Weinstein Travel Grant

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Offices and Services

The Weinstein Travel Grant is administered through International Student Engagement and made possible through a generous gift from Carol and Marcus Weinstein.

The grant is designed to give international students (F-1 visa holders) an immersive experience within the United States, but outside of the Charlotte metro area.

International students are invited to pursue experiential learning opportunities that allow for intentional immersion, reflection, and transformation. Applicants should creatively design projects/trips that facilitate interaction with diverse cultures, environments, standards of living, artistic expression, political climates, and/or more, across the U.S.

Previously funded projects include: traveling the U.S. west coast by Amtrak, exploring street art in NYC, following the route taken by Jack Kerouac in On the Road, experiencing food trucks in Portland, Oregon and Austin, Texas, recapturing American cinema using iconic film locations in New York, and traveling the Southern States in search of the most delicious BBQ.

Grant Details

  • All current F-1 students may apply for experiences to take place during Winter Break within the current year. The Weinstein Travel Grant will no longer be available during Spring Break or summers.
  • Students must be an active, enrolled student at both the time of the application and time of travel, i.e. students are not eligible to use grants when taking a personal leave or after completion of degree. 
  • Approximately 10 awards of up to $2,000 will be awarded.
  • Experiences that appear to have the greatest potential for high impact and cultural/geographic connection, regardless of length, are given preference.
  • The primary objective is a theme or immersion in a different U.S. socio-geographic environment, not to "tour" broadly or superficially.
  • Pairs are allowed to apply, but the maximum award ($2,000) does not increase. If you're planning on going as a couple or a group, make that clear in your application.
  • Proposals to cover the living expenses for internships will not be considered.

Info Sessions

Attendance in one of the Weinstein Travel Grant Info Sessions is required. The application will go live on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. The Info Sessions scheduled for Fall semester 2024 are scheduled for:

  • Tuesday, September 24 during Common Hour (11 a.m.–12 p.m.) in Wall 281 Creative Crossroads 
  • Tuesday, October 1 during Common Hour (11 a.m.–12 p.m.) in Wall 281 Creative Crossroads

Expenses and Presentations

  • A log of all expenses, including receipts, is required.
  • Any un-used funds above 10% of the original grant amount will be owed back to International Student Engagement.
  • A written reflection and presentation are REQUIRED upon completion of the project.
  • Receipt logs, written reflections, presentations, and unspent funds are due to International Student Engagement by the stated due date.

Non-Covered Expenses

  • Durable goods that can be used beyond the time period of the project (such as a camera, laptop, voltage converter, etc.).

Application Process – Winter Break 2024

1. Attend one of the required Weinstein Travel Grant Info Sessions.

2. Submit your Application in WildcatSync/Statement of Grant Purpose by the October 18th deadline.

The Statement of Grant Purpose, this essay (not to exceed two pages) should outline the who, what, when, where, how, and why of your proposal. Make sure to highlight the following:

  • Your interest in the area of U.S. culture you will be exploring.
  • Your interest in the geographic location(s) you will be visiting.
  • The significance and impact this proposal will have on your overall experience in the U.S.
  • The goals of your proposed experience.
  • A realistic estimate of the timeline and budget. For Winter Break 2024 award amounts will be limited to a maximum of $2,000. 

Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Make sure to hit "submit" when your application in WildcatSync is complete, otherwise, it will remain in pending status and be considered incomplete. You will be notified on the status of your application by October 25. If your proposal is selected for funding, you will be required to prepare a detailed budget and itinerary.