University of Idaho leads the state — and the region — in Gilman study abroad scholarships

MOSCOW, Idaho — University of Idaho has been recognized by the U.S. Department of State as a top-producing institution for Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program recipients, and it is the regional leader among public universities.

The recognition marks the 25th anniversary of the Gilman Program, which offers merit-based scholarships of up to $8,000 to American undergraduate students with high financial need to study or intern abroad. U of I was named a top producer in the medium institution category, which includes schools with 5,000 to 15,000 students.

Since 2001, U of I has produced 143 Gilman Scholars — more than all other public four-year institutions in Idaho combined and more than regional public university peers. Nearly half of those scholars — 67 students — have earned the award since 2022, demonstrating the momentum U of I has built in recent years.

“This recognition reflects the culture we’ve built around supporting students as they pursue global experiences,” said Kate Wray Chettri, director of Education Abroad and Exchange Programs at U of I. “Our students have powerful stories to tell, and we work across campus to help them share those stories in ways that open doors.”

U of I’s strong showing reflects a coordinated, campuswide effort to prepare students for nationally competitive scholarships. Students receive support through advising, workshops and campus partnerships, resulting in Gilman Scholarships earned every application cycle.

Andrea Morales, a U of I student and former Gilman Scholar, said the support she received through campus programs helped her pursue an international experience, including assistance from TRIO, a federally funded program that supports first-generation and low-income students.

“I first learned about the Gilman Scholarship through the College Assistance Migrant Program, where I heard from Gilman ambassadors and started to see what studying abroad could look like for me,” she said. “With support from TRIO, I refined my story and clearly explained my academic goals.”

Gilman Scholars gain international experience, build cross-cultural skills and often access additional opportunities, including federal employment pathways and global professional networks.

“While abroad, I traveled to five countries and lived with a host family, which deepened my understanding of German culture,” Morales said. “Studying abroad deepened my cultural understanding, strengthened my language skills and gave me a new sense of independence and confidence. With support from the Gilman Scholarship, I turned this dream into a reality.”

Despite continued success, financial barriers still limit participation in study abroad. At U of I, about 1% to 2% of graduates study abroad — a figure the university is actively working to grow.

To expand access, U of I offers additional support, including the International Experience Grant, which distributes more than $150,000 annually to students participating in their first credit-bearing international experience.

“Our goal is to help students see what’s possible,” Wray Chettri said. “When they step outside their comfort zones and engage with the world, they come back with skills, confidence and perspectives that stay with them for life.”

Lance Butikofer, ASUI president-elect and current Gilman Scholar, said the experience changed how he sees the world.

“Studying abroad has been an incredibly impactful experience in ways I was excited about and pursued, but also in ways I never expected,” he said. “British culture is so rich, and it’s been a blast to immerse myself in. As I get ready to close this chapter, I really am beginning to see just how much my relationship with the world has changed as well as how much of a home England has become for me.”

For more information about U of I’s Education Abroad programs, visit uidaho.edu/explore/education-abroad.

Media contact

Kate Wray Chettri 
Director, Education Abroad and Exchange Programs  
Coordinator, National Student Exchange  
208-885-8475 
kwraychettri@uidaho.edu