Gilman recipients can use their Gilman Scholarship funds to pay for credit-bearing virtual study abroad or international internship programs.
Students should indicate in the Gilman online system if they will be participating in a virtual program. The following options are considered eligible virtual international programs, any of which must be credit-bearing:
- Online courses at an institution based outside of the United States;
- Via direct enrollment, an exchange program or a program provider;
- Virtual faculty-led study abroad programs;
- Virtual international internships;
- Virtual intensive language programs at an institution based outside of the United States; and/or
- Students may also propose internationally-focused virtual programs for review by Gilman Program staff.
Students who initially applied for an in-person program and are changing to a credit-bearing virtual or hybrid program will be required to complete a Program Change in their Gilman account. Please see the step-by-step guide for additional instructions. Students switching to a virtual program will also need an updated certification from their study abroad advisor.
Students should complete the Program Change before completing any additional requirements in the Gilman portal, as requirements for virtual programs differ from in-person programs.
- All recipient requirements for participants in virtual programs may be found within the Gilman application system. Please see the general information on the steps to accept your award. Once your documents have been submitted and approved by the Gilman Program, you will receive your funds via Zelle/IiePay electronic deposit. See the Receiving Your Scholarship page for additional information on setting up IiePay to receive your award.
- The Gilman Program cannot provide funding for a program in a country with a Travel Advisory Level 3 or 4. If you participate in a virtual program as a Gilman Scholar, your program must be completed from within the U.S. or a country with a Travel Advisory Level 1 or 2.
- Students participating on virtual programs will be required to complete the following information:
- Terms and Conditions
- Notice of Award (including Payment Information and Survey)
- Emergency Contact
- The following documents, found in the Documents tab of the Gilman portal, will also be required for participants in virtual programs:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship
- Acceptance Letter into Virtual Study Abroad Program
- Student Photo
- Transcript
- Financial Aid Certification (as applicable)
- Virtual program participants do not need to purchase international health insurance or enroll in the STEP.
- Please reference the Gilman Recipient Checklist for Virtual Programs for an overview of the next steps and requirements.
The Gilman Scholarship may be used to fund costs related to participation in a virtual international program. Eligible expenses include:
- Program tuition/fees
- Program deposit fee
- Books and course materials – including online access to books, articles, course readings
- Disability-related accommodations
- Transcript fees
- Up to $500 to put towards technology costs, including but not limited to:
- Software required for program
- Technical equipment (headset, video camera, laptop)
- Internet access fees
