Dean's Investment Fund Awards for International Engagement

Objective

Believing that knowledge of the world beyond our national borders is essential to a well-educated citizenry, the College of Forestry is committed to expanding international learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. The awards described below have been put in place to assist students in pursuing their interests through international study, research, internships, and other collaborative experiences. Please note that the award ranges listed are estimates only, and actual awards depend on student achievement, financial profile, cost of program, and availability of funds.

 

Award types and ranges

Exchange

Students attend classes at a partner university overseas; living and learning is with host university students.  Students pay OSU tuition plus overseas living/travel expenses.

4 – 6 months

(1-2 terms)

$500-3000

Study Abroad Program/Intensive Language Program

Students are part of a stand-alone learning group of US students in a specific location; they may or may not have classes with local university students.

2 – 3 months

(1 term)

$500-1200

International Internships

Students participate in a professional work experience coordinated through the College of Forestry Internship or IE3 Global Internship programs.  Satifies required work experience in CoF degrees.

2-6 months

$300-2000

Short-term, Faculty-Led Programs

Students are part of a cohort-based group led by COF or other OSU faculty members to a single or multiple locations.

Less than one term

$300 - $1000

Undergraduate/Graduate

Independent learning experience

Students are involved in research or other international activities not listed above; you must discuss this option with the Director of International Programs to ensure it is eligible for funding support.  Can include conference attendance, if student is presenting/participating in poster session.

Varies

Varies; up to $2500

 

Don't see your experience included here? Please be in touch with Rachael Fahrenbach to discuss your international plans.

 

 

 

How are award decisions made?

Once students have submitted applications, a committee from the college convenes to review all applications and award funding.  Not all award amounts will be the same.  The following criteria are taken into consideration:

Student Factors:

  • GPA (all scholarships require a MINIMUM of a 2.5 GPA for eligibility)
  • Transcripts and academic courses taken
  • Financial need (information is requested from the OSU Financial Aid Office, and considered along with students’ own need statements)
  • Essay/justification
  • Letters of reference/faculty support
  • Service to the College/University
  • Previous international experience
  • Candidates must have a clean student conduct record

Program/Experience Factors:

  • Program cost/fee
  • Duration of stay abroad
  • Living expenses
  • Travel costs – airfare, visa expenses, immunizations
  • Research equipment, additional logistical costs (if applicable)
  • Relation of program/experience to COF’s strategic priorities

 

What is the application process?

These are the steps to submitting an application for COF awards:

  • You will need to complete the COF Dean’s Investment Fund Award Application Form by the deadline indicated below. 
  • If it was NOT part of your initial international program application (or you are not applying for a recognized program), you must submit an unofficial transcript.
  • A letter of reference from a COF faculty member must be submitted on your behalf.  Emails are acceptable. 
  • Submit a copy of your most recent financial aid award letter.  If you do not apply for/receive aid, please be sure to explain the rationale for this in your financial statement on the application.
  • If you have received one, please include a copy of your acceptance letter to the international program you have chosen; OR a letter of invitation from the organization/individual with which/whom you will be working.  These documents will be required before any funds are released to you.

 

How will I receive the funds?

As of Winter term 2018, awards will be made as a reimbursement of agreed-upon costs up to the total amount awarded. A receipt for the expense(s) will be required. Funding awards will follow COF and OSU approved travel/reimbursement policy. If a student is claiming reimbursement from more than one funding source, the International Engagement award must be used to cover costs not covered elsewhere.

 

Application Deadlines

Applications MUST be completed by these deadlines to be considered for funding.  Plan ahead!

April 1 for international programs/experiences beginning in Summer term (June - Sept)

Students MAY submit an application for Fall term funding by the April 1 deadline, if their international plans for Fall are set, and they would like an earlier award decision.

June 1 for international programs/experiences beginning in Fall term (Sept - Dec)

December 1 for international programs/experiences beginning in Winter term (Jan - Mar)

January 9 for international programs/experiences beginning in Spring term (Mar - June)

Occasional exceptions to this timetable will be made for opportunities that arise outside the timeframe indicated above.

Applicants will be notified of awards within six weeks of the application deadline.

 

 APPLY FOR FUNDS FOR INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT