SANTA BARBARA — The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) announced that 215 UC students recently were awarded Gilman Scholarships for study abroad in the 2011-12 academic year. The Gilman Scholarship Program awards each recipient up to $5,000 for undergraduate study abroad.

In 2010-11, UCEAP Gilman Scholars received $806,500 — about 8.5 percent of the total amount of money distributed nationally by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. In the 2011-12 academic year, UC students overall comprised 10 percent of all awards distributed nationally by the Gilman Foundation, receiving $910,000.

"The success for UCEAP students results in a significant financial contribution to the University of California and is a testament to the quality of the UC education system as well as the students themselves," said Jean-Xavier Guinard, associate vice provost and executive director of the University of California Education Abroad Program.

The Gilman Scholarship program focuses on applicants who are Pell Grant recipients, studying abroad for at least four weeks in one country, considering programs in "non-traditional countries" and/or programs that promote nationally recognized critical languages. In recent years, the competition for Gilman Scholarships has increased substantially. Pell Grant qualification has been expanded to include the overall cost of attending an institution, increasing the applicant pool for Gilman Scholarships tremendously.

"While only 1.6 percent of the nation's study abroad students are from UCEAP, UC students participating in the University of California's official study abroad program comprised 8.5 percent of all award recipients across the nation," Guinard said. "We are also pleased that this helps expand the UC Student Aid Pool by over $800,000."

The Gilman Scholarship Program accepts applications two times per year. Ideally, students should begin their application one full semester before their study abroad program is scheduled to begin. For more information on study abroad scholarships, please visit UCEAP Scholarships.

The University of California Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) has served as the UC systemwide international exchange program since 1962. Serving all ten campuses, UCEAP continues its support of the University of California's mission through academic instruction and exchange relationships around the world. Through study abroad, UCEAP provides the opportunity for students to become international citizens and global thinkers, equipping them with the understanding and skills necessary for success in the global marketplace. For more information, visit eap.ucop.edu.