Campus Connection

UWL students study abroad with Gilman Scholarship

Expanding education beyond the classroom through international experiences is a transformational – though, sometimes pricey – adventure.  

However, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship through the U.S. Department of State helped ease the financial burden of studying abroad for two UW-La Crosse students – one returning, and one about to depart. 

Exploring Ireland 

Bronwyn Bond, an English writing and rhetoric major with minors in linguistics and creative writing, recently returned from her studies at the University of Galway in Ireland.  

Bond first learned about the Gilman Scholarship through a UWL Study Abroad information session and sought guidance from the Writing Center, professors and friends during the application process. 

“Studying abroad in Ireland had been a dream of mine for many years, so I knew I needed to make it work no matter what,” Bond says. “I was already enrolled by the time I got the scholarship, but the relief I felt when I received it was incredible. It relieved so much of the financial burden, and I was endlessly grateful to have it.” 

The highlights of Bond’s trip spanned every aspect of the experience, from academic learning to cultural immersion. 

“I loved the people in Ireland very dearly. The traditional Irish music played in the pubs was such a highlight of the experience,” Bond says. “I was thrilled to take part in the clubs on campus as well as the culture around me. The culture of Ireland was present in every class. Even casual references to Irish history taught me more than any American classroom.” 

Bond’s time was so impactful, she now plans to pursue a master’s degree in Irish writing in Ireland. 

Preparing for a semester in Scotland 

Josh Bair, a sport management major with a business administration minor, recently began his semester at the University of Stirling in Scotland.

“I’m excited to step outside my comfort zone, meet new people and experience a new culture,” Bair says. “There’s a bit of the unknown, which makes me nervous, but also excited.” 

Stirling offers courses that align with Bair’s academic goals, including sport coaching, psychology of sport and exercise, and UK history. 

“As a sport management student, I chose the University of Stirling because they have a large offering of sport classes that fit my degree and requirements,” Bair says. “They are known as Scotland's University of Sporting Excellence, as well as providing training facilities for the Scottish National Teams.” 

Bair received the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, which supports students from military families.  

“Since I received the scholarship, I was able to confidently commit to studying abroad, and it has allowed me to secure safe accommodation and other necessities,” Bair says.

While Bair was eager to begin his study abroad experience in Scotland, he says he will miss La Crosse and looks forward to returning for his final semester.

“My experience at UWL has been amazing, and everybody is super supportive and helpful,” Bair says. “Being in La Crosse has been the best time of my life, and there's nothing that could have made my experience at UWL better!”

UWL’s International Education & Engagement Office 

Both Bond and Bair credit UWL’s International Education & Engagement (IEE) office for guiding them through the application process and providing resources before, and after, their experiences abroad. 

“They’ve been incredibly supportive,” Bond says. “Even now, IEE is helping me explore scholarships for my master’s degree.” 

The Gilman Scholarship 

The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, through the U.S. Department of State, has supported over 44,000 students since its inception in 2001. It provides funding for students with high financial need, particularly those receiving Pell Grants. 

A second application cycle launched in January 2025, continuing to support students from rural areas, first-generation college students, and those studying critical need languages or STEM fields. Additionally, the program offers the Gilman-McCain Scholarship for military families.

Learn more about the Gilman Scholarship here.