Funding Sources
"The experience of meeting real people with real stories and seeing real actions with real consequences is simply invaluable." --Akshay Sameer Dave
There are a number of funding resources both from within and outside of the university for study and travel abroad. Links to more information on these opportunities are below.
CIT Travel Grant Program
Students and alumni frequently report that their experiences abroad are the most enriching experiences of their lives. While living abroad will be the true barometer of what you will experience and learn, your learning will be richer if you think broadly before you go about the intellectual, cultural and social impact that study abroad may have on you academically, personally and professionally.
To make study and travel abroad possible for our students and student groups, the CIT Dean's Office awards travel stipends. These stipends are available to support a variety of abroad opportunities, at all times of year to meet the needs of our students. Experiences can take place during the academic year or over the summer, and can be short-term or span a semester or full academic year.
CIT funds can be used for a variety of educational purposes including tuition and fees, course related expenses such as required fees, books, supplies, and equipment, and other expenses related to the overseas experience. Work, volunteer, research, and special projects abroad will be considered for scholarships in addition to traditional experiences.
Awards are based on the following criteria:
- Quality of abroad project and complete nature of proposal
- Intention to make meaningful connections to the host country
- Strength of the recommendation letter
All students/groups receiving funding are required to share their experience with the greater CIT community. There are several ways this can be done. The best option for groups is to write a one-to-two page report and present their experience to an audience. Students can also share their abroad experience as it unfolds using Twitter, a blog, video clips, etc. This method requires multiple updates while abroad and will be posted on the CIT Global page.
Complete applications should be submitted to the CIT Dean's Office, Scaife Hall 110. The deadline for applications varies based on the intended time of travel:
- Winter break/Spring semester: October 15th
- Spring break: January 15th
- Summer: March 1st
- Fall semester: March 15th
CIT students wishing to also be considered for the Tartans Abroad funding should first apply through the CIT Dean's Office. Applications will then be forwarded to the Office of International Education for further consideration. Students should not apply to both programs separately. Tartans Abroad funding is not available for travel during the academic semesters.
Both individual and group applications must include the following:
- A detailed description of your intended experience abroad (including program specifics, anticipated courses, projects, work or research, and dates of experience)
- A description of how you will share your experience with the CMU community
- A detailed budget proposal including all costs and anticipated funding sources
- One sealed and signed recommendation letter from an academic advisor, faculty member, department head, or college dean. The letter should be turned in with all other application materials.
Download Individual Application
Please contact the CIT Undergraduate Studies Office for more details.
University Resources
Fellowships and Scholarships Office: Study Abroad Scholarships
Fellowships and Scholarships Office: Internship Opportunities
Office of International Education: Funding Sources
Outside Resources
American-Scandinavian Foundation
Institute of International Education: Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship