Purpose:

The Office of International Programs (OIP) is sponsoring a new International Seed Grant (ISG) to advance MSU's strategic goals and foster global citizenship among students and faculty. This grant supports faculty-led study abroad initiatives that promote global engagement and enhance MSU's international reputation. This year's ISG focuses on one key area: 

  • The development of NEW Short-Term Faculty-led Study Abroad Programs. Supporting faculty to create new short-term study abroad programs, to scout new locations, establish connections in desired countries for student travel, and develop programs.

General Budget Guidelines: 

  • Maximum awards of $3,000.

Funds can be used to support the following expenses:

  • International travel expenses for planning a trip (lodging, transportation, etc.)    
  • Supplemental salary funding distributed to the department. 
  • Other expenses to support building a new program will be considered. 

Funds cannot support:  

  • Equipment 

Deliverables:

Faculty recipients of the grant are expected to conduct their travel within one year of receiving the award.

After returning from travel, faculty should submit a comprehensive summary report to the Office of OIP. This report should encompass all gathered information during the trip and include a draft proposal for the Faculty-Led Study Abroad program intended to be established.

Deadline:

ISG deadline: Friday, November 15, 2024. 

The number of awards granted will vary annually, contingent upon available funding. Approximately 3-5 grants will be awarded every year.

Grants will be awarded in early December. Plans should be in place to utilize the funds within one year of the date awarded.

Selection Committee:

A small committee composed of OIP staff and faculty member(s)will review nominations and select the recipients.

Notes:

We highly encourage you to contact Toby Blake in the Office of International Programs (OIP) before submitting your application. (information below)

Additionally, we request that you conduct comprehensive research on your proposed location and integrate relevant details into your application to strengthen your proposal.

Priority will be given to high-impact proposals in new locations.

How to Apply:

To be considered for the Faculty-Led Study Abroad seed grant, applicants must upload the following documents as one PDF and send it to jrasmussen@montana.edu

Please have these documents ready to apply for the seed grant:

 

Proposal Narrative

- International activities you are proposing, and why   

- Expertise, experience, or familiarity you have with the subject matter and proposed project destination   

- How the project will benefit the MSU community and facilitate its strategic plan

An itemized budget and budget justification

Here is our sample budget template for the Faculty-Led Study Abroad programs proposals: 

Program Budget Template 

 

CV (short version)

A recommendation letter from your department or direct supervisor

 

 Contact information: 

For inquiries regarding the ISG program, please direct your questions to the following individuals:  

Faculty-led Study Abroad Coordinator :  Toby Blake, toby.blake@montana.edu 

For general inquiries: Janelle Rasmussen, jrasmussen@montana.edu