Global Engagement Scholarship opens up study abroad options

Contact: Margaret von Steinen
Photo of a student drawing a sketch in an outdoor cafe.

A WMU student draws a sketch while in Florence, Italy.

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Opportunities for Western Michigan University students to learn language and culture abroad in countries where English is not the primary language are available through the Global Engagement Scholarship.

The scholarship supports undergraduate and graduate students participating in semester–length WMU study abroad programs that allow participants to continue learning the language and the culture of the host country, but do not require advanced foreign language proficiency.

Deadlines and eligibility requirements

The deadlines to apply for the Global Engagement Scholarship are:

  • April 15 to study abroad the following fall semester or academic year.
  • October 15 to study abroad the following spring semester.

To remain eligible for the scholarship, recipients must:

  • Complete at least one course of three credit hours or more in the relevant foreign language each semester while abroad.
  • Upon returning to WMU, submit a global engagement project to the Study Abroad office.

About the scholarship

The Global Engagement Scholarship helps students cover the difference between what it costs to attend WMU and the cost to earn a similar number of academic credits studying abroad, which is often only the cost of a plane ticket.

It was established in 2014 by the Haenicke Institute for Global Education. Students may apply for both financial-need and merit-based awards.

The project that recipients are required to complete is used to promote WMU's global engagement pillar to current and prospective students, as well as to faculty, staff and community members.

Comprehensive scholarship information and the application are accessible on the Study Abroad website.

For more information, contact Study Abroad at study-abroad@wmich.edu or call (269) 387-5890.

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