Back when I was a college student in the early 2000s, I received six scholarships to help fund my learning abroad program. The funding I received made my semester in France the most affordable semester of my college experience. Once I caught the travel bug, I did the same thing in graduate school, receiving scholarships to cover the cost of a summer faculty-led program in the Dominican Republic.

Scholarships made international experiences possible for me and it is my great pleasure to work with University of Utah students to pursue similar funding opportunities as the Learning Abroad Scholarships Coordinator.

Since I joined Learning Abroad in 2016, I’ve worked with many students to identify funding opportunities and learn how to craft compelling scholarship essays to fund Learning Abroad and Hinckley Global Internship Programs.

I know that scholarships can often feel overwhelming. There are so many awards out there and it is hard to know where to invest your time. So, I’ve compiled a shortlist below of my favorites to get you started.

Office for Global Engagement student fee scholarship

This is probably the easiest scholarship you will ever apply for. In my opinion, everyone planning on a Learning Abroad program or Hinckley Global Internship should at least apply for this one. (up to $2,000)

Office for Global Engagement photography scholarship

If you’re tired of writing essays and want to get in touch with your artsy side, definitely consider this one. Last year, we organized an art exhibit to display the photography of past recipients and are featuring some of their work in this article. ($1,000)

Office for Global Engagement financial need scholarship

At $3,500, this is the largest scholarship that Learning Abroad offers. It is a great option for students who like to plan ahead, as recipients have over a year to use the funds. The deadline only comes around once a year (each October) and students must have financial need in order to apply.

If you receive need-based aid AND you are the dependent of an active-duty military member, contact us to learn about the Gilman McCain scholarship ($5,000).

Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship

This is a must for anyone who receives the Pell Grant. Last year, a record 22 U students received Gilman funding towards virtual and in-person global experiences. The national chances of being awarded are 1 in 4, but U students have historically beat those odds. Also, If you’re planning to learn a language, you may be able to apply for up to $3,000 in additional funding. (up to $5,000)

CIEE Gilman go global grant

Did you know that you could get a scholarship just for applying for the Benjamin A. Gilman scholarship? You simply need to prove that you applied for the Gilman scholarship and, of course, have plans to participate on a CIEE program. CIEE is one of the University of Utah’s largest approved Learning Abroad affiliate providers, offering a wealth of for-credit learning opportunities all around the world. All Gilman Go Global Grant recipients also automatically receive a GAIN Travel Grant (up to $1000).

CIEE’s Frederick Douglass fellowship

Each year, students of color have the opportunity to apply for this competitive, fully funded summer leadership program. This summer, the Frederick Douglass Fellows will travel to Ireland to meet with government leaders and social justice advocates across the country.

Heidelberg University exchange scholarship

Did you know you could get paid to learn abroad in Germany? Each year Heidelberg University offers two University of Utah students a 700 euros/month stipend to learn abroad on their campus. They will also fully fund the cost of an introductory German language course.

Christian-Albrechts-Universitat exchange scholarship

This University in Germany offers a 740 euros/month stipend to all eligible University of Utah undergraduate students to learn abroad on their campus. Master’s students receive 800 euros/month and doctoral students receive 900 euros/month.

Foreign Language & Area Studies Program (FLAS)

If you’re looking to learn a language, the FLAS scholarship provides a $2,500 stipend plus up to $5,000 towards summer tuition. During the 2018-19 school year, 10 learning abroad students (collectively) received $75,000 in FLAS funding towards their intensive language programs.

Boren scholarship

This scholarship provides funding to those who aspire to globally-focused careers within the US federal government. Boren Scholars can receive up to $20,000 to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests. ROTC students are strongly encouraged to apply.

If you want to learn more about these funding opportunities, check out our website and consider attending one of our scholarship webinars this semester.