The University of Idaho was recognized on May 8 by the U.S. Department of State as a top-producing institution for recipients of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, leading among public universities in its region.
The recognition comes during the 25th anniversary year of the Gilman Program, which awards merit-based scholarships up to $8,000 to American undergraduate students with high financial need for study or internships abroad. The University of Idaho was named a top producer in the medium institution category, defined as schools with between 5,000 and 15,000 students.
Since 2001, the university has produced 143 Gilman Scholars—more than all other public four-year institutions in Idaho combined and more than regional public university peers. Nearly half of these scholars—67 students—have earned the award since 2022.
“This recognition reflects the culture we’ve built around supporting students as they pursue global experiences,” said Kate Wray Chettri, director of Education Abroad and Exchange Programs at University of Idaho. “Our students have powerful stories to tell, and we work across campus to help them share those stories in ways that open doors.”
Students receive support through advising, workshops and campus partnerships at University of Idaho, resulting in Gilman Scholarships being earned every application cycle. Andrea Morales, a student and former Gilman Scholar at University of Idaho, said she benefited from programs like TRIO that support first-generation and low-income students: “I first learned about the Gilman Scholarship through the College Assistance Migrant Program… With support from TRIO, I refined my story and clearly explained my academic goals.”
Gilman Scholars gain international experience along with cross-cultural skills and access to additional opportunities such as federal employment pathways and global professional networks. Morales said: “While abroad, I traveled to five countries and lived with a host family… Studying abroad deepened my cultural understanding… With support from the Gilman Scholarship, I turned this dream into a reality.”
Despite recent success with scholarship recipients, financial barriers continue to limit participation in study abroad programs at University of Idaho; currently only about one or two percent of graduates participate each year. To address this gap, additional supports such as an International Experience Grant—which distributes over $150,000 annually—are available for first-time participants.
“Our goal is to help students see what’s possible,” Wray Chettri said. “When they step outside their comfort zones… they come back with skills… that stay with them for life.” Lance Butikofer—a current student leader and Gilman Scholar—said his experience changed his perspective: “Studying abroad has been an incredibly impactful experience… As I get ready to close this chapter… I really am beginning to see just how much my relationship with the world has changed as well as how much of a home England has become for me.”
