money), some flight details and anything else I may have forgotten in this post!

Vaarwel (Bye)!