Candace LaCrosse '10 is one of 700 outstanding American undergraduate students from over 320 colleges and universities across the U.S. who was awarded the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which allows her to participate in fall 2008 and academic year 2008-2009 study abroad programs worldwide.

LaCrosse, an anthropology major with a concentration in Latin American and Iberian Studies, is studying at the University of Valparaiso in Chile during her junior year. Gilman Scholars receive up to $8,000 to apply towards their study abroad program costs.

The Gilman Scholarship Program aims to diversify the kinds of students who study abroad and the countries and regions where they go.  The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and administered by the Institute of International Education's (IIE) Southern Regional Center in Houston, Texas.

Since the establishment of the Gilman International Scholarship Program by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000, over 4,202 students nationwide have received this prestigious award, and 1,226 scholarships will be awarded to students participating in study abroad programs during the 2008-2009 academic year.  Congressman Gilman, who retired in 2002 after serving in the House of Representatives for 30 years and chairing the House Foreign Relations Committee, commented,“Study abroad is a special experience for every student who participates. Living and learning in a vastly different environment of another nation not only exposes our students to alternate views, but also adds an enriching social and cultural experience.  It also provides our students with the opportunity to return home with a deeper understanding of their place in the world, encouraging them to be a contributor, rather than a spectator, in the international community.”

Recipients of the scholarship have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of other cultures, countries, languages, and economies—making them better prepared to assume leadership roles within government and the private sector. According to IIE President Allan Goodman,“International education is one of the best tools for developing mutual understanding and building connections between people from different countries.  It is critical to the success of American diplomacy and business, and the lasting ties that Americans make during their international studies are important to our country in times of conflict as well as times of peace.”