Presented by HP, Inc. the 2023 Globetrotter Scholarship awards one (1) $2,500 scholarship to an undergraduate or graduate degree student participating in international education projects and programs during Spring, Summer, and/or Fall 2024. Students majoring in a STEM-related field are highly encouraged to apply.

Deadline: Monday, October 2nd at 11:59pm PT

Award Announcement: Week of October 16th

Eligibility Guidelines

BPIA awards scholarships to individual students for international education programs/projects in the US and abroad. Individuals can currently request funds for the following categories:

• Travel and study abroad programs sponsored by colleges and universities

• Unpaid internship programs that provide opportunities for students to gain an inside perspective and exposure to the variety of roles (positions) and responsibilities available in international affairs careers

• Work or study programs with organizations actively engaged in international affairs 

Applicants to the BPIA Study Abroad Scholarships must be:

• A citizen or national of the United States;

• A student member of BPIA;

• A full-time undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States (including both two-year and four-year institutions); 

• Must be in good academic standing with regard to their educational institutions with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better (or the equivalent thereof based on their schools’ grading system);

• Demonstrate financial need;

• Complete and submit the BPIA Scholarship Applicant Attestation form;

• Commit to submission of a final report for publication in the BPIA newsletter, to include photos and a video OR 800-word commentary of the student’s international experience

BPIA Scholarship Selection Process

All applicants who meet the eligibility requirements of the BPIA scholarship award will be evaluated by the selection committee on an objective and non-discriminatory basis. The selection committee will select the scholarship recipients based on the availability of scholarships and the overall strength of the applications received, giving weight to such factors as academic achievement, community service, leadership potential, financial need, and situational hardship.

Application Guidelines

The application deadline is Monday, October 2nd, 2023 at 11:59pm PT.

Submit each of the items listed below.  Type the application using 12-font on 8.5” x 11” paper. Attach scanned copies of requested documents.  Save the documents as a PDF with your name as the subject (i.e. FirstName.LastName.BPIA Scholarship). Submit the application as a single attached PDF document to bpiascholarships@iabpia.org. Include the following information in the body of the email: applicant's full name, address, telephone, email, and website (if applicable).

Application Materials

1. Resume (max. 2 pages, indicate citizenship, education, work experience, extracurriculars, community service, awards, etc.)

2. Statement of Interest (in 500 words or less) describing your reasons for studying abroad. Consider the following questions in your statement: How will studying or interning abroad help you achieve your future academic or professional goals? Why did you select your specific program and host country? How are you preparing to be a successful scholar abroad? What examples of knowledge, skills, and experiences will you draw on to meet the challenges of going abroad?

3. Financial Statement (in 400 words or less) discussing your need for financial assistance to study abroad, including an explanation of: the financial assistance received during undergraduate studies and ability to pay for your international experience.

4. Program/Project description condensed and copied from the host organization website

5. Letter of acceptance to study abroad or internship program, including (if available) invoice or costs incurred

6. Unofficial transcripts

7. One confidential recommendation from a faculty member or mentor submitted directly to bpiascholarships@iabpia.org

8. Print and sign the BPIA Scholarship Applicant Attestation form - click here

THINGS TO CONSIDER PRIOR TO BEGINNING YOUR STUDY ABROAD/INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

1. Travel insurance coverage for the duration of the program (insurance may be procured through the academic institution, parents, the program, or a separate travel policy)

2. Travel advisories issued by the U.S. Department of State for the intended study abroad/internship country or area.

3. Enrollment in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

4. Anticipated costs, budgeting and financing. The BPIA scholarship will not cover the full costs and expenses required to participate in an international study abroad or internship program. Students should diligently seek out additional funding sources for any anticipated financial shortfall.

5. Research destination’s local customs, culture and people. By knowing even briefly your soon-to-be home's culture, history, geography, economy, government -- your study abroad experience will be enriched and your time spent more meaningful.