Travel Abroad Grant Directions

What is the Honors Travel Abroad Grant for?

Honors Travel Abroad Grants (TAGs) are designed to support Honors students' intellectual development by encouraging and supporting Honors students' participation in Study Abroad and Study Away programs.

Who is eligible to apply for a TAG?

Students who are in a "warning semester" may not apply for a Travel Abroad Grant. Only students in good standing with the Honors College who are not on a warning semester may apply. Students participating in Study Away programs are also eligible to apply for TAG funding.

How much money can I receive from a TAG?

It depends on the length of your Study Abroad or Study Away program. For short summer programs and those lasting less than a full semester, the maximum award is $500. For full semester programs or ten-week summer programs earning six or more credit hours, the maximum award is $1,000. For programs lasting a full year, the maximum award is $1,500.

Students are strongly encouraged to seek other sources of funding for their study abroad course, such as the WorldTopper Scholarship (sponsored by the Study Abroad Office), their home department and college, Phi Kappa Phi, Golden Key, and Phi Eta Sigma.

How are TAGs chosen for funding?

The Honors College does not guarantee that applicants will receive all or any requested funds. In fact, students with poor applications have previously been awarded no funds. The Honors Development Board will review each TAG application to determine funding according to the following criteria: 1) the strength of the student's essay expressing how this program is related to his or her academic and personal goals and growth, 2) strength of the letter of recommendation, 3) available funds, 4) number of applicants for available funds, and 5) the scope of the program (longer programs generally are given priority to shorter ones). Study Abroad programs will generally be given funding priority over Study Away programs when determining levels of funding.

How do I apply for a TAG?

There is one TAG deadline per semester; this deadline will be posted on the Honors College website and will be emailed to you at the beginning of each semester, or you can contact the Honors College to inquire about the deadline. TAG applications submitted after the deadline, including all supporting material, will not be considered.

How do I receive my funds?

If your grant is approved, you will receive an award letter from the Honors College advising you of the amount you are eligible for. The money will be issued as a "scholarship" that will appear in your WKU tuition account prior to the semester of study abroad. If your tuition has already been paid, WKU will issue you a residual check for the balance of money in your tuition account, approximately 2-3 weeks after the start of the semester.

If I receive a TAG, is anything else required of me?

Yes. By awarding a TAG, the Honors College is investing in a student's education. The benefits of a study abroad program do not end when the program is complete; likewise, a student accepting TAG funds is required to take several actions after the study abroad program to ensure that the student gets the maximum subsequent benefit out of the Honors-subsidized study abroad program.

All students accepting TAG funding must complete the following.

1. Write an essay of 400-500 words to students who have not yet studied abroad, and thoughtfully express how the study abroad experience enriched you intellectually and personally.
2. Attend a Nationally Competitive Scholarship Workshop conducted by the Office of Scholar Development.
3. Successfully complete the Honors curriculum in which they are enrolled.
4. Meet with Honors College advisor each semester throughout the remainder of the student's enrollment at WKU.
5. Write a thank you to the donors for any private funds received.

Failure to fulfill these requirements will result in the student being required to pay back the entire sum of the original TAG award. Upon acceptance of the TAG award, students will sign a binding contract to this effect. Details of this policy, as well as the signature form, will be given to students prior to receiving any funding.