On Thursday, August 29, 2024, the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) Study Abroad Program hosted its first informational session on the prestigious Gilman Scholarships at Skyline College’s Building 6. At the event, which took place from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, students were eager to learn about this valuable opportunity to fund their study abroad experiences. Attendees were treated to lunch and refreshments while they engaged with the session’s content. An inspiring Study Abroad Student Panel, moderated by Kelly Li, Program Services Coordinator for Study Abroad, took place following lunch. Three former Gilman Scholarship recipients from SMCCCD shared their journeys, offering students a glimpse into their transformative experiences. The panel featured three distinguished alumni: Philip Gregory, who studied in Barcelona, Spain; Pearl Ibeanusi, who explored South Africa; and Allan Arata-Vega, who completed a global internship in Berlin, Germany. Each panelist provided unique insights into how the Gilman Scholarship enriched their educational journeys and broadened their global perspectives.
Following the panel, Zaid Ghori, Interim Dean of Global Learning Program Services, provided a comprehensive overview of the Gilman Scholarship’s eligibility criteria and the extensive financial benefits it offers. He also highlighted upcoming global learning opportunities within SMCCCD, encouraging students to explore study abroad programs as a transformative component of their education. The session included a Q&A segment, allowing students to ask specific questions about the scholarship and future study abroad opportunities.
The event concluded with a Scholarship Essay Workshop, led by John Chew from the Skyline College Learning Commons. John provided detailed guidance on how to approach the Gilman Scholarship application, focusing on crafting compelling essays that stand out. He shared tips on addressing the three required essay prompts and offered resources for additional support. The workshop concluded with another Q&A session, where students had the opportunity to clarify any remaining questions about the application process.
With the October 10 deadline for Gilman Scholarship applications approaching, students are encouraged to begin their applications early. This cycle’s eligible SMCCCD study abroad programs include the Spring 2025 Florence Program, 2025 Faculty-Led Summer Programs (Film in Rome, Environmental Science in Peru), and Summer 2025 Global Internships.
Timothy Angle, Director of University Relations from Maximo Nivel International, visited Skyline College to discuss a new collaboration regarding the upcoming internship programs in Summer 2025. SMCCCD Study Abroad Programs will offer new destinations for Global Internships, including Costa Rica, Guatemala, Ghana, Paris, Barcelona, and Florence. Students can apply for these programs and use Gilman Scholarships if awarded.
visiting GLPS
Over the past few years, over 100 SMCCCD students have received the Gilman Scholarship, with a notable acceptance rate of 50%, significantly higher than the national average of 25%. The Gilman Program is committed to promoting diversity and equity, making community college students particularly strong candidates.
SMCCCD Study Abroad will be hosting two additional informational sessions and writing workshops via Zoom on September 10 and September 18 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Students interested in attending can RSVP through the link HERE.
SMCCCD Study Abroad, part of the Global Learning Programs and Services Division at Skyline College, offers a wide range of opportunities for students and lifelong learners. For more information on studying or interning abroad, faculty-led programs, or scholarship opportunities, please contact Kelly Li studyabroad@smccd.edu or call 650-738-7098. Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram at @smcccd_study_abroad for the latest updates and opportunities.
Article by Kylie Chan and Zwe Mann Kyaw, and edited by Kelly Li.