All travel must follow current guidelines, which are detailed in the International Institute Travel Policy.
The Program in International and Comparative Studies (PICS) encourages students in the program to pursue international opportunities. The PICS Study Abroad Award provides financial assistance for students with declared PICS majors or minors in approved study abroad programs.
An approved program is defined as
- Organized by the U-M or sponsored by a U-M department (such as the Center for Global and Intercultural Study - CGIS) that provides academic credit.
- Offered by an organization in partnership with a U-M department that provides U-M credit or facilitates the transfer of academic credit to U-M.
- Opportunities offered by external providers are considered on a case-by-case basis and additional information about the program will be requested in the application.
Deadlines
The PICS Study Abroad award accepts applications on a rolling basis from September 1 - March 15. While we accept applications on a rolling basis, we highly recommend you complete the application by the deadlines listed below. Please contact iifellowships@umich.edu if you miss this deadline to see if you may be eligible for funding. Retroactive funding is not possible if you have started a study abroad program.
- Academic Year (Fall and Winter Semesters): March 15 of the year your program will begin
- Fall Semester: March 15 of the year your program will begin
- Winter Semester: November 1
- Spring/Summer Semester(s): March 15
Eligibility
- Open to all students with declared PICS majors and minors, regardless of citizenship.
- Funding must be used for approved study abroad programs (see criteria above). Visit PICS funding to learn more about other opportunities available for internships or research projects.
- While applications are accepted on a rolling basis, it is strongly recommended that you apply by the final deadline for the semester(s) you are applying for.
- Students must be enrolled at U-M for at least one term after this project and cannot graduate prior to the study abroad program.
Award Amounts
PICS funds may be used for travel, living expenses, or to offset the cost of tuition. Awards range based on the semester(s) you will be studying abroad.
- Academic Year (Fall & Winter semesters): $2,500
- One Semester (Fall or Winter semester): $1,250
- Spring and/or Summer Semester(s): $625
Requirements
- Students must register their travel, receive LSA Travel approval, and follow LSA International Travel Guidelines. NOTE: Undergraduate students are not permitted to travel to countries with travel restrictions.
- Complete a final report and answer questions about the impact of the study abroad experience, which is due within one month of returning from the study abroad program.
Selection Process
An internal review by the International Institute Fellowships & Grants team will determine whether a study abroad program meets the criteria for funding and the application materials. Please note that PICS funds are limited and the funding is not guaranteed.
Contact
Contact iifellowships@umich.edu with any questions or for more information.
