News Release

March 5, 2007



Boise State International Programs Recognized for Receiving Student Scholarships for Study Abroad

Boise State University has been recognized as one of the top 20 institutions in the country for students studying abroad receiving the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships for the 2006-07 academic year. This scholarship provides funding for students with financial need to participate in education abroad programs around the world.

The Institute of International Education (IIE) awarded Gilman Scholarships to 552 institutions this year. Boise State was listed among the top 20 on the IIE Web site for garnering seven scholarships. Other top schools included University of California Berkeley, University of California Los Angeles, New York University, University of Oregon and Cornell University. The full list is available at www.iie.org/programs/gilman/advisors/Advisor-%20Winter%2007.htm.

Corrine M. Henke, coordinator for education abroad at Boise State, said the recognition is particularly significant for the university because only 100 Boise State students study abroad each year and seven of them received Gilman International Scholarships. By comparison, University of Minnesota Twin Cities sent more than 1,800 students to study abroad and eight of their students received the scholarship. New York University sent 2,611 students and 13 of them were awarded the scholarship.

“Our students have been very successful at receiving the Gilman scholarship and, as a percentage, we have been more successful than institutions with much larger study abroad participation rates,” Henke said. “We are thrilled to receive this recognition. We want to be sure our students realize that they can afford to study abroad and there is financial assistance for students in need.”

Sabine Klahr, director of International Programs, added that this success at Boise State demonstrates to both faculty and our students that education abroad is an academic opportunity for all students.

“Beyond students with financial need, we also assist students with dependants and full-time jobs to participate in an international experience,” Klahr said. “Gaining global competency as part of an undergraduate education is more important than ever for our graduates to be successful in the job market and to effectively contribute to society. Therefore, we strive to make it possible for all of our students to gain intercultural skills and knowledge through international experiences.”

The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs sponsor the Gilman scholarship; the Institute of International Education through its southern regional center in Houston, Texas, administers this congressionally funded program.

For more information about education abroad opportunities for the 2007-08 academic year, call Boise State’s International Programs Office at 426-4045 or visit www.boisestate.edu/international.

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Contact: Corrine M. Henke, International Programs, (208) 426-4045, chenke@boisestate.edu
Media Contact: Sherry Squires, University Communications, (208) 426-1563, ssquires@boisestate.edu

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Last reviewed on Tuesday, April 10, 2007