Enabling students to critically observe and study topics of interest, undergraduate fellowships and scholarships provide the opportunity to gain international experience and global knowledge and develop key career-related strengths. Review some of these fellowships below and set up a meeting with the Center for International Programs (international@siena.edu) to learn more.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Gilman Scholarship enables students of limited financial means to study or intern abroad during a semester or summer, providing them with skills critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity. Upon return to the U.S., students are expected to promote study abroad opportunities through a self-designed project. Since 2011, 41 Siena students have received the Gilman Scholarship, for a total of $130,000 in funding for study abroad!

Funding up to $5,000 is available, and preference is given to students studying abroad in non-traditional locations (i.e outside of Western Europe and Australia / New Zealand). Students must be the recipient of a Federal Pell Grant as part of their financial aid package in order to apply. Application deadlines varyin November, and to learn more, please contact Abi Cavazos at acavazos@siena.edu.

Boren scholarship for international study

The Boren Scholarship provides funding for semester-long study abroad programs in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad (i.e. outside of Western Europe and Australia / New Zealand) in exchange for the student's commitment to work at least one year in the federal government. Promoting long-term linguistic and cultural immersion, Boren preferences applicants studying abroad for at least two semesters and engaging in immersive language study while abroad.

Funding up to $10,000 per semester is available, and there are limited scholarships for STEM students pursuing summer study abroad. The application deadline is in early-February, and to learn more, please contact the Center for International Programs at international@siena.edu.

CIEE DOUGLASS-O'CONNELL GLOBAL internSHIP

Sponsored by the Council on International Educational Exchange, the Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship honors the legacy of social justice leaders Frederick Douglass and Daniel O'Connell through a fully funded summer internship program in Dublin, Ireland. This fellowship celebrates the figures' exceptional contributions to society and their notable business acumen, inspiring young professionals to emulate their success and apply their principles in the modern world.

The program lasts for approximately 8 weeks and all costs are covered by the fellowship. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen and have a minimum GPA of 3.0; students who receive a Pell Grant as part of the financial aid package are preferred. The application deadline is early-February and we recommend applicants begin the application process several weeks in advance. To learn more, contact Matt Schiesel at mschiesel@siena.edu.

critical language scholarship (cls)

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the CLS Summer Institutes provide group-based intensive language instruction and cultural enrichment experiences for students to learn languages essential to the United States' national security and engagement with the world. The languages offered are: Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bangla, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Indonesian, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, and Urdu.

Programs last for 8-10 weeks over the summer and all costs are covered by the scholarship. Most languages do not require any background experience, and students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is in November, and we recommend applicants begin the application process approximately 1-2 months in advance. To learn more, please contact Matt Schiesel at mschiesel@siena.edu.

CLS SPARK

CLS Spark is a virtual initiative for U.S. undergraduate students to learn languages essential to America’s engagement with the world. Participants spend approximately 8 weeks during the summer learning either Arabic, Chinese or Russian through online classes and activities facilitated by native speakers. This includes: 10 hours of intensive live group instruction a week; cultural activities and individual consultations with language instructors; and monthly professional development workshops and inclusive support.

All costs for technology and necessary supplies are covered. No prior language experience is necessary, as this program is geared towards beginners. Grantees will receive automatic consideration as semifinalists for the overseas Critical Language Scholarship programs the following year. The application deadline is in November, and we recommend applicants begin the application process approximately 1-2 months in advance. To learn more, please contact Matt Schiesel at mschiesel@siena.edu.

daad research internships in science and engineering (rise GERMANY)

Sponsored by the German Academic Exchange Service or DAAD, RISE Germany offers summer research internships for undergraduate students at top German universities and research institutions. Students are matched with a host university or institute according to their area of interest in biology, chemistry, computer science, earth science, engineering or physics. No German language experience is necessary.

Internships take place over the summer and last for no more than 3 months. Interns receive a monthly stipend to help cover living expenses. Applicants must be either a sophomore or junior to be eligible to apply. The application deadline is in mid-December, and we recommend applicant begin the application process in early November. To learn more, please contact Matt Schiesel at mschiesel@siena.edu.

fulbright uk summer institute

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the US-UK Fulbright Commission UK Summer Institutes are 3-4 week summer programs enabling students to explore the culture, heritage and history of the United Kingdom while studying at a renowned UK university. Participants study alongside leading academic and professionals, develop knowledge in specific fields and become an ambassador for studying in the UK and with the Fulbright Commission. Past institutes have been at Glasgow School of Art, Queen's University Belfast, University of Bristol and Aberystwyth University.

All costs are covered by the program. Applicants must be in their freshman or sophomore year, have little or no study/travel experience outside of the U.S. and have a minimum GPA of 3.7. The application deadline is in early-February, and we recommend applicants begin the application process approximately 2-3 months in advance. To learn more, please contact Matt Schiesel at mschiesel@siena.edu.

PROJECT GLOBAL OFFICER (GO)

Project GO is open to all qualified ROTC students offering fully-funded summer opportunities in critical language education, overseas study, and cross-cultural experience. Through Project GO, future military officers develop linguistic and cross-cultural communication skills required for effective leadership. Language programs are offered in: Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Swahili, and Turkish. No prior language experience is necessary.

All costs are covered by the program. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen on track to commission through the Army, Naval, or Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), and must remain in ROTC for the duration of the program. The application deadline is either mid-January (for abroad programs) or early-March (for domestic programs), and we recommend applicants begin the application process approximately 2-3 months in advance. To learn more, contact Matt Schiesel at mschiesel@siena.edu