Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) has been acknowledged by the U.S. Department of State for producing two recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship in the Spring 2025 cycle. This scholarship is aimed at U.S. undergraduate students who are federal Pell Grant recipients, allowing them to study or intern abroad.

“EMU Study Abroad is excited at the opportunity the scholarship offers to our students,” said Kristen Krug-Shaffer, manager of program development for academic travel programs. “The Gilman Scholarship broadens the student populations that study abroad by supporting undergraduates who might not otherwise be able to go abroad because of financial constraints.”

In spring 2025, the U.S. Department of State awarded this scholarship to 3,500 American undergraduate students from all states and the District of Columbia to study in over 170 countries. Over half of these scholars are first-generation college students, including both EMU's Spring 2025 Gilman Scholars. The program received a record high of 17,000 applications during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Each EMU scholar received a $3,000 award and will represent the United States overseas before returning with enhanced global networks and foreign language skills crucial for U.S. economic and national security interests.

Kelle Crank, a senior majoring in elementary education with a minor in Japanese language, plans to study at Japan Center for Michigan Universities throughout the 2025-26 academic year. Her interest in Japan began as a child living in Detroit while watching "Toonami" on Cartoon Network. “Anime was my gateway to discovering Japanese society," she said.

Victoria MacLean, a junior K-12 Spanish education major and Honors student, will study Spanish language and culture in Costa Rica during summer 2025. She aims to enhance her cultural competency through interactions with Spanish speakers and expects this experience will make her more qualified as a Spanish teacher.

The Gilman Scholarship was established by Congress as an initiative under the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is supported by the Institute of International Education. The next application cycle starts in August 2025 for Pell Grant recipients interested in studying abroad through this scholarship.