Diversity Study Abroad Scholarships: Expanding Access to Global Education

Introduction

Studying abroad offers invaluable opportunities for personal growth, cultural immersion, and the development of crucial skills. Recognizing the importance of making these experiences accessible to all, numerous scholarships specifically target students from diverse backgrounds, particularly those historically underrepresented in international education. This article explores the landscape of diversity study abroad scholarships, highlighting key organizations, programs, and resources that can help students realize their dreams of studying abroad.

The Role of Diversity Abroad (DA Global Access Network)

Originally founded as Diversity Abroad, DA Global Access Network has been a driving force in expanding access to global education for nearly two decades. The organization was founded in 2006 to address the disparity in global education participation among historically underrepresented students. Initially, Diversity Abroad focused on direct student engagement, including the distribution of over one million dollars in study abroad scholarship funds. While the name has evolved, the commitment to access to global education that advances student achievement, workforce readiness, and institutional impact remains unwavering. Diversity Abroad's work has significantly shaped the international education landscape through innovative programs, research, and advocacy.

AIFS Abroad Scholarships and Grants

AIFS Abroad recognizes the financial challenges students face in pursuing education and is committed to providing financial assistance for study abroad and internship experiences. Several scholarship and grant opportunities are available to AIFS Abroad participants:

Limited Grants: These $1,000 awards have a fixed annual funding amount, with a select number of participants receiving them each term. These grants are stackable, allowing participants to receive multiple grants for which they are eligible, up to a maximum of $2,500 for a semester or quarter program or $1,500 for a summer, January Term, or internship program. Spring Break and virtual programs are not eligible.
Paired Grants: Eligible participants enrolled at partner institutions can receive these grants. Applicants do not need to complete a separate scholarship application. Like Limited Grants, Paired Grants are stackable, up to the same maximum amounts. Spring Break and virtual programs are not eligible.
Competitive Scholarships: These scholarships require an application, potentially including an essay on a specific topic. A specific number of awards are made each term, and the selection process is competitive. Award amounts vary.

API (Academic Programs International) Scholarships

API offers a range of scholarships designed to support students with diverse backgrounds and financial needs:

API Opportunity Scholarship: This scholarship supports students who identify with groups that are underrepresented in experiential learning, including LGBTQ students, US military veterans, minority students, first-generation students, students attending Community College, STEM major students, and athletes.
API Academic Excellence Scholarship: A merit-based scholarship requiring a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5. Applicants must submit an official transcript in APIConnect.
API Financial Aid Boost Scholarship: Designed to support students with greater financial needs and requires submission of the FAVF (presumably a financial verification form).
API Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Matching Program: API provides matching contributions to students participating in an API program who have been awarded a Gilman Scholarship, up to $1,000 for a semester program or $500 for shorter-term programs. Gilman winners must submit their Gilman Award Notification letter.
API-JCU Diversity Scholarship: Provides one full tuition award per session abroad (fall, spring, summer 1 or summer 2 session) to an outstanding API minority student participating in the John Cabot University Program in Rome, Italy.
Massey University Scholarship: Students heading to Massey University in Wellington, New Zealand, can apply for a scholarship of up to $4,000.

DIS Study Abroad Scholarships

DIS (Danish Institute for Study Abroad) is committed to making study abroad accessible and grants over $2,500,000 annually through four types of scholarships:

Need-Based Scholarships: Awarded based on demonstrated financial need.
Diversity Scholarships: Supports students from diverse backgrounds.
Green Scholarships: Focuses on students passionate about tackling the climate crisis and creating sustainable change. These scholarships award $10,000 to 10 students each fall and spring semester. The Green Education Fund also covers the full cost of the summer session in Greenland.
Merit Scholarships: Available only during fall and spring semesters.

CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange)

CIEE has a long-standing commitment to supporting diverse students abroad, with over 75 years of experience. CIEE offers resources such as city-by-city guides on diversity and inclusion and helps diverse student alums share their stories to encourage others to study abroad.

Other Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to program-specific scholarships, numerous external resources can help fund study abroad experiences:

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: A U.S. Department of State program that enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad.
Fund for Education Abroad (FEA): Offers scholarships with few requirements.
GoAbroad.com: A search engine for study abroad scholarships using various criteria.
Fulbright Program: Funds ventures that aim to increase mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through the exchange of persons, knowledge, and skills.
David L. Boren Scholarships and Fellowships: Offer financial support for students studying less-traditional destinations and critical languages.
Critical Language Scholarship Program: Offers fully-funded language instruction and cultural enrichment experiences overseas for 13 languages in countries where the languages are widely spoken.
Foundation for Global Scholars: Awards study abroad scholarships, with over half of its funding designated for students who are underrepresented in study abroad.
Rotary International: Selects individuals for fully-funded master’s degrees at select institutions in Australia, England, Japan, or Sweden.
The Watson Fellowship: Provides grants for one year of independent study in one or several countries outside the United States just after graduation.
DIWC Scholarship - The Diverse International Women Of Color Summer Study Abroad Scholarship: Assists women of color who are exceptional in their studies and in need of financial assistance to study abroad.
1800wheelchair scholarship: awards two $500 scholarships each year to a US citizen or legal resident living in the US and enrolled in an accredited US University, in an undergraduate or graduate a school, and have a documented disability.
Christianson Grant: For those who want to work or volunteer overseas.
People with Disabilities Education Abroad Pathway.
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) Scholarships: For students attending UNCF-Affiliated institutions.

Tips for Finding and Applying for Scholarships

Start Early: Begin the application process as soon as possible, as funding approval can be lengthy.
Check with Your School: Consult the study abroad and financial aid offices at your school for available resources and scholarships.
Explore Third-Party Providers: Organizations like AIFS Study Abroad, CEA Study Abroad, CIEE Study Abroad, IES Abroad, and SIT Study Abroad may offer fee waivers or reductions.
Consider Existing Scholarships: Existing scholarships and funding may be applicable to study abroad programs.
Review Requirements Carefully: Pay close attention to the requirements and deadlines for each scholarship.
Submit Polished Applications: Craft thoughtful and well-written essays.
Stack Scholarships: Apply for multiple scholarships to maximize funding opportunities.

The Importance of Cultural Resources and Support

Preparing for the cultural nuances of studying abroad is crucial. AIFS Abroad, for example, provides general and site-specific cultural resources to help students prepare for their experience. CIEE offers city-by-city guides for students to learn about diversity and inclusion in every CIEE study abroad location. Additionally, maintaining connections with friends and family back home can provide invaluable support during the transition. Sharing feelings and experiences with trusted individuals can help students cope with culture shock and adapt to new environments.

Benefits of Studying Abroad

Studying abroad offers numerous benefits, including:

Personal Growth: Students develop independence, adaptability, and social skills.
Cultural Immersion: Experiencing different cultures firsthand broadens perspectives and promotes understanding.
Academic Enrichment: Students gain knowledge and experience in their academic fields.
Career Advancement: International experience enhances resumes and makes candidates stand out in the job market.

Addressing Underrepresentation in Study Abroad

The study abroad industry has made expanding the demographic breakdown of study abroad students a priority. Scholarships like the API Opportunity Scholarship and the IES Abroad Diversity Scholarships specifically target students from historically underserved communities. Semester at Sea offers the Inclusive Engagement Scholarship, with a preference for underrepresented identities. CIEE actively supports diverse students and encourages them to share their stories to inspire others.

Read also: Fostering Inclusive Education

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