The Global Education Office (GEO) is excited to once again run the W&M – St Andrews First Abroad Scholarship Program for spring 2025. This initiative provides W&M first-year students with a funded introduction to study abroad by visiting the University of St Andrews over spring break 2025. This non-credit program gives students who have not previously studied abroad and never left the United States a chance to experience international travel and gain first-hand knowledge of the benefits of study abroad in a supportive environment.

While at St Andrews, the First Abroad participants will have the opportunity to live in St Andrews dorms and visit courses related to their area of study. In addition, students will have a chance to participate in co-curricular activities, learn about university life in Scotland, and meet W&M students studying at St Andrews during the spring semester.

The goal of the program is to serve as an introduction to study abroad and reduce barriers to future international study and travel. Therefore, part of the initiative also includes a $1,500 scholarship for a subsequent semester or summer study abroad program that would go towards COLL 300 worth 3 credits or more through the Global Education Office at the Reves Center.

DATES:   Spring Break 2025 (6-8 days) – exact dates to be confirmed. For the application, when prompted for dates, you can use March 8-14, 2025. 

FINANCES:  This scholarship covers travel to and from St Andrews from Williamsburg, lodging, most food, and insurance! The scholarship awardees will need some spending money (eg. souvenirs, coffee/water/snacks between meals, possible social gatherings, etc.). If a recipient does not have a passport, logistical support as well as potentially some financial aid will be provided.

ELIGIBILITY

• First-year students (freshman or sophomore transfer students in their first year at W&M)
• Good academic and disciplinary standing and not on academic or disciplinary probation
• No previous study abroad experience
• Priority will be given to students with:
  • demonstrated financial need;
  • no previous international travel experience;
  • interest in academic fields with lower study abroad participation rates such as STEM fields.

*Please note there is a maximum of two spots and the program can be competitive. Interviews for candidates will be conducted in late November and early December with final notifications before the end of the Fall semester.

DEADLINE: November 15, 2024


QUESTIONS: Contact Maria Jay