St. Olaf named top producer of Gilman Scholars
The United States Department of State has named St. Olaf College as a top producer of the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. Established in 2001, the Gilman Program supports undergraduate students from the U.S. to study abroad for academic credit and career-oriented internships through a merit-based scholarship.
“I am so proud of our designation by Gilman as a top producer of scholars,” said Director of the Smith Center for Global Engagement Theresa Heath. “Being named a top producer reflects our commitment to access to our comprehensive study abroad/away programs at St. Olaf College and the Smith Center.”
“There is a strong network of support at St. Olaf to encourage students to apply for a Gilman scholarship,” Heath explained. “This begins with targeted advising from the Smith Center in collaboration with the Office of Financial Aid, Academic Success Center, Piper Center, and TRIO Student Support Services on campus.”
More than 75 St. Olaf students have studied abroad as a Gilman Scholar since the program began. Being able to study abroad fosters the development of critical skills such as navigating different cultures, working with diverse peers and workstyles, and communicating in different languages. Through the Smith Center at St. Olaf, students have the opportunity to apply to more than 70 semester programs in over 40 countries, including January Term programs.
“Receiving a Gilman scholarship made it possible for me to travel abroad and earn experience that I otherwise could not afford,” said Kyra Andersen ‘27. “During my time abroad, I was able to work on an archaeological dig in Turkey and learn invaluable work experience doing hands-on historical research that will further me in my professional career. It was an incredible experience to learn how to excavate and catalogue ancient findings as well as to be able to immerse myself in a different environment abroad.”
“St. Olaf has a historic commitment to breaking down barriers for our students to travel abroad during their college experience,” said President Susan Rundell Singer. “Studying abroad builds self-awareness and challenges individuals to understand and connect with those from different backgrounds. Supported by the Gilman Program, the Smith Center on campus fulfills our mission and strategic plan for students to build character and explore their vocational discernment in our local and global communities.”
Andersen continued, “Growing up lower income, I didn’t expect to have access to opportunities like traveling to Turkey. I’m so grateful for the experience and the support from my St. Olaf advisors who encouraged and supported me throughout the scholarship application process.”
St. Olaf has consistently been recognized for its study abroad programs over the years, including being ranked No. 2 nationally by Open Doors in 2025. Students can work with the Smith Center for Global Engagement to find a program that fits their interests, and the college provides robust financial support to ensure all St. Olaf students have the opportunity to study abroad/away. For the 2024-25 academic year, more than 600 students studied abroad/away in dozens of destinations, including Denmark, New Zealand, South Korea, and Ireland.