The focus of the award is a project to raise awareness of study abroad, through a project the student undertakes. The "project proposal" is the only criteria used in determining the award amount. This award is neither merit nor needs based. It is based entirely on the dedication, innovation, and work a student is prepared to commit to their program. **As of Spring 2022, exchange students are no longer eligible for the Opportunity Award. Instead you can apply for the Exchange Scholarship below.**
There are 4 criteria we look at on the projects:
1 - Work. The committee tries to determine how many hours the project would require of the student.
2 - Eyes. How many people would see/be exposed to the project? I always use the example of making a replica of the Eiffel Tower out of toothpicks. It would take a LOT of time, but if your project did not address how people would see it, the proposal would lose points in the "eyes" category.
3 - Prestige. Writing an article for the Study Abroad newsletter is not as prestigious as writing an article for the Signpost, which isn't as prestigious as writing an article for the SLC Tribune. Doing classroom presentations is not as prestigious as presenting the Utah House of Representatives. Etc.
4 - Innovation. This category is worth the most points. The application gives some examples of previous projects and project ideas. But if it is something we've never seen before or something that would be exceptionally high quality, it will get more points during the review process.
Award amount is determined by the committee. Minimum $200 for applications turned in correctly.
Application: Opportunity Award
Deadline for Spring Break 2024: December 1st, 2023
Deadline for Summer 2024: March 1st, 2024
If you have any questions, please contact the Study Abroad Office at studyabroad@weber.edu