One of the many ways the University of Notre Dame distinguishes itself from other universities is its ability to fund student travel, research, and other opportunities through an array of institutions. While other universities tend to reserve funding for students with higher merit or those enrolled in special programs such as honors colleges, Notre Dame treats each student equally in this respect. It is quite possible for any undergraduate or graduate student enrolled at the University of Notre Dame to earn a grant to go abroad for a number of purposes regardless of age or academic major. The only thing that you need is some independence, a little motivation, and above all, a tremendous amount of passion.
Here are just a few different institutions and grant programs, which partially or fully fund student work outside of the United States:
1. Nanovic Institute for European Studies
The Nanovic Institute for European Studies is known for encouraging student research in European countries through its financial support. Anyone can apply for a research grant to travel to Europe during the summer, fall, winter, or spring breaks. There are no age restrictions, so it is even possible for a determined first-year student to conduct independent research before finishing his or her first year of college.
Additionally, the Nanovic Institute helps to fund basic living expenses and travel costs for students who have received outside internships or other service opportunities in Europe. Unlike Nanovic Research Grants, the Internship Grant application is reviewed on a rolling basis until April 4th, 2016, or until the funds are exhausted.
2. Language Study Grants
Together with the Nanovic Institute, the Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures offers another unique opportunity for students studying a foreign language at Notre Dame. Through the Summer Language Abroad program, students can apply for funding to study a foreign language for 4-8 weeks abroad during the summer. However, requirements for this program are a bit stricter than applying for a Nanovic Research Grant. Students must have succeeded in completing a certain level of foreign language courses at Notre Dame, must be enrolled in a foreign language course when they return from abroad, and must undergo national language testing both before and after the program to gauge improvement. Students can apply for this program as early as their first year as well.
3. Kellogg Institute for International Studies
The Kellogg Summer Internship Program aids undergraduate students (beginning sophomore year) who wish to use their academic interests and skills to improve a foreign community or organization in a challenging environment. Over the course of the internship, students can improve their language skills, gain a deeper understanding of developing regions, and have an experience unlike any other. There are a variety of different internships offered for students of all academic backgrounds.The Kellogg Institute for International Studies aims to engage students in improving international affairs, most specifically through democratization and economic development. Students of all ages and academic disciplines can apply for different programs sponsored by the Kellogg Institute.
First-year students interested in the goals of the Kellogg Institute should consider applying for an Experiencing the World Fellowship. This program awards exceptional students with funding to conduct research or do non-profit work in regions such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East for up to three months during the summer.
4. Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement
The Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement, more widely known as CUSE, supports a variety of undergraduate scholarly endeavors including research grants, internship grants, and more, both nationally and internationally. To apply for a grant through CUSE, students must first create a detailed and logically composed research proposal, including a hypothesis to be explored. A detailed budget along with a faculty mentor and letter of recommendation is also required in the application process (which is common among all grant applications). Grants are awarded for both academic year research and in the summer.
If you have any more questions regarding the Nanovic Grant or the Summer Language Abroad applications specifically, feel free to e-mail me any questions or concerns!