WKU’s vision is to be a leading American university with international reach. Programs like Faculty-Led Study Abroad (FLSA) offer an opportunity for WKU faculty to extend their classrooms beyond campus and into the world. FLSA courses have become increasingly popular with WKU students and are a fundamental part of the University’s vision. More than half of WKU students who study abroad participate in faculty-led programs.
The new scholarship award is offered through WKU Extended Learning & Outreach (DELO) and will offer additional global learning opportunities to students. To be considered for the award, students must propose a project that they believe will enhance their study abroad experience, as well as submit an online application. The intention of the award is to support projects that enable students to make a positive impact on others based on the lessons learned during their study abroad experience. The project can be integral to the course, directly tied to one’s area of study or something more informal. The goal of the award is to allow students to tell their own stories by showing how study abroad can improve academic achievement and cultural awareness.
Jerry Barnaby, WKU Study Away director, said that the scholarship is intended to reward students for developing ways to give back to their community, whether it’s WKU or their hometown, neighbors or peers. “Our goal is for students to be creative and develop their own meaningful study abroad experience,” said Barnaby. “The amount of the award will be based on the scope and potential impact of the project.” According to Barnaby, awards will range from $150-$500. Students can develop a project individually or within a group.
Dr. Beth Laves, Associate Vice President of Academic Outreach, said this scholarship opportunity is another way DELO can help broaden the learning experience for students. “We are proud to partner with the Office of Study Abroad and Global Learning to cultivate additional learning opportunities for students and faculty,” said Laves. “This program will increase student access to study abroad opportunities and make the programs richer by bringing more students together.”
The award application deadline for courses taking place winter 2013 and spring break 2013 is Oct. 26 at 4 p.m. CDT. The application and details are available online at www.wku.edu/flsa/application/deloaward2013.php. The scholarship opportunity will also be available for summer 2013 FLSA courses.
For information on FLSA programs, visit www.wku.edu/flsa/ or the Office of Study Away at (270) 745-2231.
WKU Study Away is a unit of Extended Learning & Outreach. Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs are administered by Study Away in partnership with faculty and staff program leaders, their academic units, Study Abroad & Global Learning, and the Office of International Programs.
Contact: Jerry Barnaby, (270) 745-2231
