Fund your next global project
Kalamazoo College students can apply for funding to pursue independent projects in international locations during official College breaks.
Funding may support research, a Senior Individualized Project, an internship, civic engagement or another College-related activity.
What can this funding support?
Research and SIPs
Conduct independent research or complete work connected to a Senior Individualized Project in an international location.
Internships and civic engagement
Pursue an internship, service activity or civic-engagement project connected to your academic, professional or personal goals.
Other College-related projects
Propose another independent activity that advances your education and requires engagement in an international setting.
Student Projects Abroad is not Study Abroad
Student Projects Abroad supports independent projects completed during official Kalamazoo College breaks. Funding cannot be used to pay tuition, course costs or Study Abroad program fees.
Is Student Projects Abroad right for you?
Applicants must be currently enrolled Kalamazoo College students in good social and financial standing. Funding is not available to graduates.
A strong proposal demonstrates:
- A clear project purpose, location and timeline
- A meaningful connection to your academic, professional or personal goals
- The language ability needed to complete the proposed work
- The ability to operate independently in an international environment
- Support from a Kalamazoo College faculty member
- Support from a host mentor or organization in the project location
- A realistic budget and appropriate visa, health and safety planning
Previous Study Abroad: Successful Study Abroad participation is one common way to demonstrate international readiness, particularly when returning to the same country or region, but it is not a universal requirement for every proposal.
Human-subject research: Institutional Review Board approval is not required when you submit the application, but approval must be secured before beginning research involving human participants.
Plan your application
1. Develop your project
Define what you want to accomplish, why the international location matters and how the experience supports your goals.
2. Build your support team
Work with a K faculty advisor and identify a qualified mentor or host organization in the project location.
3. Prepare your proposal
Create a detailed timeline, budget and plan for transportation, housing, visas, health, safety and project activities.
One application. Multiple possible funding sources.
Submit one Student Projects Abroad application for your proposed project. You do not apply separately for the fellowships and grants listed below.
After reviewing your proposal, the selection committee determines which funding source—or combination of sources—best fits your project, eligibility and available funds.
The named funds are listed to recognize the donors who make these experiences possible and to help students understand the types of projects they support. Listing a fund does not guarantee an award.
- Describe the project you genuinely want to pursue; you do not need to select or tailor your proposal to a particular named fund.
- The committee evaluates your application against the purposes and eligibility requirements of all available funds.
- If selected, your award notification will identify the funding source and amount.
- Award availability and amounts vary from year to year.
Potential Student Projects Abroad funding sources
The committee may use one or more of the following donor-supported funds when making an award.
Beeler Fellowship
Honors the late Mrs. Isabel Beeler.
Possible funding source for: Substantial international SIP or other projects completed by juniors and seniors.
- Minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA
- Minimum project length of four weeks
- Typically funds up to half the projected project cost
- Typical maximum award: $2,750
Beeler Project Grant
Honors the late Mrs. Isabel Beeler.
Possible funding source for: Shorter international projects undertaken by students of any class standing.
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Minimum project length of one week
- Typically provides awards of up to $600
- Number of awards depends on available funds
Collins Fellowship
Honors the late Paul Collins, former Dean of Students.
Possible funding source for: Projects that examine the effects of poverty, famine or undernourishment in an international setting.
- Available to students of any class standing
- May provide round-trip transportation to the project location
- Typically one fellowship is awarded each fiscal year
Riley Fund
Honors the late David Riley, K ’71.
Possible funding source for: Shorter international projects undertaken by students of any class standing.
- Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Minimum project length of one week
- Typically provides awards of up to $500
- Number of awards depends on available funds
Remember: These are not separate applications. Submit one Student Projects Abroad application and allow the selection committee to determine the appropriate funding source or sources.
Application cycles
Winter-break projects
Applications are due Thursday of fourth week during Fall Quarter.
Summer-break projects
The application opens during Winter Quarter and is due Thursday of fourth week during Spring Quarter.
The selection committee generally announces decisions within 30 days of the application deadline. An interview may be required.
Todd Memorial Classics Study Abroad Grant
The Todd Memorial Classics Study Abroad Grant is a separate funding opportunity providing partial support for archaeological field schools, excavations, Classical-language programs and other Classics-focused activities completed during Kalamazoo College breaks.
- Typical award range: $1,000–$6,000
- Application opens during sixth week of Fall Quarter
- Application is due Thursday of second week during Winter Quarter
Questions about your project?
The Center for International Programs can help you determine whether your project may be eligible, understand the application process and prepare your next steps.
Email: cip@kzoo.edu
Phone: 269.337.7133