First Abroad

Description

This scholarship provides up to $7,000 to support University of Arizona students with financial need who plan to participate in for-credit University of Arizona Study Abroad programs. Funding is awarded directly to qualified students to help offset the cost of eligible study abroad programs.

Award Amounts: Up to $7,000 depending on the need and cost the study abroad program.

Eligibility

• Must be a currently enrolled, degree-seeking University of Arizona student in good academic standing.
• Must be applying or accepted to a for-credit, Arizona International Study Abroad program that is faculty-led, exchange, summer research, internship program or is at an Arizona Abroad Location.
  • Programs not eligible for this award: Non-UA Study Abroad Programs, Departmentally Managed Programs (DMP), fully funded programs, virtual programs and non-credit student travel abroad.
• Must have demonstrated financial need which may be based on:
  • Current FAFSA on file and/or
  • Current participation of U.S. Federal or State governmental assistance programs (e.g., SNAP, WIC, unemployment, Medicaid, AHCCCS, etc.) and/or and/or
  • Current employment with an expected significant loss of income during the year
• Preference is given to:
  • First-generation college students.
  • Students who are first-time international travelers.

How to Apply

• The application for the Garcia Family Foundation Scholarship for Study Abroad will be available as part of eligible study abroad program applications. Students will be required to complete a few short questions for the purpose of identifying students who are seeking financial support to study abroad.
• The priority deadline to submit the application form in Via TRM depends on the term students will be abroad. Applications for the Garcia Family Foundation Scholarship for Study Abroad are reviewed on a rolling basis and some students may be notified of award before the priority deadline. Students are encouraged to apply early, as funding is limited.

Selection Process

Determining Who Receives the Scholarship:
Students are reviewed individually based on the eligibility requirements, demonstrated financial need, and the preference factors outlined above. Because scholarship funding is limited, the Garcia Family Foundation Scholarship cannot be awarded to every student who meets the eligibility requirements. Eligible applicants are prioritized based on demonstrated financial need and preference factors, including first-generation college status and first-time international travel. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.

Determining the Amount Awarded:
Award amounts are determined based on the student’s financial need and the cost of their study abroad program. Awards may vary by student depending on program cost, available financial aid, demonstrated need, and available scholarship funding. Selected students are not guaranteed to receive the full award amount.

Terms and Conditions

• Funding is limited by term. Scholarship decisions are made based on demonstrated financial need, eligibility and preference factors outlined above. Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding.
• Scholarship is dependent on commitment to and completion of an eligible Arizona International Study Abroad program.
• If a selected student withdraws from their study abroad program, any scholarship funding awarded will be revoked.
• Award funds will be disbursed to students’ Bursar account before study abroad program charges are due and may be applied toward any outstanding balances.
• Each student may be granted this award a single time; repeat awards are not permitted.
• If you are eligible for the Garcia Family Foundation Scholarship for Study Abroad and are also awarded any of the following awards — the Achieve Award: High Merit & Employed Student Scholarship, the Discover Award: Internship or Research Abroad Scholarship, the Explore Award: Short Term Program Scholarship, or the VISA Stipend — you will only be able to receive one award. In these cases, you will automatically be awarded whichever scholarship provides the higher funding amount.

The US Dept. of State’s Benjamin Gilman International Scholarship is a grant program that has been successful in supporting students who have been historically underrepresented in education abroad, including but not limited to first-generation college students, veteran students, ethnic or racial minority students, students with disabilities, and students attending minority-serving institutions. Scholarship amounts range from $100-$5,000 depending on need and expense of Study Abroad program chosen.

There are 2 Gilman application cycles; one closes in October and one closes in March. See which cycle you should apply for here: https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/applicants/deadlines-and-timeline/

All eligible students who successfully complete an application to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship will also receive a $750 Gilman Application for Travel Opportunity (GATO) Award from Arizona International Study Abroad towards a future international experience on an eligible study abroad program (eligible programs include Faculty-led, Exchange or Arizona Abroad Locations)! 

The Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) invests in deserving U.S. undergraduates who are least likely to study abroad. FEA considers financial need, demographic factors, and academic plan and preparedness to decide scholarship recipients.