Overview

The Mark and Myra Sorensen International Travel Scholarship is designed to support students who will participate in study, internship, volunteer, or research programs abroad. The scholarship's goal is to fund a diverse array of students, regardless of field of study. The Global Engagement and Education Abroad (GEEA) team at the International Center manages the Sorensen Scholarship.

Awards will be made in the amount of at least $750 to cover expenses such as program fees, transportation, room and board, and/or local excursions made in connection with the project. Scholarship awards are contingent upon the availability of funds.

Application Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

• U-M Ann Arbor student, regardless of citizenship, enrolled in a degree program
• Must be a rising sophomore or above
• Must in good academic standing
• Must be returning to campus for at least one semester prior to graduation
• Open to both undergraduate and graduate students
• Duration of international experience should be at least three weeks
• Applicants may be assessed on demonstrated financial need.
• Preference is given to students who will be traveling abroad for the first time.

Application Process for Winter 2024 Travel

The application is now available on M-Compass.

The online application requirements include:

• Short statement of purpose, no more than 250-500 words, which should include the following:
  • Briefly describe the global experience for which you are seeking funding, including why you chose this opportunity and the goals of your proposed experience
  • How this global experience will benefit you personally, academically, and professionally
  • Previous travel abroad experience
  • How you plan to engage with your host community and will bring your experience back to U-M (or your home community) and share it with others
• A budget sheet for your internship/research/volunteer program
• Proof of acceptance into program: letter (or email) of invitation or acceptance into your program
• Unofficial Transcript

Scholarship Expectations

• Recipients must comply with the University Travel Policy
• Recipients must meet with an adviser (professional staff or student peer adviser) on the International Center’s Global Engagement and Education Abroad team at least once prior to the start of the project for pre-departure preparation.
• In academic term following their experience abroad, recipients will be required to:
  • Meet with an International Center advisor
  • Write a brief reflective essay about their international experience & the impact it had on them
  • Express gratitude to the Sorensen Scholarship donor through a written thank-you note and attend potential donor/scholar celebration events.

Selection Process

A selection committee will review applications and make decisions to award the scholarship. Applicants may be assessed based on financial need.