Education Abroad
Study Abroad Access Initiative
Program Overview
The goal of the Study Abroad Access Initiative (SAAI) is to encourage University of
Memphis (UofM) students in underrepresented populations in study abroad to participate
in an international education experience by eliminating the upfront financial barriers
associated with studying abroad.
The UofM Center for International Education Services (CIES) is partnering with the TRiO Program and Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change in offering active members of the TRiO and Hooks African American Male Initiative
(HAAMI) an opportunity to apply for a scholarship to supplement the upfront cost of
a passport and round-trip international flight associated with a UofM study abroad
program.
Eligibility
To be considered for the SAAI Scholarship, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Be an active participant in the University of Memphis TRiO Program or Hooks Institute African American Male (HAAMI) at the time of application
- Meet the minimum application requirements for a University of Memphis Study Abroad Program
- If receiving Pell grant, applicants must attend one Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship Workshop, offered by UofM Study Abroad Office
Application Process
Applicants must submit the following by the deadline:
- Complete Online Application
- Submit a statement of purpose, which must be certified by the UofM English Learning Center (ELC) located in Patterson Hall 225 or The Center for Writing and Communication, located on the first floor of Ned R. McWherter Library
- Online Approval from HAAMI program coordinator
- Apply for national, international scholarships, and UofM scholarships for study abroad, in which applicants qualify for
- Staff from the UofM study abroad office, TRiO, and HAMMI will provide and identify resources to help the students with the application process for other scholarships
Application Deadlines
Spring Semester: October 1
Spring Break: November 1
Fall Semester: March 1
Academic Year: March 1
Summer: March 1
SAAI Recipient Requirements
Students Awarded the SAAI Scholarship must complete the following:
- Meet with a study abroad advisor to discuss the passport application process
- Submit receipt for a passport application to study abroad office
- Meet with study abroad advisor to identify an international round-trip flight for the study abroad program
- Must give a power-point presentation at a TRiO or HAAMI meeting following the study abroad program
- The presentation must cover application, planning process, and highlights of study abroad experience