You Are Not Alone
I, Estrella, am extremely proud of you* for making the first step in your journey to study, intern, and/or travel abroad! You are here asking for assistance in order to unleash the potential within you, and that already sets you up for excellence.
Although my Resources section is meant to provide you with public opportunities, there are plenty of unique opportunities your school, local organizations, or networks might offer that I am unaware of. Therefore, I encourage you to practice networking skills and reach out to EVERYONE you know because the people you least expect can lend you a hand! Here is a list of people or places you can start with!
Study abroad office, Major's department
(and departments that might cross list with your program),
Career office,
Office of Multicultural Student Affairs,
Financial Aid office, Advisor,
National Club/Organization Headquarters,
former students who studied abroad, any National
societies or Posse's you might be a part of,
and your hometown or local churches and nonprofits!
From pieces of advice, grants/ scholarships, reference letters, to contact information of a mutual friend, remember to always be grateful for every interaction because through those encounters you are gaining knowledge, skills, and connections that you did not have beforehand!
*When I say you, I focus on underrepresented students i.e. low-income, LGBTQ, people of color, and undocumented students etc.
Looking for a Program?
Visit these Websites:
https://exchanges.state.gov/us
http://denison.edu/academics/off-campus/accepted-programs
Looking For Scholarships To Study Abroad?
Gilman Scholarship:
"The Gilman Scholarship Program is an undergraduate grant program for U.S. citizens of limited financial means to enable them to study abroad, thereby internationalizing their outlook and better preparing them to thrive in the global economy."
Read more here
Boren Scholarship:
"Boren Scholarships, an initiative of the National Security Education Program, provide unique funding opportunities for U.S. undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to U.S. interests, and underrepresented in study abroad, including Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded.
Boren Scholars represent a vital pool of highly motivated individuals who wish to work in the federal national security arena. In exchange for funding, Boren Scholars commit to working in the federal government for at least one year after graduation."
Read more here
The Foundation for Global Scholars, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization,
"inspires and equips young adults to tackle global challenges through international experience, leadership skills, and cultural competence.
Headquartered in Denver, Colorado and serving young adults from across the country, Foundation for Global Scholars believes in cultivating young leaders who act consciously and intentionally to create sustainable impact. We know we cannot address every complex issue facing our nations and world, but we can develop leaders with a holistic perspective to tackle those problems. We do this by providing resources, experiences and financial support to young adults aspiring to create change in their local communities and on a global scale."
Read more here
Also, you can check out this reliable scholarship portal. http://www.studyabroadfunding.org/
Diversity Abroad
"To ensure that students from diverse economic, educational, ethnic and social backgrounds are aware, have equal access and take advantage of the benefits and opportunities afforded through global education exchanges."
This website provides scholarships for underrepresented students to go abroad!
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Read more here
Looking for internships or fellowships?
Laura W. Bush Traveling Fellowship
"The fellowship will help fund a proposal designed by the applicant to conduct brief work in a foreign country related to the mandate of UNESCO – using education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and/or communication and information to build strong ties among nations.
The fellowship is intended for American college/university students who express an interest in international collaboration but as of yet had not been afforded many opportunities to travel abroad."
Read more here
Critical Language Scholarship
"The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a fully funded summer overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students. With the goal of broadening the base of Americans studying and mastering critical languages and building relationships between the people of the United States and other countries, CLS provides opportunities to a diverse range of students from across the United States at every level of language learning."
Read more here
Fullbright student Program
"The Fulbright U.S. Student Program provides grants for individually designed study/research projects or for English Teaching Assistant Programs. A candidate will submit a Statement of Grant Purpose defining activities to take place during one academic year in a participating country outside the U.S. "
Read more here
Amnesty International
"is a democratic worldwide movement of people who campaign for internationally recognized human rights to be respected and protected for everyone. We believe human rights abuses anywhere are the concern of people everywhere. So, outraged by human rights abuses but inspired by hope for a better world, we work to improve people’s lives through campaigning and international solidarity. Work with us to be a part of this future."
Read more here
Humanity in Action
"is an international educational organization. We educate, inspire and connect a global network of students, young professionals and established leaders committed to promoting human rights, diversity and active citizenship—in their own communities and around the world."
Read more here
Department of State- Student Programs
"Experience the thrill and rewards of working in a student program at the U.S. Department of State. Whether you're a high school student looking for summer employment, or a college or graduate student seeking a substantive internship supporting U.S. foreign policy, there's no limit as to how far our opportunities can take you. At the U.S. Department of State, you'll have the opportunity to gain insight into U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy, explore new career avenues and acquire lifelong skills as you represent America to the world."
Read more here
Latino Center for Development
"The Latino Center for Leadership Development’s leadership academy is an educational and leadership training program aimed at providing promising leaders with a set of knowledge, skills, experiences, and networks necessary to assume and succeed in positions of impact with a focus on policy-making roles and elected office."
Read more here
Going Abroad?
These are websites you should visit...
https://travel.state.gov/content/studentsabroad/en.html
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/go/checklist.html
Do not hesitate to get in contact with me at estrellavrgs@gmail.com