students received scholarships to study abroad in 2010

Katie Rozwadowski of Stanley was among seven University of Wisconsin Eau Claire students who received scholarships to study abroad in 2010 through the prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program. Rozwadowski was awarded $3,500 to attend the University of Limerick in Ireland.Rozwadowski, a biology major, was attracted to Ireland for its beauty, Celtic culture and the core of science classes at the University of Limerick. Plus, I love rain, she said.

Rozwadowski hopes to encourage students to make time to study abroad and to demonstrate how the Gilman Scholarship can help. She’ll give presentations at the first biology and chemistry club meetings of the 2011 fall semester.One reason I have been chosen for this scholarship is because students with science majors are severely underrepresented in study abroad programs, said Rozwadowski. With careful planning it can be done and you can still graduate in four years.There was a record number of applicants and grantees this spring, said Cheryl Lochner-Wright, study abroad coordinator in the Center for International Education at UW-Eau Claire. She attributes this to a concerted effort by the study abroad staff and the university’s Financial Aid office to spread the word about the scholarships.

“Current economic realities are making it even more difficult for students with high financial need to consider studying abroad, said Lochner Wright. We hope the success of these students will encourage others to plan study abroad into their academic careers.The Gilman International Scholarship Program, established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of 2000, provides awards that allow American undergraduate students who receive federal Pell Grant funding at a two year or four year college or university to participate in study abroad programs worldwide.