RMC strives to keep the cost of study abroad reasonable so that as many qualified students as possible can take advantage of these outstanding opportunities, but we also know that scholarships and other sources of funding make study abroad possible for even more students.
Study Abroad Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships & Funding FAQs
Please click any of the following questions to view more. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out to the Office of International Education.
J-Term Study-Travel Course Scholarships
RMC students who have submitted a FAFSA to the Financial Aid Office will be considered for a J-Term Need-based Travel Scholarship for funds to help cover the cost of study-travel courses. For more information click here.
Semester Abroad Scholarships
Thanks to the generous contributions to the College by alumni and former faculty members, several scholarship opportunities are available to RMC students participating in long-term study abroad programs:
The Barbara S. Doggett French Fellowship and Scholarship
Robert V. Doggett, Jr., RMC class of 1957, has established these awards in honor of his wife, Barbara S. Doggett, who was a lifelong Francophile. The merit-based Doggett Fellowship is for French majors or minors studying abroad for a semester or year in a French-speaking country. The Doggett Scholarships are intended to support aspiring majors and minors early on in their study of French. Recipients send a letter of thanks to the donor or his designated representatives, as well as a brief written reflection at the conclusion of their study abroad experience.
The Fund for International Study Abroad
The Fund for International Study Abroad was established by a generous alumna of Randolph-Macon College from the Class of 1993. While at Randolph-Macon, she took a study abroad course to France, and it made a profound impression on her life. She established this fund to demonstrate her gratefulness for the experience and to offer this opportunity to future Randolph Macon College students. The Fund is to assist students with the costs associated with study abroad and preference is given to a student that needs a chance to see something new, be inspired and might not have the financial means or academic standing to qualify for other funding.
The Gray Fund for International Study
The Gray Fund for International Study was established in honor of Anne Marie Gray, whose husband, William Cabell Gray, graduated from RMC in 1933. The fund is to benefit students who have demonstrated financial need and wish to study abroad, with preference given to students studying the humanities.
The John Camp and Elizabeth Fisher Endowed Fund for International Travel
The John Camp and Elizabeth Fisher Endowed Fund for International Travel was established in 2019 by Dr. Greg Lavender to honor Randolph-Macon College Classics professors, Dr. John Camp and Dr. Elizabeth Fisher, for their influence at RMC in the field of Classics and their extraordinary dedication to teaching. The John Camp and Elizabeth Fisher Fund for International Travel provides travel funds and/or scholarship awards for students studying abroad, with preference given to a junior or senior majoring in Classics, History, or Archeological Studies.
The Meade Family Scholarship
Made possible by Mr. Michael Meade, RMC class of 2004, and the Meade family, this scholarship encourages students to express their passion for study abroad in creative, artistic ways; financial need is not a consideration.
Susan L. Carrell Scholarship
Established by former RMC faculty member Susan L. Carrell, this program supports travel expenses for RMC students studying abroad in France, including dependencies. Students must be majoring or minoring in French and have demonstrated financial need. Awards vary based on the actual costs of travel to the host site. Recipients send a letter of thanks to the donor, as well as a brief written reflection at the conclusion of their study abroad experience.
The VFIC Experiential Learning Fellowship
The Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges awards $2,000 to one or more students with demonstrated financial need at each VFIC institution to enable them to pursue experiential educational experiences, in this case, semester abroad. Students agree to write a brief report about their time abroad after their return.
RMC Scholarships Application Process
Study-Travel Courses
All RMC students who have submitted a FAFSA to the Financial Aid Office are automatically considered for a need-based scholarship to help cover the cost of a J-term study-travel course. To be considered, you must be registered by May 15, 2023 (or July 11 for first-year or transfer new students). See more details here.
Semester Abroad Programs
After a student has been nominated to participate in a semester or year abroad program, they will submit one scholarship application form in Via TRM to apply to all RMC scholarships for which they are eligible. The only exception is the Georgina Childs and Marcelle Prat de Jouvenel Scholarship—students interested in this opportunity should contact OIE or the French faculty for more information prior to being nominated to study abroad. All students who receive funding for a long-term study abroad program through OIE will complete a Give Back Service Project that promotes study abroad within the RMC community within 6 months after the end of their study abroad program. Students submit a project proposal as part of the funding application. The project proposal is not used as a factor to determine eligibility for funding.
When to Start?
As soon as possible! Many study abroad scholarships, especially those funded through prestigious programs, have very early deadlines—in some cases, up to a year before you intend to go abroad. The sooner you start looking for scholarships and keeping track of the deadlines, the better off you’ll be later!
How do I Write a Scholarship Essay?
We recommend using the following resources to help you write a compelling and successful scholarship essay:
Other Study Abroad Funding Options?
There are many different ways to fund your study abroad experience! Check out this webpage about Creative Ways to Finance Learning Abroad.
Financial Aid for Study Abroad?
Study-Travel Courses
For information regarding J-term travel scholarships and loans, please refer to the information here or contact the Financial Aid Office if you have any questions.
Semester Abroad Programs
Students who spend a semester or year abroad can utilize their federal, state, and institutional financial aid, except for work-study, during their study abroad towards tuition, room, and/or board, depending on the program.
For more information about financial aid and study abroad, please contact the Financial Aid Office.
Outside Sources of Funding
Below is a list of sources outside the College that provide funding for study abroad opportunities. This list is by no means complete – there are myriad opportunities out there! Investigate scholarships offered by your program provider, any groups you belong to, and use the Internet to search for additional possibilities.
RMC’s Office of External Scholarships and Fellowships also provides support and guidance in identifying appropriate financial support through U.S. national government and private organizations for undergraduate students to pursue study abroad and language learning as well as for research and graduate work.
Other places you can find scholarships for study abroad include your host institution or program provider, the government website of your host country, community groups or organizations you belong to, and online search engines. Money is out there, but you do have to apply for it. Do some research, tell your story in a compelling way, and pay attention to deadlines!
Annette Kade Scholarships for Study in Austria, France, Germany, and Switzerland
Offered by ISEP to applicants studying abroad in one of the countries listed above through an ISEP program.
Asia Institute
The Asia Institute awards scholarships of $1,000 to students majoring in international business or engineering who plan to have an international experience in an Asian country – that can be study abroad of any length, an internship, or even research. This is one of VERY FEW scholarships available for programs as short as J-term study/travel courses!
Benjamin Franklin Travel Grant
The Benjamin Franklin Travel Grant is awarded by the French Embassy in the United States. It provides grants of $900 to students who are majoring or minoring in French and wish to travel to France for studies, internships, research, or other projects.
Bridging Scholarships
Bridging Scholarships are generous awards of $2500 (for a semester) or $4000 (academic year) for students studying in Japan. Approximately 100 awards are made each year! In addition, two students who participate in an essay contest will receive Morgan Stanley Scholarships of $7,500 toward their studies in Japan.
Boren Scholarships
Boren Scholarships are an initiative of the U.S. Department of State for students studying one of the languages deemed critical to U.S. national security, which include Japanese, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, and many more. Awards are up to $10,000 for a semester or $20,000 for an academic year. STEM students are also eligible for awards of up to $8,000 for summer programs at least 8 weeks in length. The Boren program is for both undergraduates and graduate students. Please contact Professor Scott London at slondon@rmc.edu for questions.
Campus France
Search the Campus France database for hundreds of scholarship opportunities to help fund studies in France. Most of the information is in French, naturally, but don’t let that deter you!
College Scholarships.org
A comprehensive list of scholarships, grants, and loans for students studying abroad, organized by country. You can also search for funding for study in multiple countries or by region or by language.
Critical Language Scholarships
If you are intrigued by less commonly taught foreign languages, a Critical Language Scholarship may be right for you! These generous awards fully fund 8-10 weeks of intensive language training abroad (including airfare) during the summer in areas deemed of critical need to U.S. national security, including China, Japan, Korea, Russia & more. Most CLS languages do not require previous study of the target language. Applications are due mid-November for the following summer. Please contact OIE Study Abroad Program Coordinator at LaurenDevan@rmc.edu for questions.
DAAD – German Academic Exchange Service
The DAAD offers a wide range of generous scholarships, grants, and fellowships to support US and Canadian citizens, from freshman to faculty, who study or do research or internships in Germany. If the website is confusing, send them an email or call to ask questions!
Diversity Abroad
Diversity Abroad teams with many universities and organizations to encourage students of many different backgrounds to venture overseas. The Diversity Abroad community connects you to study abroad, global programs, scholarships, graduate and career opportunities.
Education New Zealand – Generation Study Abroad Travel Awards
Awards are targeted toward students (US citizens and residents) who want to spend a semester or year at a New Zealand university through a study abroad program. RMC students can apply to programs in New Zealand through ISEP or USAC.
Freeman-ASIA
Freeman-ASIA awards provide generous, need-based funding for undergraduate students studying abroad in one of 15 countries throughout East or Southeast Asia for a summer, semester, or a year.
Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Fulbright’s mission is to foster mutual understanding between nations, advance knowledge across communities, and improve lives around the world Multiple scholarship opportunities as well as teaching assistantships available. Please contact Professor Janet Hayatshahi at janethayatshahi@rmc.edu for questions.
Fund for Education Abroad
FEA is dedicated to increasing the number and diversity of American students studying abroad by providing game-changing scholarships for semester and summer study abroad. Preference is given to first generation and other underrepresented students as well as those with financial need. Awards are up to $5,000 for a semester or $10,000 for a full year, including the NAFSA Tamara H. Bryant Memorial Scholarship, through which African-American undergraduate students in the United States who hope to study abroad will be supported. Applicants must be enrolled as an undergraduate at a college or university in the U.S. Study abroad programs must be at least 4 weeks (28 days) in length to receive an FEA scholarship. Learn more about FEA scholarships for future semesters.
Gilman Scholarships
U.S. undergraduates studying or interning abroad (spending 3 weeks or longer in one country) during the semester, summer, or J-term and who are eligible to receive a federal Pell Grant can apply for the Gilman Scholarship. Priority for these very generous awards is given to students underrepresented in study abroad, and a service project must be completed after your return. Several RMC students have won Gilman Scholarships in recent years – ALL eligible students are strongly encouraged to apply! Please contact the OIE Staff at LaurenDevan@rmc.edu or mayuminakamura@rmc.edu for questions.
Go Abroad
A comprehensive site devoted to going abroad for many reasons, including scholarships listed by geographic location and field of study, as well as tips for submitting the strongest possible applications and info about other ways to fund your abroad experiences.
The Going Abroad Scholarship
The mission at Going is to help people travel and experience the world. Since 2017, Going has helped young travelers get out there and get going. Twice a year, four outstanding students will win $1,500 scholarships toward their upcoming study abroad program.
Go Overseas – Grants and Scholarships
Go Overseas is a treasure trove of information, including a long list of scholarship opportunities and databases (updated annually) and tips for making your application shine. Go Overseas also offers scholarships in partnership with other organizations, including full scholarships to study abroad in Ireland and in New Zealand each year. Definitely check out this website!
HI USA Explore the World Travel Scholarships
This is unique: Over 100 recipients receive $2,000 to help finance an international journey that includes an educational or service component. This can be volunteer work, service learning, study abroad, or a project of your own design. Only people in specific geographical areas can apply (Hanover County, VA is one of them!), so the competition is not as fierce as for some of the national scholarships. The deadline is around March 1st – see the website for more details and start dreaming!
IIE (Institute of International Education) Study Abroad Funding Database
Brought to you by the organization spearheading the Generation Study Abroad initiative, this is a helpful database with detailed descriptions of hundreds of scholarships, fellowships, grants, and paid internship opportunities.
International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search
IEFA is a database where you can search for many different types of study abroad scholarships.
ISEP Accessibility Scholarship
The ISEP Accessibility Scholarship is designed to assist students placed in an ISEP program who do not have sufficient funds to cover the upfront costs of studying abroad. This scholarship will provide $1,100 to assist students in covering their expenses.
ISEP Africa for All Scholarship
ISEP is proud to serve members in Africa by encouraging student participation in our broad array of programs across the continent. The ISEP Africa for All Scholarship is intended to make these programs more inclusive and accessible to students attending HBCUs and heritage-seeking students, which are defined as. RMC students who choose their study abroad location on an ISEP program based on having cultural heritage in Africa are eligible for this scholarship.
ISEP Scholarships & Financial Aid
The International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) offers a variety of grants and scholarships to students who are studying abroad on ISEP programs.
James G. Stemler Study Abroad Scholarship
Alpha Lambda Delta awards 20 scholarships to outstanding undergraduate members to support their educational opportunities as part of study abroad programs. There are ten $2,000 scholarships and ten $1,000 scholarships established to help qualified members offset the costs of study abroad. Candidates will be considered on the basis of merit.
LewerMark Make Your Mark Scholarships
LewerMark Student Insurance awards multiple scholarships to both international students studying in the USA and US students studying abroad (for a semester or summer). Applicants write an essay about the impact their international education will have on them as citizens of the world.
National Federation of the Blind Scholarship Program
The American Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind award scholarships to blind students who are currently studying in the United States (including international students). That’s money you can use towards your study or intern abroad experience! As if that weren’t enough, scholarship winners are invited to their annual conventions – a great way to network with other ambitious blind people!
The National Italian American Foundation
The National Italian American Foundation awards scholarships to 60-70 students of Italian ancestry each year. Students must be a member of the NIAF or have a parent/grandparent/guardian who is a member, and meet the GPA requirements. Each of the scholarships may have different requirements.
Sigma Delta Pi Undergraduate Study Abroad Awards
The National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society offers a variety of study abroad scholarships and stipends to eligible undergraduate students during the summer and academic year.
Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship
The Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded to passionate students (including international students!) who want to explore the world. Two scholarships of $1,000 – plus a Tortuga travel backpack! – are awarded each year to students studying abroad for a fall or spring semester.
USAC Scholarships
USAC (University Study Abroad Consortium) offers a wide variety of grants and scholarships to students studying abroad on USAC programs. They are expanding the number and scope of scholarships every year! Check out this USAC blog for some more info.
Virginia International Business Council Scholarship
The Virginia International Business Council (VAIBC) grants multiple scholarships to students in central Virginia who study abroad, in part to encourage them to consider a career in international business. Recipients also receive year-long membership to the VAIBC. Three RMC students are among the most recent recipients! Applications are due in late March for the following academic year (i.e. late March 2020 for the 2020-21 academic year).
WanderPig
The travel website WanderPig provides one or more scholarships of $500 to students studying abroad. The online application is simple and painless – give it a try!
Watanabe Scholarship for study in Japan
The Toshizo Watanabe Scholarship generously funds U.S. students studying in Japan for a semester or academic year who could not do so without financial support. Multiple awards are made each year. Applications are accepted January through mid-February for the following academic year.