Latest cohort of high-achieving FSU Gilman Scholars set to study abroad this summer

Twenty-two Florida State University students will study around the world this summer through the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Gilman Scholarship gives students the opportunity to study or intern in foreign countries, providing students with skills critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity while preparing them for a globalized world. To be eligible for the Gilman Program, applicants must have a strong academic record and plan to pursue a credit-bearing experience. Applicants must also be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the time of application or provide proof that they will be receiving a Pell Grant during the term of their study abroad program or internship.

Since its inception, FSU has had 187 Gilman Scholars who have studied abroad in 43 different countries and earned over $700,000 toward their international experiences. With this award, Florida State students join the prestigious ranks of the Gilman alumni network stretching across the globe.

“Our 2025 class is a particularly impressive group of young scholars,” said Jesse Wieland, associate director of the Office of National Fellowships. “These students didn’t shy away from Gilman’s most competitive application cycles to date but rather used that competition as motivation to craft compelling application materials. Our Gilman scholars are a microcosm of the creativity and academic rigor amongst our student body; they all found ideal study programs that align with their majors or professional aspirations in coordination with FSU faculty and staff.”

The Institute of International Education (IIE) has administered the program since its inception in 2001, with more than 28,000 students awarded. The IIE received a record high of 17,000 applications across the 2024-2025 academic cycle, and FSU awardees are among those selected to pursue an international experience over the summer.

Nine of the 22 recipients will use the Gilman Scholarship to participate in study abroad experiences administered through FSU International Programs. Shinaika Hiller, Jean-Luc Cruz, and Alyia Fitzgerald will participate in the “Social Work & International Affairs: Human Rights” program in Prague, Czech Republic this summer.

The post Latest cohort of high-achieving FSU Gilman Scholars set to study abroad this summer appeared first on Florida State University News.