Recipients FAQ

Q. I am no longer able to attend the program in my application, but i found a different program. Can I still receive the Gilman Scholarship? 

A. If your program has changed since you applied, please indicate this on the Scholarship Decision Form in your Gilman account. The Gilman team will review these changes and let you know if any additional information is required. Note that the updated program must still meet the eligibility requirements. 

Follow these steps to update program information.

Q. MY ORIGINAL PROGRAM IS NO LONGER AN OPTION FOR ME.  CAN I CHANGE TO A SHORTER PROGRAM?

A. The Gilman Scholarship Program does not have a minimum program length requirement, so a shorter program is eligible. However, your new program must otherwise meet the eligibility requirements.

Q. can i defer my gilman scholarship?

A. A Gilman recipient may defer their award to a future term within the program start date range for the application cycle.  Recipients from October 2024 Deadline Application cycle can defer to programs starting on or before October 31, 2025 and recipients from March 2025 Deadline Application cycle can defer to programs starting on or before April 30, 2026.  If you would like to participate on a program after these time frames, you would need to decline your award and reapply to a future application cycle.  You can update your program dates on the Scholarship Decision Form in your Gilman account.

Please see the step-by-step guide and video for recipients for additional instructions. Students with additional questions or concerns can contact their Gilman regional advisor.

Q. ARE RECIPIENTS’ AWARD AMOUNTS ADJUSTED IF THEY CHANGE TO A NEW PROGRAM?

A. If a Gilman recipient changes from one program to another, their Gilman award amount may need to be adjusted. Typically, reductions in award amounts may occur for recipients of partner and supplemental awards (CNLA and STEM) who no longer meet the award qualifications. For example, a recipient of the Critical Need Language Award who is no longer studying the critical need language.

Q. CAN A RECIPIENT USE THE GILMAN SCHOLARSHIP TO PARTICIPATE ON A STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM AFTER GRADUATING?

A. No, Gilman recipients must be current undergraduate students for the duration of their study abroad program.

Q. WILL RECIPIENTS BE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL TO A COUNTRY OR AREA WITH A TRAVEL ADVISORY 3 OR 4?

A. Recipients will not be permitted to use their Gilman Scholarship to fund a program in a Level 3 or 4 Travel Advisory country/area.

Q. WHAT SHOULD A GILMAN RECIPIENT DO IF THEY WILL NO LONGER BE STUDYING ABROAD?

A. If a student is no longer planning on studying abroad, they should decline their award in their Gilman account.

If a student has already received their Gilman scholarship funds but will not be participating in an eligible program, they should contact their Gilman regional advisor. Students will be provided with information on how to account for how they spent their scholarship funds (ex: $500 on non-refundable airfare, $200 on visa fees, etc.). Repayments will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Q. What transcript do I need to submit?

A. All Gilman scholarship recipients must upload, via Gilman’s online system, an official transcript from their current institution indicated in their Gilman application. Your current transcript must include your “in progress” term and/or the completed term before your Gilman application. If this is your first academic term at your current institution you will need to submit an official enrollment verification letter, including your name and academic courses, issued from your registrar’s office or study abroad office in place of your home institution transcript.

Q. What if I am unsure of my Overseas Study Abroad Program Contact?

A. The Overseas Study Abroad Program Contact is the person the Gilman Program could contact in case of an emergency abroad that might concern you (e.g., program coordinator or director, host institution international student services officer, faculty leader, etc.). This person would be able to communicate with you directly and confirm your safety and/or location if requested by the Gilman Program. The contact information you provide needs to be the most accurate information possible. If you are not sure of the appropriate Overseas Study Abroad Program Contact, then please contact your program provider, U.S. study abroad advisor, or host institution to determine this information to complete your online award documentation.

Q. What type of photo do I upload for my online award documentation?

A. Please upload a high-resolution digital image of yourself as a .gif or .jpg file. This photo should be a high-quality image that is a close-up or headshot of you. (For example: A copy of the photo you took to apply for your passport). The Gilman Program may use this photograph for future print or web publicity.

Q. I am unsure of my travel plans at this time. What option do I choose on the Fly America Act Agreement?

A. We understand that you may not have your travel plans finalized at the time your Gilman Award Documentation is due. In this situation, you will need to select the third option stating that “I am unsure of my travel plans at this time. I understand that if I am unable to use a U.S.-flagged carrier to travel to my study abroad site, I cannot use Gilman International Scholarship funds to pay for my airfare.” See the Gilman Fly America Act Guidelines for additional information.

Q. I will be using two different airlines En route to my study abroad program destination. How do I indicate this on the Fly America Act Agreement?

A. You can use your Gilman scholarship funds to purchase your airfare as long as you leave the United States and arrive to an international destination on a U.S.-flagged carrier. You will indicate this by selecting the first option and listing the U.S.-flagged carrier that you will be using to depart from the U.S., arriving to an international destination. You do not need to list your connecting airline carrier. Keep in mind that if you are using a foreign carrier to fly out of the U.S. you may not use your Gilman scholarship funds to purchase your airfare (unless your flight meets one of the compliant exceptions). See the Gilman Fly America Act Guidelines for additional information.

Q. How do I know if the airline I am using is a U.S.-flagged carrier?

A. If you are unsure if the airline you are using is a U.S.-flagged carrier, you can go to the airline’s website and see where the headquarters is located. If the headquarters is located in the U.S., then it is a U.S.-flagged carrier. Some examples of major U.S. carriers are United, American Airlines, Delta, Jet Blue, and U.S. Airways. See the Gilman Fly America Act Guidelines for additional information.

Q. How do I know if the airline I am using is a foreign flagged carrier?

A. If you are unsure if the airline you are using is a foreign carrier, you can go to the airline’s website and see where the headquarters is located. If the headquarters is not located in the U.S. then it is a foreign carrier. The agreement form online also provides you with the most common foreign carriers. See the Gilman Fly America Act Guidelines for additional information.

Q. I have already purchased my airfare. Do I still need to fill out the Fly America Act Agreement?

A. Yes, you will still need to complete the Fly America Act Agreement. You will indicate on the Fly America Act Agreement whether you are flying on a U.S. or foreign carrier.  See the Gilman Fly America Act Guidelines for additional information.

Q. What if I cannot view the Gilman introduction Video?

A. If you are not able to view the Gilman Introduction Video with the link provided in the online award documentation, please contact us immediately. We will assist you as soon as we can since you are required to view this video in order to complete your online award documentation.

CHECK THE GILMAN PROGRAM ACCEPTANCE LETTER GUIDELINES TO REVIEW THE REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR PROOF OF ACCEPTANCE DOCUMENT.

Tip: Before uploading, click “View/Edit Decision Confirmation” on your Gilman portal Dashboard page to ensure the program dates are correct and match your document requirements.

Q. I have not received my official acceptance into my study abroad program. What should I do?

A. We understand that every program notifies the applicants of their acceptance at different times. However, in order to receive your award, you must be fully accepted into your program. If you have not received your official acceptance into your study abroad program by the award documentation submission deadline you will need to contact the Gilman staff to inform us of your situation.

Q. I received my official acceptance into my study abroad program through email. Can I upload the original email?

A. Yes. You may print and scan or screenshot the original email and upload it as your proof of acceptance. The email must include your full name, identify the program and host location, and include the dates or academic term of your program. Your upload should contain the entire email message, including the “To,” “From” and “Subject” fields. We will not accept the text copied and pasted into a Word document. Watch Gilman Program Acceptance Letter Guidelines video for additional guidance. 

Q. I have been nominated and/or conditionally accepted into my study abroad program. Can I upload my nomination and/or conditional letter as proof of acceptance?

A. Unfortunately, we cannot accept your nomination or conditional letter as proof of acceptance into your study abroad program. Nomination letters are not an official acceptance. Nomination letters are provided by your home institution nominating you to the host country institution. Admission is contingent upon approval by the host institution. Additionally, conditional letters are not an official acceptance. Conditional letters will have a condition that you have to abide by in order to be officially accepted. In order to complete your Gilman Online Award Documentation, you will need to upload your official acceptance letter or email from your study abroad program or host institution.

Q. Can my U.S. study abroad advisor write a letter confirming my acceptance into my study abroad program?

A. Yes. If for some reason you do not have your official acceptance letter into your study abroad program, but you have been accepted, you can have your U.S. study abroad advisor confirm your acceptance. Your advisor will need to draft a letter confirming your acceptance into your study abroad program, stating the host country and program dates. The letter will need to be signed by your advisor. You can upload it into your online award documentation.

Q. My acceptance letter is not written in English, will the Gilman Program accept the letter?

A. No. If your acceptance letter is not written in English, then the Gilman Program cannot verify that as proof you were accepted into your study abroad program. However, you can accompany the acceptance letter with either an English language translation produced by the study abroad program, host institution, or a home institution language professor, or a confirmation letter from your study abroad advisor.

Q. Do I upload my Gilman Scholarship Award Letter as proof of acceptance into my study abroad program?

A. No. Your Gilman Award Letter is notifying you that you are offered a Gilman scholarship; your Gilman Award Letter is not your acceptance letter into your study abroad program. You will receive an acceptance letter or e-mail from your study abroad advisor, program provider or host institution notifying you whether or not you have been accepted into your study abroad program. The letter or email that you received is what you will upload as proof of acceptance into your study abroad program.

Q. What forms of U.S. citizenship can I provide?

A. All Gilman scholarship recipients must provide proof of U.S. citizenship. You can upload a copy of one of the following into your Gilman portal: the photograph page of your valid U.S. passport, your U.S. birth certificate, your valid U.S. passport card, your birth abroad certificate as a U.S. citizen, or your U.S. naturalization certificate. Please make sure your uploaded image is clearly visible.

Q. I am currently in the process of obtaining my U.S. citizenship. What should I do?

A. In order to receive your Gilman scholarship funds you will need to provide proof of U.S. citizenship before your program begins. If you are currently in the process of being naturalized, you will need to contact the Gilman staff to inform us of your situation. We will be unable to provide funds without proof of U.S. citizenship. Note: you are ineligible to receive Gilman funds if your program takes place before you are a U.S. citizen.

Q. I am currently applying for a visa to allow me to enter my study abroad country and I had to send my passport with my application. What should I do?

A. You can upload a copy of your U. S. birth certificate or your naturalization certificate. If you do not have your U.S. birth certificate or your naturalization certificate to upload to your online award documentation, please contact the Gilman staff immediately to inform us of your situation.

Q. I am currently applying for my U.S. passport and I had to send my U.S. birth certificate with my application. What should I do?

A. You should make a photocopy of your U.S. birth certificate for backup purposes. If you have a photocopy of your birth certificate, please upload a copy as proof of U.S. citizenship. If you do not have a copy of your birth certificate you will need to contact the Gilman Program to inform us of your situation.

Q. My passport is expired. Can I submit a photocopy of my expired passport?

A. No. We will not accept expired passports as proof of U.S. citizenship. You will need to upload copy of your valid U.S. passport’s photograph page. If you do not have your valid U.S. passport, you can submit a copy of your U.S. birth certificate, your valid U.S. passport card, your birth abroad certificate, or your naturalization certificate.

Q. Will a copy of my driver’s license or social security card suffice as proof of U.S. citizenship?

A. No. You must upload a copy of one of the following: the photograph page of your valid U.S. passport, your U.S. birth certificate, your valid U.S. passport card, your birth abroad certificate, or your naturalization certificate.

Watch the insurance guidelines video to review the requirements for your proof of insurance.

Tip: Before uploading, click “View/Edit Decision Confirmation” on your Gilman portal Dashboard page to ensure the program dates are correct and match your document requirements.

Q. What type of coverage is required for my international health insurance?

A. We require that students have four types of coverage in their international health insurance plan: 1.) accident, 2.) sickness, 3.) emergency medical evacuation, and 4.) repatriation of remains. You should review your international health insurance plan to make sure you are covered for the benefits mentioned above. Please view the international health insurance guidelines video for additional details on this requirement. 

Q. What is the summary of benefits?

A. The summary of benefits indicates the specific coverage included in your insurance plan. This should show that you have the coverage types required for all Gilman recipients: accident/sickness, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains. This can be submitted as a document accompanying your insurance ID card or indicated in a letter from your insurance provider or representative from your home institution or study abroad program.

Q. My international health insurance is included in my study abroad program fees. What documents do I submit for proof of international health insurance?

A. Some study abroad programs automatically enroll their students in an international health insurance plan. If you receive a copy of your insurance identification card and summary of benefits, you can upload these documents. If that is not available, you can request a letter from your study abroad advisor or your program provider confirming that you will have insurance coverage for your program. This letter should indicate that you are covered for accident and sickness, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains for your entire program. It must also include your full name, dates of coverage, location of coverage (i.e., your host country or worldwide), and insurance provider.

Q. Can my study abroad advisor write a letter confirming my international health insurance coverage?

A. Yes. Your advisor can produce a letter confirming your international health insurance coverage with the name of the insurance provider, the coverage details (specific to the Gilman Program’s requirements of accident & sickness, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains), the coverage dates and location of coverage (i.e., your host country or worldwide). The letter will need to be signed by your advisor and you can upload it into your online award documentation.

Q. I have not received my international health insurance documents from my program provider. What should I do?

A. You can reach out to your program provider to find out when they will be able to provide this information.  Another option is to include a letter from them indicating that you will have the required coverage for the entirety of your program.  Please view international health insurance guidelines video for additional details.

Q. I am covered under my parent’s health insurance plan. Is this plan acceptable?

A. We will accept your parent’s insurance plan as long as the plan covers you internationally and provides coverage for accident, sickness, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of remains. You will need to submit the coverage details for this plan that specifically states the required international coverage along with your insurance identification cards that state your name and enrollment period.

Q. I have domestic health insurance. How do I know if it covers me internationally?

A. Many domestic health insurance plans will not cover you internationally. You will need to review your insurance plan to make sure it covers you for health insurance, accident insurance, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation of remains while overseas. If your domestic insurance plan does not cover you while overseas, you will need to obtain international insurance. You can contact your study abroad office or program provider to see if they offer coverage, or recommend plans. You can also purchase an iNext Supplemental Plan, which includes the required coverage. 

Q. I do not have international health insurance. How do I obtain international health insurance?

A. There are many options available to obtain international health insurance coverage. Check with your program provider to see if you are automatically enrolled in an international insurance plan; some programs provide this to their students as part of the program fees. You can also speak with your study abroad advisor who can provide options for international health insurance coverage. You can also purchase an iNext Supplemental Plan, which includes the required coverage.

Q. Who sponsors the Gilman Scholarship?

A. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education (IIE). The Gilman Scholarship Program is funded through an annual Congressional appropriation.

Q. How does the Gilman Program obtain my bank information to issue my scholarship funds?

A. All recipients will register with the payment service Zelle, so that payment can be sent electronically via IIePay. The Gilman Program will never ask you to provide your personal bank information over the phone or unencrypted email. Please see our video for a payment process overview.

Q. How do I set up my bank account with Zelle so I can receive my payment?

A. Register with Zelle using your bank’s website/app. After you register with Zelle, you will receive a confirmation email prompting you to verify your account via your email address (not telephone number). A secondary email will confirm successful registration with Zelle. For additional information, please see our troubleshooting tips.

Upon submission and approval of all required documentation, you will receive an automated email from IIEPayments@iie.org that you may disregard.

Q. What if my bank already has me signed up for Zelle or I already have a Zelle account?

A. You can indicate whether the email address you have on file with the Gilman Program matches the email address associated with your Zelle account and make updates as needed on the Payment form in your Gilman recipient portal. Please see the Registration and Payment Processing Steps section of our payment guide.

Q. I have a joint account with someone. Is this okay?

A. Yes, as long as you are listed as one of the account holders.

Q. I received the Zelle registeration confirmation email, and I verified my account using my cell phone number, is this ok?

A. No, the funds transfer does not recognize telephone numbers as verification.

Q. When will i receive my gilman scholarship funds in my account?

A. Once you have completed your Gilman Scholarship Award Documentation successfully and your award documentation is approved, it typically takes 2-3 weeks for us to send your funds. You will receive an email confirming when your documentation was approved. If you opted to receive your payment via Zelle, you will receive an automated email from IIEPayments@iie.org that you may disregard. It is alerting you that your Gilman funds are being processed by our bank and will not have your bank details in it. It may take an additional day or two for the funds to show up in your account. If there are any issues with the payment, we will contact you directly from GilmanRecipients@iie.org.

Q. What if my bank does not work with Zelle?

A. Don’t see your bank or credit union listed? You can indicate in the Payment section of your Gilman recipient portal that you need to receive your funds via direct deposit. Carefully follow the instructions for uploading the required documentation (e.g., a voided check or Gilman bank form) to verify your account information, including full account and routing numbers.

Within 72 Hours of Arrival: Confirmation of Arrival and Provide Contact Information
Once you have completed your documentation and your payment has been initiated, you will receive a confirmation email and access to the Abroad section in the Gilman portal. You will need to confirm your arrival and provide contact information for yourself and an on-site advisor (such as a coordinator for international/exchange students), within 72 hours of arriving in your host country.

Responding to Gilman in Emergencies

If the Gilman Program reaches out to you due to an emergency situation in your host country or area, please respond as soon as possible.