Funding Global Experiences
In support of global education, there are a range of funding opportunities available that provide support for educational programs, internships, service projects, and research in international settings. Students are encouraged to investigate as many funding options as possible.
Important Considerations
Earning Credit for Study Abroad
It is possible to earn U-M credits abroad during a regular fall or winter term, and some of these credits can be counted towards nursing requirements or as electives. Students should be aware that these credits, if not carefully scheduled, might increase their course load above 18 credits, causing additional tuition charges to be imposed.
For example:
- N421 Perspectives in Global Health, has two sections. The on-campus seminar is a 2-credit elective; students participating in the field extension must register not for the 2-credit seminar, but for a different section, which is worth 4 credits. Contact OSAMS (sn-osams@umich.edu or 763-5985) to make sure you are registered for the correct section.
- In order to participate in the Global Intercultural Experience for Undergraduates (GIEU), students must apply through the Center for Global and Intercultural Study (CGIS) and enroll in the 3-credit university course UC 275, which begins in winter and extends into fall. Students receive 2 credit hours in the winter term and 1 credit hour in the fall.
We recommend that any student considering one of these options pays particularly close attention to the timing and tuition cost issues when discussing their plans with advisors so as not to exceed 18 credits in a single term. CGIS also charges program fees for both GIEU and Global Course Connections to cover accommodations, meals, excursions, etc., so students should use the CGIS projected program budget worksheets to determine expected total costs for these programs.
Federal Financial Aid
If you currently receive financial aid and/or scholarships, read carefully through the information at Financial Aid for Study Abroad and consult an advisor in the Office of Financial Aid (OFA) for guidance as early as possible to determine how much (if any) of your current aid could be used to cover your education abroad costs.
Most credit-bearing U-M programs are eligible for financial aid, but it is best to speak with an OFA advisor before making any assumptions. Some types of federal aid can be applied to non-U-M programs, but you will need to work closely with OFA.
Co-Curricular (Non-Credit) Global Engagement
Financial aid is not available for non-credit internships or service projects. Additionally, many of the available scholarships are meant to fund formal study abroad opportunities. When looking to finance international experiences that do not earn academic credit, students should look specifically for financial support targeting internship, service, or research experiences. Please see link in the second bullet of the section immediately below.
Recommended Steps to Secure Funding
Get Acquainted with the U-M International Center's Vast Resources
When seeking and applying for funding, the Office of Global Outreach (GO) advises students to start with the following resources from the U-M International Center:
- For curricular experiences: Funding Your Study Abroad
- For co-curricular experiences: Funding Internships and Research
- Preparing Your Funding Application
Explore the Office of Global Outreach Funding Sources
The School of Nursing is committed to providing a globally focused education for its students. To this end, GO aims to increase students' opportunities for global study, research, civic engagement, and service by offering scholarships that support this international work. Typical awards average about $1,000. To learn more, please visit: GO Student Scholarships.
Explore Other U-M Funding Resources
Besides those resources found through the U-M International Center, below is a list of other on-campus based units that have offered scholarships and grants for global opportunities:
- U-M Office of Financial Aid: Students Studying Abroad
- Global Michigan (a "consolidator" type site with numerous links to other U-M global resources): Funding Abroad
- International Institute: Fellowships & Grants
- Center for Latin American and Carribean Studies (LACS): Tinker Field Research Grant
- Rackham Graduate School: Funding
- Center for the Education of Women: Research Funding for Students
- The Wallenberg Medal & Lecture: International Travel Fellowships
- William Davidson Institute: Global Impact Summer Internship
- Center for Global and Intercultural Study: Spring/Summer Language Programs
- Ginsberg Center: Grants, Scholarships, Fellowships & Internships
Explore Funding Resources Outside of the U-M
Students' search for funding need not end at the edge of campus. Below is a list of external funding sources that provide support for global opportunities. Be sure to carefully read the details surrounding the application process for any funding you may be interested in as requirements will vary from source to source.
| Organization | Recommended Page | Synopsis |
|---|---|---|
| NAFSA: Association of International Educators | Financial Aid for Study Abroad | Excellent starting point for information on financing education abroad |
| List of major sites to search for scholarships | ||
| Institute for International Education (IIE) | Student Toolkit | Gilman, Freeman-ASIA, Boren and Fulbright Scholarships |
| Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship | Current Pell Grant recipients; academic credit-bearing programs only; students of diverse backgrounds, with disabilities, and/or with demonstrated financial need | |
| IIE Passport: Study Abroad Funding | Searchable database of funding sources | |
| Foundation for Global Scholars | Scholarships | Students from underrepresented populations in international education; study abroad and internships |
Fund for Education Abroad | Scholarships | General study abroad; also dedicated scholarships for GLBT students and for study in Vietnam |
Global Studies Foundation (GSF) | GSF Student Grant | Focus on strategically important countries and languages (as defined by the U.S. Departments of State and Defense) e.g. Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Korean, Urdu, Russian, Portuguese, etc. |
Learn, Intern and Volunteer in Latin America | LIVFund | Awards for internships or volunteering in Latin America, either individually or through a program |
Golden Key International Honor Society | Scholarships & Awards | Members are eligible for numerous scholarships, including study abroad scholarships |
International Federation of University Women | Fellowships & Grants | Graduate and post-doctoral research fellowships for members conducting research outside both country of residence and the country where they were educated |
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi | Awards | Members are eligible for numerous scholarships, including study abroad scholarships |
StudyAbroad.com | Scholarships | Searchable database of funding sources |
FinAid! The Smart Student Guide to Financial Aid | Domestic Exchange and Study Abroad Programs | Funding for exchanges and study abroad |
U.S. Department of Education Network for Education Information | Funding information for undergraduate students Funding information for graduate students | |
| DiversityAbroad.com | Large source for information on international scholarships, grants and loans | |
| National Science Foundation (NSF) | International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) | Supports active research participation by undergraduate or graduate students in any of the areas of research funded by NSF |
| East Asia and Pacific Summer Institutes for U.S. Graduate Students (EAPSI) | Awards to U.S. graduate students for first-hand research, science policy and science infrastructure experinces in Australia, China, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore or Taiwan. |