Info Sessions
PiA fellowships are one- or two-year immersive work placements at host organizations in Asia.
In the Class of 2026, Fellows have been placed in China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mongolia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
PiA Fellows develop skills and contribute to the work of host organizations in diverse focus areas.
- Arts and Culture
- Economic Development
- Education
- Environmental Sustainability
- Peace, Justice, and Access to Information
- Public Health
- Sports
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
Egilibility:
The primary prerequisite for a PiA fellowship is a bachelor’s degree. Some positions may require additional work experience or credentials. We do accept candidates with master’s degrees, but not those with terminal or professional degrees (Ph.D, M.D., or J.D.).
PiA applicants are generally college seniors or recent college graduates. Graduates of any college or university are eligible to apply for a PiA fellowship. There is no age limit for applying to PiA.
Webinars:
All applicants are invited to attend Zoom webinars led by PiA staff throughout the fall. These sessions include general information about the program, what to expect in the application cycle, and time for Q&A. Register using the links below.
- Applicant Webinar 1 - Thursday, September 3rd at 3 PM EDT
- Applicant Webinar 2 - Wednesday, September 16th at 7 PM EDT
- Applicant Webinar 3 - Tuesday, September 29th at 12 PM EDT
Are you an undergraduate student, Pell Grant recipient, and U.S. citizen? Are you interested in studying abroad?
You may be eligible to apply for the U.S. State Department’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship! Here’s what you could earn:
- Up to $5,000 for studying or interning abroad + $500 from UMD Education Abroad through the Gilman Guarantee program
- An additional $3,000 if you are studying a Critical Language
- An additional $1,000 STEM Award for applicants who are doing STEM-related coursework or internships abroad
- and 12 months of noncompetitive eligibility for federal employment for Gilman scholars
UMD students are successful Gilman Scholarship Recipients!
- In the last two years 123 UMD students received the Gilman scholarship!
- These Terps won a total of $369,000 to study abroad!
- UMD applicants regularly outperform the national average acceptance rate!
To help you join the ranks of UMD Gilman Scholars, we are hosting a series of information sessions. Register for one that works for your schedule!
- Thursday, August 27, 4:00 - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday, September 2, 4:30 - 5:00 pm
- Thursday, September 3, 12:00 - 12:30 pm
- Tuesday, September 8, 12:00 - 12:30 pm
- Thursday, September 10, 4:30 - 5:00 pm
- Friday, September 11, 12:00 - 12:30 pm
- Friday, September 11, 4:00 - 4:30 pm
Can't attend? Join our Gilman ELMS resource page, which offers a lot of helpful information as well as successful example essays, please fill out this quick form.
ELIGIBILITY
Students must be:
- a U.S. citizen
- a Pell Grant recipient
- an undergraduate (includes all majors)
- all program lengths are eligible
DEADLINE: October 1, 2026 (For abroad programs that start between December 1, 2026 and October 31, 2027.)