Oct 28, 2021

Dear campus community,

I am proud that UCI is being recognized for the work it has done to offer equal access to study abroad opportunities for students. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has recognized UCI for being a top producer of Gilman Scholars in the past 20 years for the large institution category. UCI has produced 248 Gilman Scholars since 2001. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program provides scholarships to U.S undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds who need financial support to study abroad.

This acknowledges UCI’s support of equity, diversity and accessibility in study abroad. This is the result of years of advocating for the Gilman Scholarships and for access to education abroad for all UCI students. We strongly encourage students from every major and socio-economic background to take advantage of opportunities to have a global educational experience.

Throughout its 20-year history, the Department of State’s Gilman Program has reshaped study abroad to make it more accessible and inclusive for students by providing scholarships to outstanding U.S. undergraduates who might not otherwise participate. Since the program’s inception in 2001, more than 34,000 Gilman Scholars from all U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories have studied or interned in more than 155 countries around the globe, including non-traditional destinations. The State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Institute of International Education, compiles the lists, which are organized by institution size and degree-awarding category.

I would like to take this occasion to thank UCI Study Abroad Center Director, Jeanne d’Arc Gomis, and her team for their extensive efforts in promoting, advising and certifying applications for the Gilman Scholarship Program. I would also like to thank Scholarship Opportunities Program Director, Rose Jones, and her team, along with the Financial Aid Office, for their support through the years. Most importantly, I want to acknowledge all our UCI students who have been recognized as Gilman Scholars.

Sincerely,

Victoria Jones
Chief Global Affairs Officer
Office of Global Engagement