Nusrat Jahan, an International Relations major at OU, has been named as a recipient of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for study abroad. Jahan’s $2,500 award will help support her study abroad at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea during the fall 2016 semester.
The Gilman Scholarship was set up to support students’ study abroad or internship program costs so that scholarship winners have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of other cultures, countries, languages and economies, making them better prepared to assume leadership roles within government or in the private sector.
“I have been planning to study abroad in Korea for a while now, so this is definitely very exciting for me,” said Jahan. “While in Korea, I hope to learn the language while immersing myself into the culture by making friends, traveling and trying the cuisine.”
Students receiving a federal Pell Grant from two- and four-year institutions, who will be studying abroad or participating in a career-oriented international internship for academic credit are eligible to apply. The Gilman Scholarship is sponsored by the U. S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education.
“Funding for the Gilman Scholarship comes from the State Department, so it is a great honor to receive such a prestigious award,” said OU International Education Director Alex Zimmerman. “Students often describe study abroad as the most meaningful experience of their college career.”
“I am planning on doing multiple small projects to promote the Gilman Scholarship. I am doing an informational blog, volunteering at the International Education office as a student adviser, and presenting a PowerPoint presentation regarding my study abroad experience at the 2017 Fall Study Abroad Fair,” said Jahan.
In addition to receiving the Gilman Scholarship, Jahan has applied for and received Oakland University’s Patti Finnegan Sharf Study Abroad Scholarship ($2,000), the Oakland University Alumni Association Study Abroad Scholarship ($500) and the James A. Sharp and Tessie Baltrip Sharp Scholarship ($500).
“There are many scholarships and grants available to talented students who have financial need,” said Zimmerman. “I hope anybody who may be interested in adding an international component to their degree will come see us, even if they have worries about costs and affordability.”
Learn more about study abroad scholarships and programs by visiting the department web page, Facebook page or by stopping by the new International Education office in O'Dowd Hall, Room 328.
 |  |
| Nusrat in front of a Buddhist temple. | Nusrat wearing a hanbok, a traditional Korean dress. |