A nationally competitive U.S. Department of State scholarship will support Driscoll's Spring 2026 study abroad experience in Italy
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University of Massachusetts Dartmouth student Arianne Driscoll '27, a studio art and the expanded field major in the College of Visual & Performing Arts (CVPA), has been awarded the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to support her study abroad experience in Florence, Italy, during the Spring 2026 semester.
"The Gilman Scholarship has been crucial in making my journey abroad possible, easing the financial burden as a low-income first-generation student," said Driscoll. "Being selected for this scholarship ignites such confidence that even those challenged financially can dream big and through time, effort, passion, and support — as the Gilman Scholarship has granted me — can reach those dreams, even as wishfully bold they may be."
Driscoll's scholarship will help make it possible to study in one of Europe's most influential cultural centers—an experience that aligns with her academic interests and creative goals.
"Living and learning in the birthplace of the Renaissance, walking the same streets that inspired Michelangelo and Botticelli, and studying art and restoration surrounded by the artistic legacy that continues to shape global culture is unparalleled to any textbook or lecture hall," said Driscoll. "My time at Istituto Lorenzo de' Medici (LdM) will be invaluable in expanding my technical skills in fine art, strengthening my portfolio for my MFA candidacy, and further developing my ability to communicate, adapt, publicly engage, grow, and thrive — ultimately informing my future artistic and teaching practice and career."
Administered by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Gilman Program provides merit-based scholarships of up to $5,000 for eligible U.S. undergraduate students who receive Federal Pell Grants, helping them gain international experience and career-relevant global skills. Since its inception in 2001, the program has supported 44,000 students to study or intern abroad in more than 170 countries.
"The support provided by the Gilman Scholarship helps Arianne afford the opportunity to delve deeply into her major and experience all that Florence, Italy has to offer as a historically important city for the arts," said Assistant Director of the International Programs Office, Gina Reis.
Applying for the Gilman Scholarship
UMass Dartmouth students interested in studying abroad should visit the Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 11:30am to 1:30pm in the Drum Room of the Grove to learn about programs, advising resources, and funding pathways such as the Gilman Scholarship.
UMass Dartmouth's International Programs Office (IPO) encourages students to plan early and explore scholarship opportunities that can make global learning more affordable, listing the Gilman Scholarship among substantial funding options available to support study abroad—particularly for students with clear academic goals for their time overseas.
The next Gilman Scholarship application deadline is March 5, 2026, for students planning eligible programs beginning between May 1, 2026, and April 30, 2027. To be eligible for the Gilman Scholarship, applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, undergraduate students in good standing at an accredited U.S. institution, and Pell Grant recipients during the time of application (or able to provide proof they will receive a Pell Grant during the term abroad).
"Studying abroad is such a singular and transformative experience for students," said Reis. "It allows them to see their major from a different perspective, take unique courses, and engage with local and other international students, all of which expands the student's understanding of their academic area and provides an opportunity for building professional networks."
Students interested in studying abroad—or applying for scholarships like Gilman—can connect with the International Programs Office for advising and planning support.