- May 04, 2026
- By Amina Lampkin
More than 500 University of Maryland students have studied in locations around the world through the U.S. Department of State’s highly competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, ranking UMD No. 9 nationally among large institutions for total scholars supported since its 2001 founding.
The ranking, released to mark the U.S. Department of State program’s 25th anniversary, comes as a record 46 UMD students have received Gilman awards so far this year, for a grand total of 502. The scholarships, named for a former New York state congressman, award Pell Grant–eligible students up to $5,000 to study abroad for up to a year.
“Being recognized as a top producer of Gilman Scholars reflects the excellence of UMD students and our institution’s commitment to accessible global education,” said Lauren Ruszczyk, director of Education Abroad. “Study abroad does more than open doors; it builds the cultural awareness and adaptability that today’s world demands. The Gilman Scholarship plays a critical role in removing financial barriers to ensure that transformative global opportunities are available to every Terp.”
Staff from Education Abroad and the National Scholarships Office work with students to tailor and polish their applications. Additionally, the two units have partnered to create the Gilman Guarantee, a guaranteed $2,500 award toward study abroad just for applying for the scholarship. Students studying critical languages such as Arabic or Turkish, or who are participating in a STEM experience have the opportunity to earn additional funding.
“Reaching this 25-year milestone while achieving a record number of UMD recipients is a testament to the impact of investing in students’ global explorations,” said William A. Cohen, associate provost and dean for undergraduate studies. “The financial access that the scholarship provides gives students a global perspective to better solve grand challenges.”
Abigail Butina ’28, a sophomore plant science major, spent Winter 2026 exploring the lush green landscapes of New Zealand studying sustainable ecosystems. While she gained an elective credit, more important to Butina were the immersive cultural exchanges while journeying by bus from North Island to South.
Kenneth Vasquez Chicas ’28, who is majoring in mechanical engineering and minoring in sustainability, was able to study sustainability abroad in Vietnam from his participation as a Go Global Fellow. “To me as an engineer, I feel like it’s my duty to improve the world and solve some of the problems that exist,” he said.
He traveled through the southern Vietnam countryside visiting wind turbines, meeting local producers on their shrimp farms, and conducting experiments with the goal to help the region acclimate to the devastating impacts of climate change.
The program taught him that solving a problem is about taking a step back and forming a holistic view of the issue. “And Vietnam made me realize it’s not just a choice that an engineer makes. It’s a requirement to be able to see all parts of an issue and understand how they interact,” Vasquez Chicas explained.
The experience doesn’t end when students return. As a requirement for the Gilman scholarship, students must produce a service project to spread awareness within their community about the impact of study abroad and the Gilman scholarship. Past projects have run the gamut from videos and podcasts to the creation of an app development club.
For Gilman Scholars like Khaymar Moe ‘28, studying abroad is more than fulfilling a credit. Her time in Malaysia changed her perspective on what the road to success looks like. “Progress is not linear, and you don’t really know where you might end up,” said Moe. “It just left me very hopeful for the future.”