GW Recognized as Leading Producer of Gillman Scholars

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George Washington University was recently recognized by the U.S. Department of State and the Institute of International Education as a top producer of Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program recipients since the program's launch 25 years ago.

The prestigious scholarship program expands access to study abroad and international internship opportunities by alleviating financial barriers for students.

The merit-based scholarship program is designed to help high-achieving U.S. undergraduate students with financial needs access global pathways. The program awards recipients up to $5,000, with additional funding available to those pursuing STEM-related work or critical languages.

The GW Office for Study Abroad supports applicants pursuing this opportunity every semester. Since the program's inception in 2001, GW has produced over 350 recipients, placing the university second in the medium institutions category.

Christiane Morton, B.A.'26, who studied in the GW Madrid program in fall 2025, said being a Gillman scholar helped her career and personal development.

Morton was one of 25 Gilman Scholars selected to participate in a study tour focused on the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). During the program, she met with representatives from the European Commission, the European External Action Service, the European Council, the European Parliament and NATO.

"My favorite part was connecting with students across the United States who share my passions and background. Throughout my study abroad endeavors, we continued to meet up, and several of us still chat with each other to this day," Morton said.

The scholarship program is open to Federal Pell Grant recipients. In addition to providing financial support, recipients also receive 12 months of noncompetitive eligibility, a special hiring authority status within the federal government, with the possibility of extensions, which helps ease the process for students seeking employment in government agencies.

The Gilman program also connects students to a global network of professionals and allows them to join a community that opens doors to exclusive events and programming. Each opportunity affords students a chance to further their professional development and expand their network.

Hear more from recent GW Gilman scholarship recipients below as they reflect on what the program has meant to them and the opportunities it has afforded them:

Cierra O'Sullivan, Senior, Political Science and History

"Being a Gilman Scholar made my study abroad experience in Paris possible and gave me the freedom to really make the most of it. Gilman also made me feel like part of a bigger community of students who are passionate about global experiences and pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones. Overall, it gave me opportunities I wouldn't have had otherwise and made my time abroad so much more impactful."

Vallie Wu, B.A.' 26, International Relations and Affairs

"The Gilman Scholarship allowed me to study in Taiwan without worrying about my financial situation as a first-generation immigrant and the fear of missing out on study abroad opportunities with my limited time as a transfer student. Knowing that I represented the communities I am a part of, I participated in the program not just for myself, but to showcase the support I have received. The Gilman experience helped me realize my passion for bridging cultural gaps and opened the door for me to learn to contribute more."

Samuel Beltran, Senior, International Affairs and French Language, Literature, and Culture

"When I studied abroad at Sciences Po in Paris during fall 2025, the Gilman Scholarship provided me with the financial support to make this dream a reality. As a French major, I realized the importance of living in a francophone country and learning about the language and culture up close. This essential part of my college journey was made possible through the support of the Gilman Scholarship, which helped me partially cover the costs of my study abroad experience and connected me with other Gilman scholars also studying in Paris that semester. While opening scholarly and professional opportunities, Gilman also gave me the means to immerse myself in French culture and visit France for the first time in my life. My semester studying abroad would not have been possible without the support of the Gilman Scholarship."

Liliana Juarez, Senior, American Studies and Political Science

"The Gilman Scholarship not only allowed me to study abroad in Montevideo, Uruguay, but also to visit neighboring countries like Argentina and Brazil. My semester abroad has taught me so much and deepened my understanding of the Americas in ways I feel are impossible to achieve by staying at home. I feel very grateful for the ability to study abroad with Gilman, as they have offered me many opportunities both directly and indirectly."

Cate Gibbons, Senior, Public Health and Dance

"Receiving the Gilman Scholarship made it possible for me to study abroad at University College Dublin, where I was able to step outside of my comfort zone and grow both academically and personally. Living in Dublin challenged me to adapt to a new environment, navigate unfamiliar systems, and build connections with people from different backgrounds. Being a Gilman Scholar made this opportunity accessible in the first place, and it reminded me that experiences like studying abroad shouldn't feel out of reach. Looking back, my time in Dublin pushed me to grow in ways I didn't expect, and it has had a lasting impact on how I see my future. I'm incredibly grateful for the Gilman Scholarship and the opportunity it gave me to step outside of my comfort zone and experience something truly transformative."

Anali Centeno Aragon, Junior, International Business

"Being selected as a Gilman Scholar has been a transformative part of my study abroad experience. As part of the ACE Triple Degree Program, studying across the U.S., Italy, and soon China, this scholarship has made my global education more accessible while expanding my perspective. Through Gilman, I participated in the U.S. Food Security Leadership Exchange in Rome, where I visited the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Food Programme and connected directly with professionals working in global development.

These experiences have strengthened my interest in international business and opened new career paths, while connecting me with a community of globally minded peers."

Emily Huang, Senior, International Affairs and Conflict Resolution

"Through Gilman support, I was able to study in Singapore, Australia and Switzerland, where I engaged deeply with international law, global policy, and cross-cultural collaboration. These experiences not only expanded my academic interests but also clarified my long-term goal of pursuing a career in law and international affairs. Beyond financial support, being a Gilman Scholar connected me to a broader community of globally minded students who are committed to public service and international engagement."