Global Professional Development Grant

The Global Engagement Professional Development Grant offers advanced undergraduate and graduate students interested in international education or global affairs the opportunity to attend domestic or international conferences. Designed to support U-M students pursuing careers in these fields, this funding is intended for short-term experiences that foster the development of professional skills and help advance students’ academic and career aspirations.

International Education: A field focused on promoting global learning, student mobility, and cross-cultural exchange through academic programs, partnerships, and services. Examples of conferences in this field include, but are not limited to:

• NAFSA: Professional Association of International Educators 
• The Forum on Education Abroad
• DA Global Access Network
• TESOL International Association 

Global Affairs: how countries, organizations, and individuals interact across borders to address international issues. It focuses on current global challenges such as diplomacy, conflict, human rights, climate change, migration, and economic development, aiming to understand and shape policies in an interconnected world. Examples of conferences in this field include, but are not limited to:

• International Association for Political Science Students  | European Political Science Association 
• Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
• United Nations (multiple topics)
• World Sustainable Development Summit
• World Economic Forum 

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant must be a junior, senior, or graduate student enrolled on the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor campus
• Applicant must demonstrate commitment to pursuing a career in international education or global affairs 

Grant Guidelines

• Eligible expenses: registration fees, travel, accommodations, per diem, visa fees, international health insurance
• Ineligible expenses: conference add-ons, entertainment, travel upgrades, items without a valid receipt
• Grants cannot be used for participation in a study abroad program or internship
• Requests to reimburse prior professional development activities will not be considered

Application Process

• A brief description of the professional development activity
• A narrative that describes the rationale for attending the professional development event and the importance to one’s academic and career goals
• Requested funding amount and a breakdown of the specific expenses to be covered. Students can request up to $2,000
• A letter of support from an advisor or faculty member highlighting the student’s academic and career goals, and how the proposed experience aligns with those objectives

Applications will open August 25, 2025. Questions? Contact Aileen Ash at amash@umich.edu