Illinois State University is receiving funding from the Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Generation Study Abroad initiative to support study abroad scholarships. The Generation Study Abroad Scholarships help make international education opportunities accessible to all students, especially those from underrepresented groups.
Illinois State will receive $7,500 from IIE and will match that funding to create six student scholarship awards of $2,500 each. The scholarships can be used for tuition, books, and travel related to study, service learning or internships abroad during spring 2016.
IIE’s Generation Study Abroad is a five-year initiative to double the number of U.S. students studying abroad by the end of the decade. Illinois State is one of 26 Generation Study Abroad commitment partner colleges and universities to receive funding in this initial round of study abroad scholarships.
As part of the Generation Study Abroad partnership, Illinois State’s Office of International Studies and Programs has committed to increasing the number of students studying abroad and diversifying those students who participate in international education programs. The Generation Study Abroad scholarships will help students with financial constraints participate in study abroad programs.
“Preparing our students to embrace an ever-expanding global society is one of the key values of Illinois State,” said University President Larry Dietz. “Our partnership with IIE, and the support from Generation Study Abroad, will enable a more diverse student population to expand their global horizons and return as more engaged and aware citizens.”
During the 2014-2015 academic year, more than 500 Illinois State students participated in study abroad programs across the globe, a 23 percent increase over the previous academic year. The increased numbers are the result of outreach to students through class presentations and informational events. Generation Study Abroad Program Development Grants have also helped enhance international education opportunities at Illinois State by supporting the development of summer 2016 faculty-led programs.
