Update 10/11/23: Regrettably, due to the U-M Travel Travel Restriction on student travel to Israel, the Swieca Family Israel Travel Fund is currently on hold. If the restriction is lifted with enough time to carry out an application process in Winter 2024 for Spring/Summer 2024, we will do so. Otherwise, we will plan on resuming the funding cycles when travel restrictions are eased.
Overview
The Swieca Family Israel Travel Fund is designed to financially support students who will be participating in educational travel to Israel. Educational travel is defined as study, internship, volunteer, or research opportunities, as well as conference attendance.
Funding will be distributed to cover expenses such as program fees, conference registration, transportation, room and board, and/or local excursions made in connection with the project.
Application Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- U-M Ann Arbor student, regardless of citizenship, enrolled in a degree program
- Must in good academic standing
- Open to both undergraduate and graduate students
- Must be returning to campus for at least one semester prior to graduation
- Must comply with U-M Travel Requirements for travel to Israel
Application Process for Spring/Summer Travel
Completion of the Swieca Family Israel Travel Fund application available on M-Compass, which includes the following requirements:
- Two short statements (approximately 200 words) addressing why you wish to pursue this experience in Israel and how it will benefit you.
- Proof of acceptance:
- Study Abroad Applicants: Acceptance letter into a U-M credit bearing course or semester abroad; admission for direct enrollment at a recognized Israel institution; or an acceptance for enrollment in a program offered by a recognized US-based study abroad program provider.
- Internships and Service Projects: Offer letter from an organization.
- Research: Detailed letter of invitation from host institution.
- Conference attendance: proof of registration
- A completed budget sheet
- Instructions: Please download the linked Google Doc, complete it, and then upload it to M-Compass as a PDF.
- An Unofficial Transcript
Application Deadline
- For travel during the Spring/Summer Term apply by April 12, 2023
- Applicants will be notified by April 26, 2023
Pre-Department Expectations of Travel Fund Recipients
In order to receive funding, recipients must comply with the University Travel Policy in advance of departure by:
- Reviewing University Travel Policy for travel to Israel
- Registering Travel in the University's Travel Registry
- Purchasing the Travel Abroad Health Insurance (available during Travel Registration process),
- Submitting documentation (a detailed Individual Safety Plan) about travel health and safety in Israel to the International Travel Oversight Committee (ITOC) for review at least 3 weeks before travel and ideally before making any non-refundable purchases towards a trip in the event travel is not approved or must be postponed.
Please note that the International Center can only distribute funding to individuals who are in compliance with the University’s Travel Policy, which means that your safety plan needs to be approved by the International Travel Oversight Committee before we can transfer funds. Because of the time involved with creating a safety plan and getting it reviewed, we recommend getting started on the travel approval process as soon as you make plans to travel abroad.
Post-Trip Requirements
- Recipients will be expected to express gratitude to the Swieca family through a written thank-you note.
Selection Process
- A selection committee will review applications and make decisions to award the scholarship.
Contact Information and Advising
The Global Engagement & Education Abroad (GEEA) team in the International Center manages the Swieca Family Israel Travel Fund. Students interested in the Swieca Family Israel Travel Fund should contact the International Center at [email protected] with questions.