US Gilman alumni discuss refugee, migration issues with experts in Jordan

AMMAN — The US Embassy in Amman, in collaboration with the Binational Fulbright Commission in Jordan, the Jordan Language Academy and the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Programme (Gilman Programme) of the State Department, recently concluded an in-depth seminar on Refugee and Migration Issues in Amman, Jordan.  

Thirty Gilman alumni, who had previously studied abroad as American undergraduates supported by a Department of State scholarship were competitively selected for the five-day programme in Jordan, during which they participated in facilitated discussions, site visits and cultural exchanges, according to a statement from the Binational Fulbright Commission in Jordan.  

The programme immersed the alumni in firsthand experiences and created a unique platform for participants to engage in open dialogue, exchange ideas and explore challenges faced by refugee populations.  They visited refugee camps and organisations working with refugees. 

The participants represented a range of professions working on refugee and migration issues in the US including legal affairs, public health, education, social work and policy making. With diverse backgrounds and perspectives from across the US, they shared a common goal of addressing the challenges surrounding refugees and migration. They learned about the role of international organisations in managing the refugee crisis from local academics, field experts and officials.

The Gilman alumni expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from local experts and connect with individuals impacted by the refugee and migration crisis. One participant, KP Passa, said: “I’ll be starting a new position in Washington, working with Afghan women and girls. This experience has been so impactful on my learning about the refugee situation, especially here in Jordan. I’m excited to apply it.”

The Gilman Programme is a flagship initiative of the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, funded by the US government and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education.  The Gilman Programme aims to broaden the participation of US students in international education by providing scholarships to students with limited financial means for study or internships abroad.