St. Lawrence University has achieved notable success in its study abroad programs, driven by a strong commitment to making global learning accessible for all students.
A key factor in this achievement is the University’s focus on the prestigious Gilman Scholarship, which provides essential funding to students with financial need. St. Lawrence students have not only embraced this opportunity but also surpassed the national average for Gilman recipients.
In the 2024 cycle, six of 13 St. Lawrence applicants received Gilman Scholarships, totaling over $24,000. This success rate is higher than the national average, where typically only 25% of applicants are awarded funding, according to Kim Longfellow, Assistant Director of Off-Campus Programs for the Center for International and Intercultural Studies (CIIS).
For many students, the Gilman Scholarship alleviates financial barriers that may otherwise prevent them from studying abroad, such as airfare, visa applications, and passport renewals.
Scholarship Growth Highlights University’s Commitment
The growth in Gilman Scholarships awarded to St. Lawrence students is particularly striking. Since 2012, the University has received $167,000 in Gilman funding, with $130,000 awarded since 2021. In fact, 32 of the 42 total recipients have been awarded in the past four years.
This increase in awards is a result of the University’s intentional efforts to support students through the Gilman Scholarship application process. “In the past five years, CIIS has focused on outreach, identifying eligible students and assisting them throughout the application process,” Longfellow explains.
Beyond the Gilman Scholarship, St. Lawrence University offers over $500,000 annually in additional funds to support students studying abroad. These funds, which come partly from alumni donations, cover a wide range of expenses, including tuition and transportation costs.
“CIIS is committed to helping any qualified student integrate off-campus study into their academic plan,” says Matt Carotenuto, history professor and Associate Dean of International and Intercultural Studies. “Don’t let finances or other barriers stop you from reaching out to a CIIS advisor. We’re here to help.”
National Recognition for Study Abroad Programs
St. Lawrence’s strong support for study abroad has also earned the University national recognition. According to the 2024 Open Doors Report, St. Lawrence ranks 16th for participation in semester-long study abroad programs for the 2022-23 academic year. This marks a rise of two spots from the previous year, placing the University among the top 35 baccalaureate institutions in the U.S. for overall participation in credit-bearing study abroad opportunities.
The University’s ability to recover quickly from the pandemic has also played a key role in its success. “St. Lawrence was able to rebound faster than many schools due to strong support from our administration, which prioritized resuming off-campus study as soon as it was safe,” Carotenuto says.
This support has helped maintain the strong off-campus study culture at St. Lawrence, where around 60% of students participate in some form of off-campus experience.
“There’s a culture of mentorship and encouragement among students when it comes to studying abroad,” Longfellow adds. “Students who return from abroad are often more confident, independent, and assured. This positive transformation inspires others to follow suit, creating a cycle of global learning within the student body.”
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