Funding a study abroad experience is certainly a concern for most students and their parents, so we have included several funding sources that have proven beneficial to students across the US. Please visit their websites for more detailed information regarding the required criteria.
• WLU International President’s Scholarship – West Liberty University recognizes the importance of internationalizing our campus and helping our students become global citizens. In light of this, we encourage students to consider a study abroad experience, and offer limited scholarships to qualified students. Students should contact Dr.Felipe Rojas for more information.
• Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (Pell grant recipients only). The Gilman Scholarship Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is open to U.S. undergraduate students who demonstrate high financial need. The Gilman program aims to diversify the kinds of students who study abroad and awards scholarships up to $5,000 for study abroad at non-traditional destinations outside of Western Europe and Australia. Since 2008, 29 students from West Virginia have studied abroad as Gilman Scholars in 16 countries, including students from Concord University, Fairmont State University, Shepherd University, Marshall University and West Virginia University. For more information regarding the application process and deadlines visit their website at www.iie.org/gilman.
• Boren Awards for International Study – Boren Scholarships provide American undergraduate students with the resources and encouragement they need to acquire skills and experiences in areas of the world critical to the future security of our nation, in exchange for their commitment to seek work in the federal government. Maximum scholarship awards are:
$8,000 for a summer program (special initiative for STEM students only; 8 weeks minimum)
$10,000 for a semester
$20,000 for a full academic year
For additional information and how to apply visit borenawards.org
• The Whitaker International Undergraduate Scholarship Program provides funding to increase the number of undergraduates in Biomedical Engineering who go abroad. Grants are for a one academic term or an academic year and range from $7,500 to $10,000. No summer grants are available. Grantees may carry out their study abroad programs in any country outside of the U.S., except Canada. Application is now open for the Fall/Academic year cycle. Applications must be completed and submitted electronically by Tuesday, March 11, 2014. For more information, visit the Whitaker website at whitaker.org.
• International Financial Aid & College Scholarships (IEFA) – IEFA is the premier resource for financial aid, college scholarship and grant information for US and international students wishing to study abroad. At this site, you will find the most comprehensive college scholarship search and grant listings, plus international student loan programs and other information to promote study abroad. Visit their site at iefa.org
• For federal financial aid information you should contact our Financial Aid Office at 304-336-8016. You can discuss your eligibility for study abroad aid and how to apply.
Visit the following sites for additional funding information:
- gofundme.com
- fundmytravel.com
- Ben Franklin Travel Grant – A man of the Enlightenment, philosopher and scientist, Benjamin Franklin was also a great diplomat and friend of France. This travel grant is named after him and aims at giving students enrolled in an American University an opportunity to discover France. It is open to sophomore, junior & senior students who are enrolled in a double major including one major in French and one major in another discipline. Consideration will also be given to students enrolled in a minor/certificate in French and majoring in another subject. Visit frenchculture.org for more detailed information.