The Office of Global Affairs (OGA) has made funds available to support pre-program visits for the creation of new study abroad programming that engages UWT students with diverse lived experiences and academic or professional interests in locations not typically among the leading study abroad destinations. Each project selected as part of the Fellowship receives up to $2,500 in funding to support the expansion of programming related to campus internationalization and global learning. 

All qualifying UWT faculty and staff are eligible to submit a proposal, including staff and faculty who have not previously led study abroad programs and/or who are early in their career. 

Criteria for selecting project proposals will include an evaluation of the degree to which the proposed projects:

  • Combine on-campus coursework with a study abroad program (hybrid programs)
  • Take place in locations that are not leading study abroad destinations
  • Are relevant to and honor the diverse lived experiences, heritage and knowledge traditions, and cultural assets of UW Tacoma students and their communities
  • Include coursework at the 200-300 level and/or are geared toward first and/or second-year students
  • Are developed in partnership with two-year or four-year colleges and universities in the host country
  • Include study of the host country's language (where applicable)
  • Align with OGA's mission, values, and global learning outcomes
  • Align with UW Tacoma's Strategic Plan

Eligibility:

The Global Initiatives Fellowship is open to all full-time faculty and staff at UW Tacoma who:

  • Have a demonstrated interest in global learning and campus internationalization
  • Can commit to meeting all expectations as outlined below
  • Demonstrate a history of/ability to collaborate with colleagues across the campus and beyond  

Funding Period and Expectations:

The funding period will be the 2026 fiscal year (July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026). During the funding period, participants are required to:

  • Identify a Project Lead to serve as primary contact (must be a UW Tacoma faculty or staff member)
  • Meet with an assigned OGA staff lead
  • Plan to submit a Study Abroad Program Proposal during the 2025-26 or 2026-27 cycles
  • Submit a final report to OGA no later than December 2026

Awards are an allocation of State funds, and must follow ALL UW spending policies and procedures, including:

  • Funds cannot be used for course release(s) or unapproved travel companions (non-UW affiliates)
  • Budgeted salaries or stipends must include benefits
  • Expenditures must adhere to fiscal calendar dates and deadlines
  • GIF recipients must use appropriate, state-approved resource streams and procedures for reimbursement

Please note that summer 2025 travel is eligible for GIF funding; however, reimbursement for travel will not take place until the start of the new fiscal year on July 1, 2025, or after.

Application Process: 

Applicants are asked to provide the following via our online proposal form:

FAQs

Can a project have co-leaders who share the lead role?

While a project may be structured in a way that multiple individuals co-lead its development, an individual faculty or staff member must be identified as the Project Lead. This Project Lead will serve as the primary point of contact and oversee compliance with budgetary rules. 

Can the award funds be used to pay individuals?

Compensation to individuals working on the project is allowed, but ability to pay faculty, staff, and students depends on a number of factors related to UW policy. Please contact the budget authority in your unit and/or OGA to discuss the details of any compensation before you submit your proposal. Justifications for compensation should be considered within the context of other budgetary needs, such as reimbursement for approved expenses (e.g., travel, materials, training, supplies, etc.).

Who should I contact if I have questions?

Please email Dr. Karleigh Koster, Assistant Director of Study Abroad, at kkoster@uw.edu.