Funding
Funding for Learning Abroad Center Programs
UMTC Non-credit Learning Abroad Grant
- Awards of $250–$1000 for Learning Abroad Center volunteer winter break & spring break programs.
- Must be current UMTC degree-seeking student.
Funding for Affiliated Programs
Child Family Health International
-
Offering partial ($1000) and full scholarships. Scholarships are to be used toward the program fees for CFHI programs.
- Scholarships available during certain months only
- Scholarships will be given to students who demonstrate a commitment to their communities as well as financial need and an interest in exchanging ideas and sharing experiences with people in Bolivia, Ecuador, India, Mexico and South Africa.
- Priority will be given to people of ethnicities underrepresented in CFHI programs, as well as those who have had limited opportunity to travel abroad and no prior international health experience.
College of Biological Sciences Murray D. Rosenberg Memorial Fund
- Travel assistance for undergraduate biological sciences students at the University of Minnesota who wish to conduct research or provide humanitarian service in socio-economically depressed areas of the world or the United States.
- Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be eligible, students must register for at least 13 undergraduate credits in the semester following completion of this experience
- Application deadlines: November 15 and April 1
- Typical awards will be in the $500–$1,000 range and are issued upon completion of the experience
College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Internship Grant
- Grant for an unpaid internship experience related to recipient's learning and future career goals
- Open to University of Minnesota CLA undergraduate students
- Four to six grants of $1,200 are awarded every fall, spring and summer
Cross-Cultural Solutions International Internship & Volunteer Fellowship
- University of Minnesota students can receive a fellowship of $455 applicable towards a Cross-Cultural Solutions (CCS) volunteer or intern abroad program
- Not need or merit based; all students who apply through the Learning Abroad Center will receive the fellowship while funds last. Students must contact the Learning Abroad Center and be nominated for the scholarship BEFORE turning in application materials to CCS.
- Contact Sara Cokl at the Learning Abroad Center BEFORE applying to the program. Include name, email, phone, student ID number, mailing address, program type and location, dates of program, academic major and graduation date. CCS will contact each interested applicant to further discuss the details of their program.
Global Experiences: Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certificate Abroad Fellowship
- University of Minnesota students can receive a fellowship of $100 applicable towards the TEFL Certificate Abroad program through Global Experiences.
- Contact Emelee Volden at the Learning Abroad Center, who will collect your contact information and confirm eligibility for the fellowship to Global Experiences.
Global Volunteers University of Minnesota Student Discount
- University of Minnesota students can receive a fellowship of up to $300 applicable towards an international volunteer program through Global Volunteers
- The full fellowship amount is broken down as follows: $100 for University of Minnesota students and $200 student discount.
- Not need or merit based; all students who apply through the Learning Abroad Center will receive the fellowship while funds last. Students must contact the Learning Abroad Center and be nominated for the scholarship before turning in application materials to Global Volunteers.
- Contact Sara Cokl at the Learning Abroad Center, who will collect your contact information and confirm eligibility for the scholarship to Global Volunteers.
- Up to $5000 for the transportation and program costs for a volunteer program organized by Travelocity's Travel for Good program
- Participating programs include Cross-Cultural Solutions and Earthwatch
World Endeavors Partner University Scholarship
- Available for internship programs of 12 weeks or more or volunteer programs of 3 weeks or more
- Scholarship applications are due with program applications or within a period of 14 days after application date for priority consideration.
- Award of $500 for internship programs and $250 for volunteer programs
Funding for Outside Programs
- Open to applicants who have arranged their own work abroad program of at least 6 months
- Awards of $2,500–$10,000
College of Liberal Arts Undergraduate Internship Grant
- Grant for an unpaid internship experience related to recipient's learning and future career goals
- Open to University of Minnesota CLA undergraduate students
- Four to six grants of $1,200 are awarded every fall, spring and summer
Fundraising Ideas and Resources
Be creative and diligent in finding ways to fund your experience abroad. Community organizations or your neighbors may be willing to help fund you. When asking for contributions, explain how you intend to use the money or donated items. Let them know what this experience will mean to you, and share something about yourself. In return for financial assistance, offer to contribute your services or knowledge once you return. You may also offer to update your donors with a monthly email newsletter while you are abroad. Here are some suggestions for fundraising:
- Check libraries, alumni associations, religious organizations and community groups for scholarships or grants, or ask them to sponsor a fundraising event on your behalf.
- Contact local heritage organizations for funding, especially if you are planning on going to a country relevant to the organization's members. Examples include the Swedish-American Society and the Japan American Society.
- Seek professional organizations in the area in which you plan to work or are currently working and inquire about grants or scholarships.
- Ask credit unions, banks or major corporations for donations or scholarships.
