LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Two Lock Haven University students have been awarded the prestigious Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship for study abroad.

Janelle LaCoille, a senior from Port Mathilda, Pa., is the recipient of a $3,000 award. A major in recreation management, LaCoille will study Chinese language and culture at Beijing Technology and Business University in Beijing, China. She studied in Ireland in the spring of 2007.

Stephen Craft, a non-traditional student from Beech Creek, Pa., has received the maximum amount of this scholarship, $5,000. A sophomore majoring in international studies, Craft will study Arabic language and culture at the University of Sfax in Sfax, Tunisia. He will be accompanied by his wife and two children.

The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program provides awards for students to participate in study abroad programs worldwide. Its aim is “to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global and interdependent world.” Award recipients are chosen by a competitive selection process. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Program is congressionally funded. This year, the Gilman Scholarship Program received 1,659 applications for 700 possible awards.

Dr. Jennifer M. Creamer, dean of the Institute for International Studies at Lock Haven University, said of the awards, “I am very pleased that two Lock Haven students have been awarded this prestigious scholarship as students from all over the U.S. compete for this award. I know that Janelle’s experience in China and Stephen’s experience in Tunisia will enrich their lives personally as well as academically.”

Creamer also spoke about the variety of study-abroad experiences available to Lock Haven students: “The Institute for International Studies encourages students in all majors to incorporate a study abroad experience into their degree programs. Students can go abroad on short-term spring or summer program or spend the whole semester at one of our 35 partner institute programs. “