UA Gilman Scholars to Study in South Africa, Jordan and China

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Three University of Alabama students have been awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to participate in a study abroad program during the 2010-2011 academic year, taking them to South Africa, Jordan and China.

Gilman Scholars are selected by the Institute of International Education through the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in the U.S. Department of State.

“We are especially proud of the Gilman Scholarship recipients,” said Sharon Le, overseas study academic adviser for UA’s Capstone International Center. “We hope to see even more students apply for and receive this scholarship in the future.”

The UA students named 2010-2011 Gilman Scholars include:

Leya Brown, a junior majoring in business economics from Baltimore, Md., will be going to South Africa to attend the University of Cape Town. She will be studying underdevelopment economics, macroeconomics and accounting. Brown will also be participating in a co-curricular learning program where she will be volunteering at local schools.

Latasha Solomon, a senior from Birmingham majoring in international relations with a focus area in the Middle East and Africa, will be going to Jordan to attend the School for International Training. She will study modernization, social change and Arabic language.

Evan Waters, a senior from Birmingham majoring in international studies with minors in Chinese language and Asian studies, will be going to Xiamen University in China.

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.

Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply towards their study abroad program costs, and a limited number of Critical Need Language Scholarships are given each year for a total award of $8,000. Selection is based on the student’s academic performance, statement of purpose, follow-up on the project and potential impact of experience.