Carnegie Mellon University
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Tartans Abroad Scholarship

Individual Scholarship for Short-Term Experiences Abroad

Tartans Abroad Scholarships provides up to $1,000 to support Carnegie Mellon undergraduate students participating in short-term international experiences during academic break periods, including summer, fall, winter, and spring break.

Scholarship funds may be used for:
  • Tuition and program fees
  • Course related expenses (e.g., books, supplies, and equipment, and required equipment)
1. Undergraduate Enrollment
  • Applicants must be Carnegie Mellon undergraduate students during the time of application and the term following their summer abroad experience
  • Students graduating in the spring prior to the summer term are not eligible
 2. Short-Term, Academic-Break Travel
  • The program abroad must occur during a CMU academic break period (summer, fall, winter, or spring break)
  • Program dates must fall entirely within the CMU academic calendar. Programs that overlap with the start of a CMU semester are not eligible for funding.

 3. Program Type
Applicants must have applied or be accepted into an educational experience abroad, including:
Study Abroad
Internship
Research
Volunteer work
  • The experience abroad must be a structured program hosted by an educational institution abroad or a recognized program provider
  • Independent or personal travel is not eligible
  • Short-term faculty-led programs that already provide CMU financial support are not typically eligible for additional scholarship funds through this award
    • Attend a Pre-Departure Orientation Session hosted by the Office of International Education
    • Complete all CMU Required Forms and pre-departure registration materials
    • As a condition of accepting the Tartans Abroad Scholarship, recipients agree to serve as a CMU Global Ambassador by selecting two (2) outreach activities. These activities are designed to help share your experience and encourage students to study abroad. Examples of eligible activities include:
      • Volunteering at the Study Abroad Fair
      • Speaking at an Information Session or classroom visit
      • Creating content for social media or blog posts
      • Participating in a student panel
      • Hosting an info table or event on campus
Note:
    Scholarship funds will not be disbursed until all pre-departure requirements are met.
  • Have not previously studied or traveled abroad
  • Have not previously received an Individual Tartans Abroad Scholarship
  • OIE does not typically fund travel to countries where the US State Department has a Level 3 Travel Advisory or higher in effect. In cases where the travel warning is location-specific within a country, the request will be reviewed by the University on a case by case basis.
  • The Tartans Abroad Scholarship is supported through cohesive CMU fund with contributions from:
    • The Dean of Student Affairs
    • The Vice Provost for Education
    • Colleges and academic departments
    • The Office of International Education
Annual Deadlines:
Winter Break November 15 (by 11:59 PM)
Spring Break January 31 (by 11:59 PM)
Summer Break March 31 (by 11:59 PM)

How to Apply: Submit your application via the Tartans Abroad Scholarship GoogleForm
  • The application opens at least one month before each application deadline
  • Letters of recommendation should be submitted to goabroad@andrew.cmu.edu by the application deadline
Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted for any reason. You must submit all components of the application, including a letter of recommendation, prior to the deadline for your application to be considered. Questions may be directed to the Office of International Education at 412-268-5231 or goabroad@andrew.cmu.edu.
1. Complete the Tartans Abroad GoogleForm, including a detailed budget proposal.

2. Personal Statement (1 page minimum) explaining:
  • Why you selected this experience abroad
  • What you expect to learn and how it will enhance your academic and/or co-curricular education at CMU
3. One (1) Letter of Recommendation
  • The letter can be from a CMU faculty member, advisor, student affairs representative, department head or college dean.
  • Recommenders should send letters directly to: goabroad@andrew.cmu.edu
  • It is the applicant’s responsibility to request the letter with significant advance notice
4. Financial Aid Consultation (if applicable)
  • Students already receiving financial aid should consult with their college-specific Liaison in The HUB to determine eligibility for additional funding