Appalachian State University senior Chris Zaman, who is double majoring in international business and supply chain management in the Walker College of Business, has earned the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship.
App State’s Office of Nationally Competitive Scholarships (NCS), a division of University College, and Office of International Education and Development (OIED) announced the honor, which Zaman shares with fellow student Myia Spivey. They are among 900 undergraduate students nationwide offered the prestigious Gilman Scholarship.
Zaman will study abroad in Japan.
Zaman is the university's first recipient of the John McCain International Scholarship for the Children of Military Families, named in honor of the late U.S. senator John S. McCain. The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides funding for dependents of active-duty military members to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs.
Zaman said he was inspired to apply for the scholarship after observing the positive experiences his family and peers have had on their trips abroad. He plans to use his Gilman award to study Japanese language and culture at Japan’s Kansai Gaidai University this fall.
“As a Gilman recipient, I feel many doors have been opened for me both on a personal and professional level,” he said. “I hope to improve upon my cultural literacy, expand my network abroad and have a fun time while I am at it.”
When he returns from Japan, Zaman said he aims to inspire others App State students to pursue experiences abroad.
Read the full story at today.appstate.edu.
About the Gilman Scholarship
The Gilman International Scholarship Program — funded by the U.S. Department of State in honor of the late Benjamin A. Gilman, a former U.S. representative from New York — increases the number of students who study or intern abroad by providing financial support to undergraduates who could not otherwise afford to travel internationally. The scholarship makes it possible for recipients to experience international cultures and to learn languages of their choice. Each Gilman Scholar receives up to $5,000 in funding to study or intern abroad. Applicants who intend to study a critical need language while abroad can apply for a supplemental Gilman Critical Need Language Award of up to $3,000, for a combined scholarship total of up to $8,000. Since its inception in 2001, the program has received more than 125,000 applications and provided funding for 33,000-plus award recipients to study or intern abroad. Learn more at ncs.appstate.edu.
About International Programs with Appalachian's Walker College of Business
The Walker College of Business encourages students to study abroad and provides a variety of short-term international programs designed to develop international business skills and intercultural knowledge. These faculty-led programs have proven to be invaluable for many students. Scholarships are available. Fluency in a second language is not required and students can earn credit toward their degree. For more information on future opportunities, please contact Global & Civic Engagement Specialist Meredith Church Pipes, churchmm@appstate.edu, or visit international.business.appstate.edu.
Chris Zaman, of Cary, has been awarded a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to study or intern abroad — virtually or in person — in 2021.
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