Student Projects Abroad

Student Projects Abroad, or SPA, provides funding for a student-designed international project completed during an official Kalamazoo College break.

Projects may include independent research, Senior Integrated Project work, an internship, civic engagement or another purposeful activity connected to the student’s academic, professional or personal goals.

SPA is not Study Abroad. SPA does not provide academic credit or include enrollment in a Study Abroad or Study Away program. Students design and carry out their projects independently with support from a faculty member, host mentor or organization and the CIP.

Is SPA right for your project?

• You are a current Kalamazoo College student in good social and financial standing.
• Your project has a clear purpose, location and timeline.
• The project connects meaningfully to your academic, professional or personal goals.
• You have the language ability and preparation needed to complete the project.
• You can operate responsibly and independently in an international setting.
• A K faculty member supports your proposal.
• You have identified an appropriate host mentor, organization or local contact.
• Your budget and health, safety, transportation and visa plans are realistic.
• If your project involves human participants, you will obtain all required Institutional Review Board approval before beginning the research.

Previous participation in Study Abroad is common among SPA applicants, but it is not required for every proposal.

Award recipient requirements

Receiving an award comes with responsibilities before, during and after the funded project. Award recipients must:

• Complete all required CIP health, safety, travel and predeparture requirements by the published deadlines.
• Use award funds only for the project and expenses approved by the selection committee.
• Notify the CIP before making a significant change to the project’s purpose, location, dates, host organization or budget.
• Retain receipts and other documentation required to account for the use of award funds.
• Follow all applicable Kalamazoo College, host-organization and destination requirements.
• Submit a reflection blog post by the deadline and in the format provided by the CIP. The reflection will document the project’s purpose, activities, learning and outcomes and may be published on the CIP website to highlight student work.

Important: The reflection blog post is a required part of the award. If a recipient does not complete the reflection requirement, Kalamazoo College may charge the full award amount to the student’s College account.

Additional requirements and deadlines will be included in the student’s award notification and acceptance materials.