International Travel Grant

The UMD International Travel Grant supports faculty and staff traveling abroad for university-related purposes that advance the global engagement mission of UMD. Through this funding opportunity, UMD seeks to encourage international collaboration, research, partnership development, professional exchange, recruitment efforts, and other activities that strengthen our global presence and impact. 
 
By reducing financial barriers to international travel, this initiative aims to expand opportunities for faculty and staff to build meaningful global connections, foster intercultural learning, and bring international perspectives back to the UMD campus community. Supported travel may include activities such as attending international conferences, developing institutional partnerships, conducting research, leading global initiatives, or participating in professional development opportunities abroad.
 
The International Travel Grant reflects UMD's commitment to preparing students, faculty, and staff to be fully engaged and active in the world while strengthening the campus's commitment to being a globally engaged institution. 

Application Process

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Application Process

Deadlines

Applications are due March 15, August 15, and December 15 of each year. Funding should be used within one year. Award notifications will be sent via email 2 weeks after the deadline. 

Guidelines

Awards are $1,000 per person. All grants are given at the discretion of the Director of International Affairs and are contingent upon funding availability. 

Examples of eligible activities:

  • attending an international conference
  • developing an institutional partnership 
  • conducting research
  • leading a global initiative
  • participating in a professional development opportunity abroad

Eligibility

Applicants must be a current UMD faculty or staff. Travel activities must support international activities that advance the global engagement mission of the campus. 

Priority will be given to those who: 

  • have never received an International Travel Grant
  • demonstrate a link between international activities and UMD teaching, learning, or research
  • link international activities to the strategic goals of their college or unit

 

Applications will not be accepted for:

  • undergraduate or graduate students
  • expenses to defray costs for faculty and staff who are directing an instructor-led study abroad program
  • travel within the U.S.

Application Materials

The application process asks for the following information:

  • Basic contact information (email, title, unit)
  • Travel information (dates, locations, collaborators)
  • Financial information (department FinOps contact, fund information)
  • Proposal questions
    • What activities will you pursue?
    • How will this travel positively impact the global engagement mission of UMD and your unit in terms of student learning experiences, curriculum, teaching, outreach, and / or research?
    • What plans do you have to disseminate the outcomes of this project with colleagues in your unit and at UMD?

You are also required to register your travel, per the University's Travel Policy. This process will also ensure that you are registered for the University's required international health, security, medical, and evacuation insurance.

Submit an Application