Harcrow is an English major and communications minor from Broken Bow in the Southeastern Honors program, and will study abroad in Iceland in May 2025 on a Southeastern Study Abroad Adventure. She is one of approximately 1,600 American undergraduate students from over 500 colleges and universities across the U.S. selected to receive the Gilman International Scholarship in the latest award period.
“Words cannot express how thankful and blessed I am for this opportunity. The university, my professors, and friends have been there to support and guide me through each step of this journey,” Harcrow said. “This scholarship has been an answered prayer; it has shown me that no barrier, whether environmental or self-imposed, is too difficult to overcome. I can’t say ‘thank you’ enough!”
“Gilman Scholarships help provide life-changing opportunities for students to participate in the global marketplace for ideas,” said Dr. Kyle C. Lincoln, Director of Study Abroad and Assistant Professor of History and Interdisciplinary Humanities at Southeastern. “Southeastern students have a record of winning these scholarships because they understand how much an impact Study Abroad programs have on their futures: their job prospects are better; their graduate school placement rates are better; their quality of life is better.
“Michayla’s Study Abroad Adventure to Iceland will be the next step in her journey, but we know it will be far from her last. Our hope is that other Southeastern students follow her example!”
Gilman Scholars receive up to $5,000 to apply towards their study abroad or internship program costs. The program offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies or internships abroad, thereby gaining skills critical to our national security and economic competitiveness. Students receiving a Federal Pell Grant from two- and four-year institutions who will be studying abroad or participating in a career-oriented international internship for academic credit are eligible to apply. Scholarship recipients have the opportunity to gain a better understanding of other cultures, countries, languages, and economies -- making them better prepared to assume leadership roles within government and the private sector.
The late Congressman Gilman served in the House of Representatives for 30 years and chaired the House Foreign Relations Committee. When honored with the Secretary of State’s Distinguished Service Medal in 2002, he commented, “Study abroad is a special experience for every student who participates. Living and learning in a vastly different environment of another nation not only exposes our students to alternate views but also adds an enriching social and cultural experience. It also provides our students with the opportunity to return home with a deeper understanding of their place in the world, encouraging them to be a contributor, rather than a spectator in the international community.”
The program is administered by the Institute of International Education. The list of students who have been selected to receive Gilman Scholarships, including students’ home state, university and host country, is available on their website: www.gilmanscholarship.org. According to Allan Goodman, President and CEO of IIE, “International education is one of the best tools for developing mutual understanding and building connections between people from different countries. It is critical to the success of American diplomacy and business, and the lasting ties that Americans make during their international studies are important to our country in times of conflict as well as times of peace.”
About Southeastern
Founded in 1909, Southeastern Oklahoma State University provides an environment of academic excellence that enables students to reach their highest potential. By having personal access to excellent teaching, challenging academic programs, and extracurricular experiences, students will develop skills and habits that promote values for career preparation, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. Our over 6,000 students include 50% first-generation students and 28% students of Native American descent, with 82% receiving financial aid. Southeastern ranks amongst the most affordable schools in the region thanks to out-of-state tuition waivers and is proud of its exceptional affordable accredited MBA program, stellar aerospace and teacher education programs, and outstanding national ranking in graduating Native American students.
