Studying abroad will become easier for 25 first-year students who receive a passport free through a grant program sponsored by the Institute of International Education.
One of the first requirements for someone who wants to travel and study abroad is to possess a passport. While not typically the most expensive part of travel, procuring one might seem difficult for a new college student.
In March, York College of Pennsylvania was selected to participate in the Institute of International Education’s American Passport Project, a national initiative that helps students who want to participate in the College’s Study Abroad program by covering the cost of their first adult passport. The school will receive $4,125 to support $165 grants for 25 students.
Meeting the first requirement
The grant program will prioritize first-year students who have not previously held an adult U.S. passport and students who might face financial barriers to global learning. Students must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old, and enrolled at York College.
“York College students, a lot of them are first generation, and they tend to see Study Abroad as a luxury,” says Michael Zerbe, Ph.D., Professor of English and Director of Global Learning. “It’s a motivation if they can get past that first hurdle.”
Part of Dr. Zerbe’s work will include coordinating with the Financial Aid Office to identify incoming students eligible for the grant and streamlining the passport application process.
Removing a barrier to travel
At York College, many Study Abroad opportunities are short-term programs connected to academic courses. They often take place over spring break in March or right after the conclusion of the academic year in May, last eight to 10 days, and can be more affordable and less disruptive to students’ schedules than spending a full semester abroad. Students also can choose semester-long programs, internships, or independent international experiences.
For first-year students, having a passport on hand can give them time to plan and save for the experience. Students who receive the passport grant are not required to study abroad. The goal is to remove a barrier and give them time to explore their international opportunities.
“I think it gets them over that first hurdle,” Dr. Zerbe says. “Having that passport in hand can be a real catalyst to investigating Study Abroad more deeply.”
Travel can have lifelong impact
York College also provides Study Abroad advising and support as students consider how global learning might fit into their academic and career goals. That assistance can include helping students identify the right semester for the experience, working with academic advisors, and encouraging reflection after students return.
Dr. Zerbe points out that international experiences can help students build cultural literacy, confidence, and a wider perspective on their own country and the world. The grants support York College’s broader commitment to experiential education and preparing students for life after graduation.
“Employers see cultural literacy as a really, really big advantage,” Dr. Zerbe says. “They want their employees to be able to work with people from other cultures and countries.”
For students who believe studying abroad is not financially feasible, Dr. Zerbe encourages them to start asking questions early.
“If you plan ahead and try to do some saving and budgeting, it becomes quite realistic,” he says. “There’s a lot of research that shows that the first time out of the country has such a huge impact on a person.”
For 25 York College students, that impact will soon be one step closer.
