Many international internship and research opportunities are unpaid. Thankfully, resources exist to help students fund these experiences.
U-M Funding Opportunities
To find U-M funding to support internships or research abroad, we recommend the following;
- Search for applicable funding in M-Compass. Click on “Search Funding” in the toolbar to find funding opportunities.
- The International Institute offers a number of fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing internships and research abroad. These opportunities are merit-based and are also open to international students.
- LSA students participating in internships through the Center for Global & Intercultural Study may be eligible to apply for the LSA Internship Scholarship.
- Review student funding databases available through U-M Library.
- Ask your academic department about funding opportunities.
Note that most U-M funding for internships and research abroad is reserved for continuing students, meaning that graduating students are generally not eligible to apply.
External Resources
In addition to U-M opportunities, you may be eligible to apply for external scholarships that can be found through databases such as BeGlobalii (formerly Diversity Abroad) or the Fund for Education Abroad.
If you will be pursuing a credit-bearing internship abroad and receive a Pell Grant, you may be eligible to apply for the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship.
Lastly, if you are interning abroad through a third party provider, we recommend inquiring about funding opportunities with the provider, as many offer need- and merit-based scholarships for participants.
Tips for Preparing a Successful Funding Application
- Make your internship plans early, as some funding sources will require you to submit proof of having an internship as part of the application process. Funding deadlines at U-M can start as early as mid-February for summer internships.
- Review all scholarship details before applying to ensure that you are eligible for the award.
- Ensure that your application’s statement of purpose thoroughly addresses all of the application prompts. Often (but not always), this requires connecting your internship abroad to your studies at U-M and your future career plans.
- Take the time to prepare a detailed budget and provide justification for your numbers, when possible.
- If the scholarship requires a letter of recommendation, ask someone who knows you well enough to write a personalized recommendation and give them plenty of advanced notice.
- Apply for as many scholarships and grants as you’re eligible for. This will increase your chance of obtaining funding – not to mention the fact that funding offices appreciate the effort.