Randi Buerlein Endowed Study Abroad Scholarship

The Randi Buerlein Service-Learning Scholarship at Virginia Commonwealth University was established in 2013 upon the retirement of Ms. Randi Buerlein in honor of her commitment to international service-learning. Ms. Buerlein directed education abroad programs to the Dominican Republic and Ghana during her tenure as a faculty member in the School of Social Work. This scholarship is designed to support VCU students who have demonstrated a commitment to community engagement through past participation in service-learning, or who have had significant community service involvement while at VCU and may be used for virtual or in-person programs.

To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must verify that they meet study abroad requirements set by the Global Education Office: be a degree seeking student at VCU with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater, be in good academic standing, be participating on a credit-bearing, approved study abroad program, and have registered their program with the Education Abroad Office prior to departure. Scholarships are available for students on the Monroe Park and MCV campuses only.

Scholarship recipients are strongly encouraged to share their experience abroad at a number of VCU Global Learning sponsored events upon return.

Award
$500
Anticipated Total

Anticipated total amount over the full term of this award.

$500.00

Scopes
VCU Foundation
Deadline
10/10/2024
Supplemental Questions
  1. Program name and/or name of host institution
  2. Intended Dates of Study Abroad Participation
  3. City and Country of Destination
  4. To be eligible for this scholarship, your study abroad program must take place during winter break 2025, spring 2025, or spring break 2025. If you have plans to study abroad after these listed terms, please check back later for updated scholarship information. Is your study abroad program in either winter break 2025, spring 2025, or spring break 2025?
  5. To be eligible for this scholarship, your study abroad must be credit-bearing. Is your program credit-bearing?
  6. To be eligible for this award, you must have started your study abroad registration with the Global Education Office at https://vcu.studioabroad.com/ before the scholarship application deadline. Please confirm that you understand that your application will NOT be considered if you haven't started your registration with the Global Education Office by the scholarship application close date. Please email abroad@vcu.edu for any questions.
  7. In a clear, thoughtfully prepared essay of approximately 500 words, introduce yourself, describe your commitment to and involvement with community service, and present your reasons for wanting to study abroad. State what you expect to gain from the experience - personally, academically, and professionally. Why have you chosen your specific program and location? Discuss how you plan to share your experiences with the VCU community upon your return.
  8. Please list any type of financial support you receive to attend VCU (federal financial aid, institutional scholarships, etc). What is your remaining financial need after aid?
  9. In an essay of no more than 500 words, please provide information on your ability to fund your study abroad experience. Explain in detail why you need this scholarship to participate on the program.
  10. I understand that by applying for funding through VCU Education Abroad I am not guaranteed to receive support and that my completed application will be evaluated through a competitive process. I understand that, if selected, I will be notified and asked to confirm my interest in receiving the award. I agree to notify the Education Abroad office in writing if I no longer wish to be considered for a scholarship. Students who no longer wish to be considered for the scholarship should email abroad@vcu.edu. By digitally signing this document, I acknowledge that both my personal reputation and the reputation of the University can benefit from the manner in which I represent myself and VCU. I will do everything within my control to safeguard my good name and that of VCU throughout my experience abroad. As required under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99), commonly known as FERPA, I hereby give permission for my scholarship application, including but not limited to grade point average (GPA), transcripts, essays, and individual course grades, to be used and discussed with VCU faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. I grant permission for VCU to use my biographical information to publicize my nomination for this award and my receipt of this award, should I be selected. I also hereby certify that I have no Honor Code convictions or pending investigations with respect to academic integrity and all of the information I include in my application for this award are my own work and are accurate and truthful to the best of my knowledge. If I receive a scholarship, I agree to: Register my study abroad program with VCU Education Abroad by the appropriate registration deadline. Write a thank you letter to be shared with Ms. Buerlein (Randi Buerlein Scholarship recipients only). Furthermore, I acknowledge that all of my statements on the application are complete and accurate to the best of my ability.
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