The Gilman FLAD Scholarship is a special opportunity for international students to study or intern in Portugal. This scholarship is designed to help students with financial needs pursue their education abroad while promoting cultural exchange. It also encourages students to learn the Portuguese language, which is an important skill globally. If you are an international student, specifically a US resident looking for financial support to study in Portugal, this scholarship could be your perfect fit.
What is the Gilman FLAD Scholarship?
The Gilman FLAD Scholarship was established through a partnership between the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program and the Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD). This program offers financial support for undergraduate students in the U.S. who wish to study or intern in Portugal. It is part of the larger Gilman Scholarship initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of State, to increase diversity in international education.
This scholarship focuses on providing opportunities to students from different backgrounds, especially those who might not otherwise have the chance to study abroad. It is open to students from all fields of study and includes financial aid to cover tuition, travel, housing, and other related costs.
Why Should You Apply?
Here are some great reasons to consider applying for this scholarship:
- Financial Support: The scholarship offers up to $5,000, which can cover many expenses, such as tuition, travel, and accommodation.
- Language Learning Opportunity: If you are studying Portuguese, you can apply for an additional $3,000 through the Critical Need Language Award, bringing your total scholarship amount to $8,000.
- Cultural Exchange: This program promotes cross-cultural understanding, allowing you to gain a unique perspective and expand your worldview.
- Career Benefits: Studying abroad adds value to your resume, showing potential employers your ability to adapt and succeed in diverse environments.Â
What Subjects Are Covered?
The scholarship is open to the following programs at the participating universities:
- All courses
Benefits of the Gilman FLAD Scholarship
The Gilman FLAD Scholarship offers several benefits to eligible students:
- Base Scholarship: Up to $5,000 to cover study or internship expenses.
- Additional Language Support: Up to $3,000 for students studying Portuguese through the Critical Need Language Award.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Funds can be used for tuition, housing, travel, books, and other education-related costs.
Who Can Apply?
This scholarship is intended for undergraduate and master students who fall into the following categories:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen.
- Academic Status: You must be an undergraduate student in good academic standing.
- Financial Need: You must be a recipient of a Federal Pell Grant.
- Program Duration:
- Community college students must participate in a program that lasts at least 14 days.
- Students from four-year institutions must participate in a program lasting at least 21 days.
- Travel Advisory Compliance: Your study or internship program must take place in a country with a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2.
Required documents: below is the list of the needed documents for the scholarship:
- A completed application form (available on the Gilman Scholarship website).
- Proof of your Pell Grant status.
- Academic transcripts.
- A statement of purpose explaining your study or internship goals in Portugal.
- Confirmation of acceptance or application to a credit-bearing study or internship program in Portugal.
How to Apply for Gilman FLAD Scholarship
Interested in joining the Gilman FLAD Scholarship? Here is a straightforward guide to help you apply:Â
- Visit the official Gilman Scholarship website
- Fill out the online application form.
- Gather all required documents.
- Submit your completed application before the deadline.
- If you have questions or need assistance, you can email the scholarship team at gilman@iie.org.
Application Deadline(s)
The application deadlines are January 31 and March 31, 2025.
Conclusion
The Gilman FLAD Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for U.S. students to explore Portugal while receiving financial support for their education. By studying or interning abroad, you will gain valuable experiences, expand your cultural knowledge, and enhance your career prospects.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit the Gilman FLAD Scholarship page via the link under the ‘HOW TO APPLY’ section above.