Leeanne J. Dunsmore School of International
Study Abroad
Service
Scholarship
Application Guidelines and Instructions
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.
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
[Program must be during respective scholarship application cycle- either Summer/Fall or Spring]
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; students with disabilities; from low-income families or with demonstrated financial need.
 PhD students are not eligible to apply.
 Scholarship cannot be used to fund an independent research project, internship or conference attendance abroad.
Scholarship cannot be used to fund an SIS Practicum.
Scholarship cannot be used for an outside program (external to AU, such as Permit to Study Abroad credits).
Application Materials (see application deadlines and FAQ section below):
1. Student information form
2. 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 pt. font, single spaced]
3. Itemized budget and a basic outline of your proposed travel itinerary
4. Faculty letter of recommendation (preferably from an AU faculty member)
5. CV/Résumé
6. Acceptance letter or official confirmation of your acceptance to a program (if applicable)
7. Unofficial AU transcript (if a semester at AU has not been completed, include your previous institution’s transcript)
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Leeanne J. Dunsmore Study Abroad Scholarship Application
School of International Service
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
__________________
Date
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Leeanne J. Dunsmore Study Abroad Scholarship Application
School of International Service
Application Process and Deadlines:
1. Submit completed applications by email: sisabroad@american.edu
2. Application deadline for Summer/ Fall 2015 competition: Monday, May 11, 2015.
Eligibility & Application Information
Who is eligible to receive funding?
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.
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; from low-income families or with demonstrated financial need. These groups are
broadly defined by design, but students who question their eligibility may email sisabroad@american.edu to further
discuss their application.
International students are eligible and are encouraged to apply; however, priority is given to U.S. citizens and
permanent residents.
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 sisabroad@american.edu. 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.
Scholarship funds cannot be used to pay tuition, but rather are intended to cover general travel and accommodation
expenses, as well as AU program fees. Further questions on appropriate use of funds should be directed to
sisabroad@american.edu.
When do I apply for this scholarship if my program is in the:
The spring application cycle will incorporate programs taking place in both the spring semester and summer terms.
winter term or spring semester?
The fall application cycle will incorporate programs taking place in the winter term and spring semester. Application
deadline for the fall cycle: November (deadline TBA)
summer term or fall semester?
The spring application cycle will incorporate programs taking place in the spring semester and summer terms.
Application deadline for the spring cycle: May 11, 2015
How much funding is available?
study abroad programs offered by SIS or AU Abroad.
Where does the scholarship award come from?
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?
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.
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How will the scholarship award be distributed?
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.
When will I be notified if I’ve been chosen as a scholarship recipient?
two to three weeks.
scholarship recipients are typically notified within
Do I need to submit any additional forms, paperwork, or have other responsibilities after being selected as a scholarship recipient?
Upon return, scholarship recipients will be required to submit two things:
1) a short, 500 word summary of the trip that explains how the experience complemented their academic studies or
professional development goals and any relevant highlights/challenges;
2) at least two 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: sisabroad@american.edu.
Scholarship recipients are required to sign a photo release as a condition of the award.
If I have received this scholarship in the past, am I able to apply again?
No. Unfortunately, students who have previously received this award will not be able to apply.
Application Questions
What should I include in my Statement of purpose?
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 500- 1500 words; 12 pt.
font, single spaced.
How should my faculty recommender submit the letter for my application?
The faculty recommender may submit the letter either in hardcopy to the SIS Abroad mailbox in SIS116 or via
email as a PDF to sisabroad@american.edu.
What kinds of things should I include in my detailed budget? *
, etc.)
anticipated travel expenses
Program fees
*Optional- You may email sisabroad@american.edu for a budget template to be used for your application.
How do I obtain a copy of my unofficial transcript?
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
Any other questions? Please email sisabroad@american.edu.
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