LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Lock Haven University student Kaamilah Milton has been awarded a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship in the amount of $2500. Milton, a junior from Philadelphia, Pa., was notified of her award on June 4. She will attend the Institute for Language and Communication Studies in Rabat, Morocco, where she will study Arabic language and culture.

The Gilman International Scholarship Program is sponsored by the by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and is administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). In offering grants for U.S. undergraduates to study abroad, the program seeks “to prepare students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world.”

Gilman award recipients are chosen by a competitive selection process. During the spring 2009 application cycle, the Gilman Scholarship Program received 1,927 applications for 850 possible awards. According to Rosanna Campbell, assistant director of international studies, this marks the seventh time that a Lock Haven University student has received this award. Campbell said, “Let’s hope that our 100% record since 2005 will continue in the future.” She added, “Kaamilah will be an excellent ambassador for Lock Haven University.”

Milton will be in Morocco from September 9 until December 28. She plans to “take full advantage of the experience.” She added, “I am truly fortunate and honored to become a representative for Lock Haven University and the American student population.” She looks forward to “learning about the people of North Morocco, the amalgamation of cultures from natives, French, Spanish . . . the food, the schooling and the proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.”

Milton also commented on preparing herself for her study in Morocco: “From what I’ve learned in previous trips abroad, expectations are to be left at home. Just bring what you love about yourself and your culture, respect the culture and enjoy the ride.”

A graduate of George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science, Milton is majoring in international relations with a minor in communications. After she completes her degree at Lock Haven University, her plans include graduate school and the Peace Corps. “I would like to travel a bit more learning the social politics (however changing) of the unseen geographic regions and the people of those regions who are unseen and unheard,” she said. “Spend more time becoming the Global Citizen that I’ve learned about here at Lock haven University and in my own community.” She is the daughter of Idris Muhammad and Jawanna Milton.

Further information about the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is available at www.iie.org/gilman.