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Faculty-Led Education Abroad Program Grants

Faculty-Led Education Abroad Program Grants

Funded by the Vice Provost for Engaged Learning’s Global Engagement Strategic Plan, launched in 2023, these grant programs aim to encourage the development of new faculty-led education abroad programs at the University of Michigan. In Academic Year 2025-2026, ten grants of up to $24,000 each (up to $4,000 to support the faculty leader and up to $20,000 in matching funding to support student participants) will be awarded across the following categories:

  • New Faculty-Led Education Abroad Programs in Nearby International Locations
    Short-term programs led by faculty from a student’s home institution can provide a gateway to global learning experiences for first-time international travelers. To increase the accessibility and affordability of education abroad, these grants will support new short-term programs in nearby international locations in North America. Eligible regions include Canada, Greenland, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
  • New Faculty-Led Education Abroad Programs in Less-Traveled Destinations
    University of Michigan students, and U.S. students in general, predominantly study abroad in a handful of countries, mostly in Europe. To diversify the range of opportunities across the globe for U-M students, these grants will support new short-term programs in one of the following eligible regions: Africa, Asia, Central America, and South America. Priority will be given to applications for programs in countries with historically fewer U-M travelers.

Eligibility

  • Applicant must be a faculty or staff member employed on the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor campus
  • Applicant must be leading a new education abroad program
  • The new education abroad program must be offered for credit and/or tied to a course
  • The new program must include travel to an eligible international location listed above
  • Short-term programs are defined as those 8 weeks or less in duration

A complete application consists of a questionnaire, statement of purpose, budget, and two letters of support.

Apply Now!

The next deadline for submission is September 25, 2026.

 

STORIES FROM ABROAD

Global Spotlight

"I would not have been able to coordinate this course without the support of the new faculty-led education abroad program grant. The grant created an incentive to design the course, while knowing that the funding would make it feasible to carry it out"

Michelle Bellino
School of Education
Read Story

"Our students returned as more thoughtful, globally minded contributors to Kinesiology, prepared to lead in promoting healthy aging across communities. This unique course empowered aspiring pre-health professionals to explore health equity through the lens of movement science and physical activity, deepening their understanding of how kinesiology principles can advance wellness, support longevity, and address disparities across diverse populations."

Laura Richardson
School of Kinesiology
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"The school wanted to build upon that success and offer a second year in Chennai, but also wanted to provide opportunities in other countries. This grant allowed Social Work to support two global summer courses-one in India as well as this new location--Ghana."

Trina Shanks
School of Social Work
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"This grant provided critical funding to support this program. The funds from this grant were used to lower the program costs for all students. Program costs had been a substantial barrier for students when we tried, but ultimately failed, to enroll the course in the past."

Kara Palmer
School of Kinesiology
Read Story
San Diego, CA & Tijuana, Mexico
Michelle Bellino
Costa Rica
Laura Richardson
Ghana, West Africa
Trina Shanks
Johannesburg, South Africa
Kara Palmer
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