Leeanne J. Dunsmore
Study Abroad ScholarshipScholarship
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
The School of International Service is pleased to announce a competition for scholarships in the name of former
Associate Dean Leeanne Dunsmore. Established in the fall of 2014 by Dean James Goldgeier, the Leeanne J.
Dunsmore School of International Service Study Abroad Scholarship supports students from historically
underrepresented groups who are interested in studying abroad. In her role at SIS as the Associate Dean of
International Programs, Partnership Development and Enrollment Management, Leeanne Dunsmore was a tireless
advocate for increasing international student mobility, the recruitment of diverse graduate students, and institutional
partnerships both in the U.S. and abroad. Her commitment to foster a diverse, inclusive and international SIS was seen
in every aspect of her work.
Eligible SIS students at both the graduate and undergraduate level may apply for this scholarship if they will be
participating in a study abroad program being offered at AU. Scholarship recipients will be eligible to receive up to
$1000 for international travel and related program expenses. There are two application cycles, one in the fall and one
in the spring semester.
BASIC ELIGIBILITY:
 You must be an SIS graduate or undergraduate degree-seeking student in good standing (minimum 3.0 GPA for
graduate and 2.0 GPA for undergraduate students).
 Active application or acceptance to a study abroad program offered by SIS or AU Abroad. The study abroad
program must be taking place during the period for the current scholarship application. (see How to Apply).
 Open to students who have been traditionally under-represented on study abroad programs. These groups
include, but are not limited to, students identifying as active duty military or veterans; racial or ethnic minorities;
members of LGBTQ+ communities; first generation college students who have not previously studied abroad;
and students with disabilities.
 See the detailed eligibility description below for more criteria
REQUIRED MATERIALS: (see eligibility, application process, and FAQ section below for details):
 Student Information Form (see below)
 Statement of Purpose
 A detailed description of how you meet the eligibility criteria and how you plan to use the
scholarship ( between 500-1500 words, 12-point font, single spaced)
 Itemized Budget (see appendix for sample budget form)
 Basic Outline of Proposed Travel Itinerary
 Letter of Recommendation
 Strongly preferred from an AU faculty member, in principle the same listed on the form
 CV/Resume
 Unofficial AU Transcript
 Acceptance letter or official confirmation of your acceptance to a program (if applicable)
CURRENT APPLICATION CYCLE DEADLINE: March 20, 2017
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Leeanne J. Dunsmore
Study Abroad ScholarshipScholarship
ELIGIBILITY/ ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
 Who is eligible to receive funding?
o Current SIS MA and BA students are eligible to apply for funding to defray the costs of travel, program fees or
other related expenses to participate in a study abroad opportunity being offered by SIS or AU Abroad.
o PhD students are not eligible to apply.
o Open to students who have been traditionally under-represented on study abroad programs: These groups
include, but are not limited to, students identifying as active duty military or veterans; racial or ethnic
minorities; members of LGBTQ+ communities; first generation college students who have not previously
studied abroad; or students with disabilities. These groups are broadly defined by design, but students who
question their eligibility may email [email protected] to further discuss their application.
o International students are eligible and are encouraged to apply; however, priority is given to U.S. citizens and
permanent residents.
 What can (and can’t) the scholarship be used for?
o Scholarship funds are intended to cover general travel, accommodation expenses, and AU program fees.
o Scholarship funds cannot be used to fund travel to countries categorized as very high risk by the University.
To find out if a specific country is currently in this category, please e-mail [email protected]. Please
note that the security status of any country is subject to change; in the event that a scholarship recipient’s
destination becomes very high risk, s/he may be required to attend a high risk workshop prior to departure.
o Scholarship funds cannot be used to fund an independent research project, internship or conference
attendance abroad.
o Scholarship cannot be used to fund an SIS Practicum.
o Scholarship funds cannot be used for an outside program (external to AU, such as Permit to Study Abroad
credits).
o Further questions on appropriate use of funds should be directed to [email protected].
o Scholarship funds cannot be used to pay tuition.
 How much funding is available?
o Students are eligible to receive up to $1000 for study abroad programs offered by SIS or AU Abroad.
 Where does the scholarship award come from?
o Generous donations made by individuals to SIS are collected for this scholarship in support of its mission. If
you have an interest in supporting this scholarship, please visit the following link: Leeanne Dunsmore
Scholarship Fund
 Will receipt of this scholarship have an impact on Financial Aid funding?
o Receipt of this scholarship may have financial aid implications. Therefore, we strongly suggest you consult
with the financial aid office when considering your application for the award.
 If I have received this scholarship in the past, am I able to apply again?
o No. Unfortunately, students who have previously received this award will not be able to apply.
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HOW TO APPLY
 When do I apply for this scholarship?
o Students should apply for the scholarship for the school term when the study abroad will be taking place.
Please check the website for specific dates for each semester.
o Travel during spring semester: deadline will be in late Oct/early Nov
o Travel during summer semester: deadline will be in mid-March
o Travel during fall semester: deadline will be in mid-March
 What should I include in my Statement of purpose?
o Your statement of purpose should include a description of your program, how you identify with one or more
of the underrepresented groups outline above, how your proposed activity contributes to your academic and
professional goals, and how you specifically intend to utilize the scholarship funds. It must be between 5001500 words; 12 pt. font, single-spaced.
 How should my faculty recommender submit the letter for my application?
o The faculty recommender may submit the letter either in hardcopy to the SIS Abroad mailbox in SIS116 or via
email as a PDF to [email protected].
 What kinds of things should I include in my detailed budget?
o Program fees
o Living expenses (food, accommodation, etc.)
o Transportation expenses (airfare, etc.)
o Any other anticipated travel expenses
o See the budget template included at the end of this document.
 How do I obtain a copy of my unofficial transcript?
o Simply print off a copy from my.american.edu. Under “Academics,” select “View My Unofficial Transcript.”
If you have not completed a semester at AU, please include an official or unofficial transcript from a previous
institution
 Do I need to submit any additional forms, paperwork, or have other responsibilities after being
selected as a scholarship recipient?
o At the time of notification, you will be provided with additional financial forms which must be submitted to
the Office of International Programs in a timely manner in order to process the payment.
o All students will be required to complete the Graduate Global Program (GGP) forms prior to your departure.
The GGP form is mandatory and ensures that the School have relevant contact information.
o Within one week of their return from the study abroad, scholarship recipients will be required to submit both
of the following:
 A 500-word summary of the trip that explains how the experience complemented their academic studies
or professional development goals as well as any relevant highlights or challenges from the experience.
 At least two (2) relevant photos from their experience that may be featured on the SIS Abroad website.*
 These materials should be submitted within one week of the recipients return to
[email protected].
 *Recipients are required to sign a photo release as a condition of the scholarship.
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RECEIVING THE SCHOLARSHIP
 Do I need to submit any additional forms, paperwork, or have other responsibilities after being
selected as a scholarship recipient?
o At the time of notification, you will be provided with additional financial forms which must be submitted to
the Office of International Programs in a timely manner in order to process the payment.
o All students will be required to complete the Graduate Global Program (GGP) forms prior to your departure.
The GGP form is mandatory and ensures that the School have relevant contact information.
o Within one week of their return from the study abroad, scholarship recipients will be required to submit both
of the following:
 A 500-word summary of the trip that explains how the experience complemented their academic studies
or professional development goals as well as any relevant highlights or challenges from the experience.
 At least two (2) relevant photos from their experience that may be featured on the SIS Abroad website.*
 These materials should be submitted within one week of the recipients return to
[email protected].
 *Recipients are required to sign a photo release as a condition of the scholarship.
 Will receipt of this scholarship have an impact on Financial Aid funding?
o Receipt of this scholarship may have financial aid implications. Therefore, we strongly suggest you consult
with the financial aid office when considering your application for the award.
 When will I be notified if I’ve been chosen as a scholarship recipient?
o Applications are generally reviewed shortly after the deadline, and scholarship recipients are typically notified
within two to three weeks.
 How will the scholarship award be distributed?
o Depending on how the recipient plans to use the award funds, they may receive a check from AU with the
awarded amount (taxable), they may book their travel through the University’s travel agent [World Travel] or
have the funds directly deposited into their student account. A combination of these distribution methods may
not be possible. More detailed information about the distribution and receipt of this award will be provided
upon award acceptance.
 What happens if I receive the scholarship, but can no longer participate in the program or need to
withdraw?
o Students who receive scholarship funding for a study abroad program that are no longer able to participate in
the program or must withdraw will be required to return the full funding amount to SIS. Scholarship recipients
in these situations are expected to return the funds within one week from the time of their decision to not
participate or date of withdrawal. Any questions about this policy can be directed to the SIS Office of
Financial Operations ([email protected]) or SIS Abroad ([email protected]).
Other questions?
Please email [email protected]
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Leeanne J. Dunsmore
Study Abroad ScholarshipScholarship
STUDENT INFORMATION FORM
Student Information
Last name: ___________________ First name: _________________ Middle Initial: ____
AU ID #: _______________________________
Gender: □ Female □ Male □ Other
Date of Birth: ________________________
Daytime Phone: ___________________ Evening Phone: _______________________
E-mail address: ________________________________
Academic Information
SIS MA Program: _______________________________________________
or
SIS BA Thematic Areas: 1) __________________________ 2) ___________________________
Current cumulative GPA: ___________ Expected graduation date: _______________
Program Information
□ SIS Program
□ AU Abroad Program
□ Active application (i.e. submitted and in review)
Program Name: _________________________
□ Accepted to program
Prior participation in a study abroad program (at AU or elsewhere)?
Are you a Foreign National? □ Yes
□ Yes
□ No
□ No
AU Faculty Recommender
Please provide the name and contact information of a faculty member who will provide a reference for you.
Name of recommender: _____________________________________________________
Department: _______________________ Phone: __________________________
Student Signature
I confirm that all information included in this application is true and complete.
_________________________________________________
Signature of applicant
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__________________
Date
BUDGET INFORMATION
Last name: _______________________ First name: ______________________ AU ID #: ___________________
Accommodation Location (city, state/country)
# of months*
Rate/month*
Total
$
$
$
Flight*
To/From
One-way/Round trip
Airfare
Total
$
$
$
Train/Bus
To/From
One-way/Round trip
Fare
Total
$
$
$
Car Rental*
Location (city, state/country)
# of days
Rate/day
Total
$
$
$
Gasoline*
To/From
# of days
Amount/day
Total
$
$
$
Mileage*
To/From
# of miles
Rate is $0.565/mi*
Total
$
$
$
Food Costs*
# of days
Amount/day
Total
$
$
$
Other
# of
Amount/
Total
$
$
$
TOTAL
$
*If accommodation is by semester, please indicate this. Use actual estimates for cost.
*AU does not pay for insurance/liability on car rental
*AU does not pay for insurance on airfare
*Mileage rate is fixed by the government
*Food budgets typically cannot include alcohol. Please use an estimated average cost for your location.
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