Jenny Goes Abroad

I would like to express my gratitude in having received the Gilman Scholarship for my 2017-2018 academic year studying in Tokyo, Japan. The Gilman Scholarship Program offers students an opportunity to fund their language and cultural studies abroad in order to foster abilities invaluable to future academic or professional pursuits. Careers and life trajectories will change, YOU will change, but studying abroad is an experience that you’ll have for the rest of your life. It’s certainly something that will enrich your life in ways you may not even expect. Studying abroad shouldn’t be inaccessible to those who may not necessarily have the funds. If you think you’ll need assistance to fund your studies/internship abroad, please consider applying to the Gilman program and seeing what it has to offer.

Here in this post are some aspects of my application that I think played a significant role in my selection as a recipient. Every applicant is unique and looking for something different in their study abroad experience, so I’ll try to be vague enough so that most people will be able to use this advice while being specific enough to convey what I mean.

-In general, avoid vague language, concepts, and explanations. “Personal growth” is something a lot of people are seeking, but what specifically are you looking to improve/work on/discover about yourself? (vague-ish ex. How you deal with a certain part of your identity in an environment/society that isn’t exactly compatible)

-Impact and Reach: A service project orientated towards sharing your experiences with others, but make sure it’s something you can actually do/will follow through with. It can be difficult to know exactly how you’ll change after going abroad, so be prepared with a project that can reflect how you changed throughout your journey.

-This is Just the Beginning: Explain how this opportunity will help you in the future and how it will continue to play some kind of role in your life going forward (ex. I’ll be studying so-and-so language and my goal in life is to be the ambassador to that country). Give multiple examples of varying aspirations that take root in this study abroad experience.

-Balance; Know What You Want and You Don’t Know (with a certain flexibility): This is kind of difficult for me to explain. In my case, I gave a brief rundown of what I wanted to gain from my study abroad experience expressed in questions because in this form I was able to show how much I knew about what to expect (I’m committed enough to making this experience invaluable to me). Be able to articulate your goals/pursuits/ideas/etc. In the context of what you are looking for in your study abroad experience.

I hope these tips are helpful to you as you apply for the Gilman Scholarship. Whether you are chosen to become a recipient or not, this study abroad experience will impact you for the rest of your life. Make use of the opportunities you are offered and push yourself to keep changing or improving. Good Luck!