WMU students earn distinguished Gilman Scholarship for Study Abroad

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Six Western Michigan University students received the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship in 2026, gaining new perspectives and building their confidence to learn and work abroad.

Administered by the U.S. Department of State, the Gilman Scholarship provides up to $5,000 to undergraduate students who receive federal Pell Grants to help make international education more accessible.  

“The Gilman Scholarship expands access to study abroad for students with high financial need and helps diversify participation,” says Joe Milostan, director of study abroad and faculty enrichment at the Haenicke Institute for Global Education. 

“WMU Study Abroad is committed to supporting students through the Gilman application process, and we’re excited to help more students receive funding for these life-changing opportunities.”

How Studying Abroad in South Korea Expanded One WMU Student's Career Possibilities

For Abrielle Kennedy, business and international studies student, studying abroad in South Korea expanded her understanding of what might be possible beyond graduation.

“Studying abroad opened up my mind to opportunities for working abroad,” Kennedy says. “Studying abroad showed me how living abroad and working abroad is a real opportunity that I can achieve.”

With the financial support of the Gilman Scholarship, Kennedy says she was able to fully participate in activities and travel throughout South Korea while also gaining academic and personal experiences.

She is now interested in returning to South Korea to study again and potentially work there for an extended period.  

“Not only did earning the Gilman Scholarship fund my education abroad, but it also opened me up to many international opportunities I hadn't considered and didn't know about before,” she says. “I am so glad I applied for this scholarship and would encourage students considering studying abroad to apply too!”

Four Study Abroad Programs, One Global Perspective

Samantha Becker, an occupational therapy major, has gained confidence and developed a deeper understanding of the world through her study abroad experiences in the Netherlands, Ghana, Ecuador and Ireland.

“I learned that the world is huge, and my perspective is capable of changing if I have full immersion,” Becker says. “I am confident I have a better global perspective now that I will be able to carry with me while a student but also for the rest of my life.”

Her experience in Ghana, for example, gave her an opportunity to explore the history and lasting impact of the transatlantic slave trade while connecting with the culture and communities of the country.

As a woman of color, Becker described traveling to Ghana as a dream come true and valued the opportunity to learn through firsthand experiences.  

Other students who were awarded the Gilman Scholarship include A'Miah Janay Winston, Christopher Trevino Wells, David Insignares and Fariba Rahimi.  

Apply to WMU and Get Involved

More than 470 students at WMU studied abroad last year. Study Abroad programs are incorporated in most majors and minors, and students travel to 30 countries, on average, each year. Apply to WMU today at wmich.edu/apply.

Want to study abroad? Browse the online program catalog and prepare your application. Learn more at WMU Study Abroad, where all may learn though travel.