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CEA CAPA Education Abroad
Scholarships & Grants
CEA CAPA Scholarships and Grants
CEA CAPA is committed to increasing access to study and interning abroad. We offer more than $2 million each year in scholarships, affiliations, and grant programs for Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.
We experience a high volume of scholarship applications, resulting in intensified competition for available awards. We encourage prospective applicants to plan their submissions accordingly, as students who prioritize their enrollment in the fall semester may see a better chance of receiving a scholarship due to decreased competition for these funding opportunities.
CEA CAPA STATEMENT ON AI: CEA CAPA is looking for personal, authentic responses to scholarship prompts. CEA CAPA requires that all essays be the original work of the applicant. We reserve the right to verify the authenticity of submissions, including checking for the use of AI writing tools. Use of AI will result in the disqualification from scholarship awarding.
Early Bird Awards and Deadlines
for standard and custom applicants
| Term | Opportunity Abroad | Academic Excellence | CANIE Scholarship for Sustainability Projects | John Christian Leadership Scholarship (Fall only) | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | $5,000 | $2,500 | $2,000 | $5,000 | February 15th |
| Spring | $5,000 | $2,500 | $2,000 | September 15th | |
| Summer | $2,000 | $2,500 | $2,000 | February 1st |
Opportunity Abroad Final Deadlines
| Term | Opportunity Abroad | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | $1,500 | April 15th |
| Spring | $1,500 | November 1st |
| Summer | $1,000 | March 15th |
CEA CAPA is pleased to offer four flagship Awards:
CEA CAPA is proud to offer substantial scholarships for students with high financial need who effectively articulate why one out of CEA CAPA's six Student Learning and Development Objectives aligns with their personal, academic, and/or professional goals in pursuing education abroad.
Prompt:
- CEA CAPA programs are grounded in our six Student Learning and Development Objectives. Which one of these authentically aligns with your own personal goals and identity? How might this impact your experience abroad? Please provide concrete examples, experiences, and personal insight.
- 750 words maximum
Opportunity Abroad Scholarship Submission Rubric
| Criterion | Description | Score (0-5) |
|---|---|---|
| Alignment to SLDO | The essay clearly identifies one of the six objectives and meaningfully connects it to the applicant's goals and identity. | |
| Connection to specific program | Clearly articulates how the chosen objective will guide their goals and behavior during the study abroad experience. | |
| Writing Quality & Organization | Essay is well-structured, clear, grammatically sound, and engaging. The voice is authentic and professional. | |
| Depth of Reflection | Demonstrates thoughtful reflection and self-awareness, critical thinking; is genuine and personal. | |
| Financial Need | Proof of financial need gives one additional point. |
Scoring Scale:
- 5 - Exceptional
- 4 - Strong
- 3 - Average
- 2 - Limited
- 1 - Weak
- 0 - Not evident and/or use of AI
As a CANIE Accord Signatory, CEA CAPA is pleased to offer the CANIE Scholarship for Sustainability Projects for students participating in CEA CAPA Education Abroad programs with an interest in sustainability.
Prompt:
- Reflecting on one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), describe how your perspective on sustainability has been shaped by your experience. How do you plan to build on this through your education abroad program? In what ways might you develop and promote a sustainability-focused project at your program location (in collaboration with CEA CAPA staff)?
- 750 words maximum
CANIE Scholarship for Sustainability Projects Rubric
| Criterion | Description | Score (0-5) |
|---|---|---|
| Relevance to Prompt | Demonstrates deep understanding of one or more SDGs and clearly explains how they have influenced their sustainability perspective. | |
| Sustainability Connection | Clearly communicates a strong interest in sustainability and a commitment to making a positive environmental or social impact. May show leadership through past experiences or demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and a desire to grow in this area. | |
| Program Connection and Goals | Clearly connects sustainability perspective and experience to the education abroad program. Goals are specific, realistic, and inspiring. | |
| Collaboration/Project | Presents a well-thought-out, creative, and feasible idea for collaboration with staff on a sustainability project. |
Scoring Scale:
- 5 - Exceptional
- 4 - Strong
- 3 - Average
- 2 - Limited
- 1 - Weak
- 0 - Not evident and/or use of AI
The CEA CAPA Academic Excellence Scholarship is our merit-based award for students demonstrating exceptional motivation in achieving their academic goals through education abroad. Students are not required to submit financial aid documentation.
Prompt:
- CEA CAPA's mission is to empower students to become thoughtful and thriving leaders through living and learning abroad. How might living and learning abroad amplify your educational goals and enhance your undergraduate studies?
- 750 words maximum
Academic Excellence Scholarship Rubric
| Criterion | Description | Score (0-5) |
|---|---|---|
| Relevance to Prompt | The essay addresses all aspects of the prompt clearly and thoughtfully, including a specific example and the academic impact. | |
| Writing Quality | Clear, well-organized, and engaging writing. Effective structure, grammar, and mechanics. Voice is authentic and professional. | |
| Academic Motivation | Essay provides strong evidence of the applicant's motivation for academic success and long-term intellectual development. | |
| GPA | Below 3.8: 0 points 3.8 - 3.84: 1 point 3.85 - 3.89: 2 points 3.9 - 3.94: 3 points 3.95 - 3.99: 4 points 4.0: 5 points |
Scoring Scale:
- 5 - Exceptional
- 4 - Strong
- 3 - Average
- 2 - Limited
- 1 - Weak
- 0 - Not evident and/or use of AI
This scholarship celebrates John Christian’s remarkable leadership and his lifelong passion for empowering students who not only dream big but lead boldly. Students participating in Fall programs at our London Center with an interest in leadership are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Students must be willing to serve as an ambassador at their home institution after their semester abroad.
Prompt:
- Describe a time when you demonstrated leadership in your school, community, or personal life. What does leadership mean to you, and how did this experience shape your understanding of it?
- How do you hope to grow as a leader through this scholarship opportunity, and what impact do you aim to make using the skills or perspectives gained?
John Christian Leadership Scholarship Rubric
| Criterion | Description | Score (0-5) |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership Experience and Example | Provides a clear, specific, and compelling leadership example with strong relevance. The student demonstrates authentic initiative, influence, or decision-making. | |
| Reflection and Understanding of Leadership | Offers reflection on what leadership means and clearly connects the experience to personal growth. | |
| Future Leadership Growth and Impact | Identifies specific, realistic leadership growth goals aligned with the scholarship; essay clearly articulates the impact they aim to make. | |
| Writing Quality and Communication | Writing shows clarity, structure, and professionalism. The essay is well-organized, error-free, and ideas flow logically. |
Scoring Scale:
- 5 - Exceptional
- 4 - Strong
- 3 - Average
- 2 - Limited
- 1 - Weak
- 0 - Not evident and/or use of AI
One Step at a Time!
Ready to start your study abroad journey? Take the first step with confidence, and know we're with you every step of the way.
Start TodayExternal Scholarships
We encourage students to apply for as many external scholarships as they are eligible. Below are some scholarship opportunities available outside of CEA CAPA. Be sure to consult your Study Abroad Office and Financial Aid Office to inquire about additional opportunities.
- Fund for Education Abroad (FEA) Access Partnership
- FEA Rainbow Scholarship Fund
- Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
- Gilman-McCain Scholarship
- Mobility International
- National Italian American Foundation
- United Negro College Fund
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- HI USA Explore the World Travel Scholarship
Frequently Asked Questions
- When should I apply?
- What are the deadlines?
- How competitive are the scholarships?
- Do you accept late applications?
- Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
- I am participating in a Custom Program. Am I eligible for a scholarship?
- How are scholarship decisions made?
How competitive are the scholarships?
Our scholarships are highly competitive each term. Students who prioritize their enrollment in the fall term may see a better chance of receiving a scholarship due to decreased competition for these funding opportunities.
Do you accept late applications?
Due to the number of applications, we are not able to accept late applications.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Students may apply for multiple scholarships but will only be awarded one.
I am participating in a Custom Program. Am I eligible for a scholarship?
CEA CAPA scholarships are available to students on custom programs that are 18 days or longer.
When are recipients notified?
Recipients are notified approximately one month after the scholarship deadline.
When and how are funds disbursed?
Scholarship awards are disbursed according to your institutional billing agreement. Please ask your CEA CAPA enrollment advisor to verify.
What documents do I need?
Please refer to the individual scholarship applications to determine which documents you will need to submit.
In which format should I submit my video?
Please submit the video hyperlink directly on the application.
Who do I contact if I have further questions?
Contact Scholarships (scholarships@ceacapa.com).