Funding for Black Students to Go Abroad

For Black students looking for a way to go abroad, there are diverse funding opportunities. Here are some resources that could help with funding for African Americans who want to study or just go abroad for an academic experience.

We have already discussed the benefits of African American students developing a stronger global perspective by going global and so we wanted to share this list of resources.

Go Abroad With These Groups

1. The CIEE Robert B. Bailey Scholarship is for students who self-identify as being a member of a group that have traditionally been underrepresented in study abroad, especially ethnic minority students. This scholarship is available to students participating in CIEE programs who want to go abroad for study only. Application deadlines are twice a year, November 1 and April 1 for the following semester.

2. Rotary International has one of the largest scholarship programs of all college students. This scholarship is available to undergraduates and graduates who are not related to Rotary Club members. The tip here to use this program to go abroad is to apply early--about 1 to 1 1/2 years before you wish to go--through the Rotary Club in your home town. Rotary encourages Black students among other groups to apply.

3. Fogarty International Center's Minority International Research Training (MIRT) Grant sends Black students and other students of color abroad, accompanied by American college faculty, with full funding. These trips are focused on health-related research worldwide.

4. The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation offers several programs for Black students and other students of color color interested in international careers. Students must apply in their sophomore year of college.

5. The Peace Corps is a great bet for anyone interested in working directly with ordinary people in more than 95 countries. The U.S. government pays all expenses plus savings at the end of the two-year voluntary commitment. If you want to go abroad this is a great way to do it.