New Student Study Abroad support fund opportunity

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – SIA has announced a new funding opportunity to support SIA students participating in academic (classroom and/or internship) programs outside of the United States. To qualify, students must meet the following criteria:

• Student must be in good academic standing.
• Student must be enrolled for academic credit for program activities outside of the United States, on a program approved by SIA.
• Credits must count towards MIA degree requirements.
• Students must spend a minimum of six weeks in-country during the program.
• Applications will be prioritized on the following bases:
  • Financial need – student will articulate the ways in which the award will enhance their ability to participate in the program.
  • Academic and professional value – student will articulate the value this program will add to their academic training and professional development, beyond what they could achieve by remaining at Penn State or within the United States.
  • Cultural engagement – student will articulate the strategies they will use to enhance their engagement with the host culture and (where applicable) immerse themselves in the host language.
• Funds are limited, and awards are competitive – not all applicants will be funded.
• Students may receive a Support Fund award once during their studies at SIA.

Interested students should follow this process to apply:

• Student will submit a personal statement (of less than 500 words) addressing financial need, academic/professional value, and cultural engagement opportunities specific to their program. A specific amount being requested from the SIA Support Fund should be indicated. Applications must be accompanied by a budget, indicating estimated expenses (combination of program fees, tuition, travel expenses, and living expenses), as well as all sources of funding (other scholarships, loans, personal contributions), to substantiate the requested amount.
• Students applying before their formal acceptance into a particular program will identify the program(s) to which they’ll be applying. Disbursal of funds will be contingent on enrollment in classes pertaining to that program and acceptance to program, as applicable.
• Students who subsequently withdraw from an approved program will be required to return funds to SIA. Students on programs canceled or suspended by Penn State and/or the host institution may transfer their funds to a comparable program, in the same or in subsequent semesters with approval of SIA Director. In cases where the program is converted to an entirely virtual format, funding awards will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account continuing program fees, non-refundable expenses already incurred, and an updated budget for participation in the virtual program.

Apply now for programs in Summer 2022, Fall 2022 and Spring 2023! Please e-mail all requested materials to careers@sia.psu.edu, with “Student Study Abroad Support Fund” in the subject line. The deadline to apply is April 8, 2022. If you have any questions, contact: careers@sia.psu.edu