Graduate Global Experiential Learning

To excel in your future career, you must possess not only a deep understanding of global and regional issues but also the ability to communicate, negotiate and lead in a cross-cultural environment. These important characteristics are learned through the combination of academic, professional, and cultural experiences both at home and abroad.

The Elliott School encourages you to gain those experiences by adding a truly international component to your studies. A study abroad experience will enhance your understanding of varied perspectives on international, global, and regional issues with firsthand observation and study.

For additional information on study abroad opportunities for Elliott School graduate students, please contact Graduate Student Services.

Please be aware that Elliott School-sponsored graduate exchange programs are only open to Elliott School graduate students.

Prospective Students

Prospective students are eligible to apply if they meet the following criteria:

• Completed at least one semester on campus prior to the start of the program
• Good academic standing (3.0 cumulative GPA or higher)

Note: Students completing their first semester who desire to study abroad during the following semester must also meet the minimum 3.0 GPA requirement by the end of the first semester.

Travel Information

Students are responsible for obtaining appropriate student visas for study abroad. Guidance will be provided by the host institution. The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs compiles information on travel abroad, public announcements, and warnings. Please review the information about your destination and for any worldwide travel announcements.

All GW students who travel abroad for academic purposes are required to comply with the GW International Travel Approval Policy. Guidance on this policy will be provided to all exchange students by the Elliott School International Programs & Education office.

Funding Graduate Study Abroad

Internships Abroad

The Elliott School encourages its students to have professional development experiences abroad. The Elliott School's Graduate Student Services (GSS) office offers grants each semester to support students in low-paid or unpaid internships abroad. More information on these grants is available from GSS or Handshake.

Some students find it challenging to balance the academic demands of the exchange program with the responsibilities of an internship. Students should carefully consider how to best manage these interests. Exchange partners do not generally have internship resources for visiting students.

Scholarships

Bright!Tax Global Scholar Initiative
Bright!Tax, a leading online tax preparation service for American citizens in over 150 countries, is proud to support students who are U.S. citizens worldwide. The Bright!Tax Global Scholar Initiative provides supplemental funds for American students who are already or will be studying abroad under the auspices of an accredited academic institution. Scholarships are available for full-semester programs. Scholarships will be awarded based on academic and extracurricular achievement, community involvement, future ambitions, financial needs, and at the discretion of the Bright!Tax Awards Committee.

Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
The Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund aids people active in movements for social and economic justice. These need-based scholarships are awarded to students who are able to do academic work, including study abroad, at the college or university level or are enrolled in a trade or technical program and who are active in the progressive movement. Grantees have been active in the struggle against racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression; building the movement for economic justice; and creating peace through international, anti-imperialist solidarity. Applications opened in January and closed on April 1. 

Diverse International Women Of Color (DIWC) Study Abroad Scholarship
The Diverse International Women Of Color Study Abroad Scholarship is intended to assist women of color who are exceptional in their studies and in need of financial assistance to study abroad. DIWC awards $500 scholarships to women of color who have been accepted to an in-person study abroad program. Application dates and deadlines are currently posted for Summer 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025.  

Explore the World Travel Scholarships
Hostelling International USA thinks travel should be as much about making a difference in the world as it is about seeing it. That’s why they created the Explore the World Travel Scholarships. Recipients receive $2,000 to help finance their international trip which includes an educational or service component. Applications for summer 2025 and beyond will open this fall. 

Going (Formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) Study Abroad Scholarship
The Going Abroad Scholarship awards two outstanding students $1,500 scholarships toward their upcoming study abroad program. This scholarship is open to any citizen and/or resident of the United States (and its territories and possessions) enrolled full-time at an accredited institution of higher learning. Review the full eligibility requirements. The deadlines to apply are March 15 for fall study abroad and October 15th for spring study abroad.

Rotary Club Scholarships
The Rotary Club operates one of the largest and longest-run private study abroad funding programs offering up to $25,000 in scholarships to fund one year of academic study, room and board, and other associated expenses. Students are named Cultural Ambassadors and are expected to give presentations both on their home culture while abroad and on the culture of their study abroad destination upon returning home. Scholarships are given through local branches.

Tanaka & Green Academic Scholarship
The Japan-America Society of Washington, Inc. JASWDC established the Tanaka and Green Academic Scholarship to support short-term academic study (one semester or one academic year) at colleges and universities in Japan. The Society will give up to $5,000 for one academic year and up to $4,000 for one academic semester for the 2024-2025 academic year. The scholarship may be used for any combination of tuition and other academic fees, room and board, travel and transportation (including travel within Japan), and other approved expenses. The deadline for the academic year 2024-2025 is July 31.