July 14, 2025
Three undergraduates from St. John’s University have been awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship from the US Department of State—a competitive program that helps students with limited financial resources study or intern abroad.
“We are thrilled to have three Gilman awardees this cycle,” said Anna Torres, Coordinator of Study Abroad Academics and Scholarships in the Office of International Education (OIE)–Outbound Programs at St. John’s. She explained that competition for the coveted award was particularly steep this year. “The Gilman program received a record high of 17,000 applications across the 2024–25 academic year.”
The scholarship is managed by the Institute for International Education on behalf of the US Department of State. It seeks to expand access to study and internship opportunities abroad by supporting undergraduate students who may face financial barriers. The program encourages participation in a wide range of countries, regions, and global settings, helping to diversify the student population engaging in international experiences.
Named after the late Congressman Benjamin A. Gilman (R-NY). With his support, the program was established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000. Shortly thereafter in 2003, Congressman Gilman retired after serving in the U.S. House of Representatives for 30 years and chairing the Committee on International Relations.
Kirpa Kaur, a biology major from Albertson, NY, spent time studying in Paris, France, following the spring semester. “I decided to apply to the Gilman Scholarship because I really wanted to study abroad and not be concerned with finances since I receive a Federal Pell Grant,” she explained. “The experience provided me with a greater global perspective and showed me how certain things are done in other countries.”
Through the progam, Kirpa took classes at St. John’s Paris location in the morning, while her afternoons were spent on tours that related to her curriculum, providing a truly immersive learning experience. With her evenings free, Kirpa was able to explore the City of Light.
“I had always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night,” she said. “I am intrigued by French history, so places such as The Palace of Versailles and the Louvre museum captivated me. I was also excited to try French cuisine for the first time.”
In addition to Kirpa, two fellow St. John’s undergraduates were selected by the Gilman committee. Salahaldin Mohammed, a student in the six-year Pharmacy program, is spending the summer in Amman, Jordan, studying the Arabic language, and Dayanara Acevedo, an International Management major, will be enrolled in the Western Europe program this fall.
For students like Kirpa, Salahaldin, and Dayanara, the Gilman Scholarship opens the door to transformative educational journeys that might otherwise remain out of reach. Through the support of the scholarship and the resources provided by St. John’s, they are able to immerse themselves in new cultures, deepen their academic experience, and expand their world views.
“St. John’s does not place barriers on who can study abroad and truly makes it a fully inclusive experience,” said Kirpa. “OIE is there to help you every step of the way. I am so glad I chose to study abroad and apply for the Gilman Scholarship.”