Study Grants
The Dean Rusk Study Abroad Grant
For 2024-25, Dean Rusk will only review applications for immersive language programs in Arabic and East Asian Studies and select archeological programs. These specific categories are based on our available funding. Students MUST speak with the Dean Rusk Office before submitting a proposal. Do NOT apply for a Dean Rusk grant if you are participating in a Davidson-led Summer Study Program.
Students applying for a Dean Rusk Grant for a non-Davidson program must also complete the college’s Education Study Abroad Application.
Applying for the Grant
For this grant, each student is required to complete the following steps:
- Consult with the Dean Rusk office to discuss your project proposal.
- Write a proposal.
- Complete travel grant budget report.
- If applicable, obtain a language proficiency recommender (required where English is not the predominant language in the country for your proposed project).
- Complete the college's Education Study Abroad Application.
It is strongly recommended students also obtain a faculty recommendation, but it is NOT required.
Writing Your Proposal
A strong Study Program Grant proposal includes:
- Which study program do you wish to participate in (select archaeological, Arabic, or East Asian immersive language programs), and why do you want to study with this specific program?
- What is the value of attending this program at this time in your undergraduate career?
- How will the proposed study program help you better understand an aspect of yourself or your interests, whether academic or career-related?
- Which course or courses do you plan to enroll in?
- Do you have any knowledge or expertise, such as language proficiency, that will assist you in pursuing this study?
- What prerequisites, language training, or coursework have you completed that will enable you to enroll in and successfully complete your proposed course or courses?
- What considerations are important regarding personal and social responsibility while engaging in this program?
- What are your plans for presenting your study experience, both on campus and to the broader community, in an accessible way?
- How will personal reflection be highlighted during your study program, and how will you connect your experience back to Davidson and/or the classroom?
Deadline
Summer 2025 Study Grants application is now open. Application deadline is February 1, 2025.
To start your application, use this link.
Recently Funded Study Grants
Qasid Arabic Institution
Elias Henderson '24 immersed himself in a 9-week study program learning the Arabic language and culture at the Qasid Arabic Institute in Amman, Jordan.
Caesarea Archaeological Field School
Emma Bazemore '24 participated in a 4-week archeology dig at the Caesarea Archaeology Field School in Caesarea, Israel. Along the Mediterranean coast of Israel, she engaged in the daily tasks of excavation, artifact recovery, and more.
Fulbright Tunghai University Mini Semester
Rin Davis '24 studied at Tunghai University in Taichung, Taiwan. She enrolled in a 5-week mini semester learning the Chinese language. She also had the opportunity for an incredible cultural immersion within Taiwanese culture.
