In July 2021, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona  released a Joint Statement of Principles in Support of International Education. This statement emphasizes  the U.S. Government’s commitment to supporting global engagement for all Americans, including  through study abroad, to develop the knowledge, skills – including linguistic skills – and relationships  needed to contribute to America’s continued prosperity and to global peace and security. 

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (Gilman Program) is the U.S. Department of  State’s flagship undergraduate study abroad scholarship program and directly supports the goals outlined  in the Joint Statement of Principles by providing funding support to U.S. students of limited financial  means, who reflect the diversity of the U.S. population, to pursue overseas study and internships.