East Michigan News

For over two decades, the U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program has been supporting undergraduate students with limited financial resources to study and intern abroad. Central Michigan University (CMU) has consistently been among the top institutions producing Gilman Scholars. Recently, a CMU staff member was appointed as a Gilman Advisor Ambassador for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Marko Schubert, Assistant Director of Study Abroad at CMU, will utilize his expertise to advise colleges and universities across the nation on promoting the Gilman Program and guiding students through the application process.

The scholarship program is available to all Pell Grant-eligible students participating in study abroad programs. It offers significant funding for education and travel-related expenses. Schubert notes that it often enables students with high financial need to access valuable study abroad experiences.

“I applied to be a Gilman Ambassador to help promote this scholarship on CMU’s campus and strengthen relationships between various CMU offices and the Gilman Scholarship Program, and to make education abroad more affordable for students who struggle with the cost of higher education,” Schubert said.

The program selected 26 Gilman Advisor Ambassadors from a competitive pool of applicants representing institutions in 21 states. As an ambassador, Schubert will provide insights into higher education perspectives on the program, mentor new advisors, and engage in national outreach efforts through conferences and campus activities.

“It is a great honor to be selected to serve as Gilman Ambassador,” Schubert stated. “I see it as a recognition of CMU’s strong commitment to international education and accessibility to intercultural learning opportunities for our students.”

Recipients of the Gilman scholarship can receive up to $5,000 and become eligible for up to 12 months of noncompetitive eligibility hiring status within the federal government. Schubert emphasized that the experiences provided by the scholarship are invaluable.

“Study abroad is more than traveling to a different country and enjoying individual aspects of local culture while taking classes. It is a high-impact practice that allows students to explore different worldviews, learn across cultures, and obtain skills required to be competitive in a global economy,” he explained. “It also challenges students to reflect on their own cultural biases and how they impact their interactions with representatives of other cultures.”

Schubert's role as a Gilman Advisor Ambassador will bolster his efforts in connecting CMU students with study abroad opportunities. He frequently addresses perceived barriers that may deter students from considering such experiences. With support from the Gilman Scholarship, he believes financial obstacles can be overcome.

“CMU has a very strong study abroad program and I strive to make it available to as many students as possible.”