Study Abroad

Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) students participating in a study abroad program that incorporates activities related to children who are economically disadvantaged are eligible to apply for the Riker Fund scholarship. Scholarship amounts vary. Applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA.

Submit the application form along with:

• A two-page essay (double-spaced), which covers why you want to participate in the program, what you expect to gain from it, how the experience relates to your educational and career objectives, your financial constraints or circumstances and how you will share your study abroad experience with others.
• Your official up-to-date transcript from Purdue University.
• Your current resume.
• One letter of recommendation from a faculty or staff member at Purdue.

All required application documents must be received by February 3. Email completed application materials to Penny Kelly at kelly28@purdue.edu. Recipients are selected by the Riker Fund selection committee with approval from the HDFS department head.

This $1,500 scholarship was established to help defray costs of travel and other expenses associated with studying abroad.

Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence (minimum GPA of 3.2), financial need and how the study abroad experience will meet their academic objectives. Financial need will be assessed based on submission of a FAFSA financial aid form, so all applicants must have a FAFSA on file. Recipients of this study abroad scholarship are chosen by a selection committee with approval from the Psychological Sciences department head.

Application Materials:

• Your official up-to-date transcript from Purdue University.
• Your current resume or CV.
• Evidence of financial need.
• A 250-word statement that outlines how the study abroad experience will meet your academic objectives.
• One letter of recommendation from a faculty member or another individual.

All required application documents must be received by February 1. Email application materials to Emily Iffert, Undergraduate Program Coordinator, at rettige@purdue.edu.

The letter of recommendation may be emailed or sent by mail to the following address: Emily Iffert, Department of Psychological Sciences, 703 Third Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907.

Questions? Contact Dr. Colin William, director of undergraduate studies at ctwilliam@purdue.edu.

Search additional scholarships available at Purdue that support international study. 

Purdue’s National and International Scholarships Office (NISO) coordinates campus nominations for prestigious external awards. Through workshops and personalized advising, NISO staff guide candidates through the application process for select NISO scholarships and grants.

Each student’s financial aid package is different, so it is important that students talk with a Division of Financial Aid staff member to determine what assistance is available for their chosen study abroad program.

Eligibility
HHS faculty and staff members who have led study abroad programs since the spring of previous academic year are eligible for being nominated.
Nomination Procedure

• Candidates may be nominated by any faculty or staff member in the College of Health and Human Sciences or students who have participated in a program led by the nominee.
• Nominations should be emailed to hhsglobe@purdue.edu and add cc. liping@purdue.edu. It should include the following:
  • A 200-word description of the nominee’s achievements in leading study abroad programs for the students in her or his department or school
  • If you are a student making the nomination, please include the program name and year in which you participated with the nominee
  • Nominator’s contact information
• The nominations deadline for the current academic year is February 20th and the award will be announced and presented at the spring faculty meeting.