Summer Abroad Funding 

Mount Holyoke College does not offer financial aid for participation in summer study abroad programs. Rather, the College's summer funding commitment is focused on internships, research or projects through the Lynk program through the Career Development Center. 

This resource is an overview of fully or highly funded summer abroad opportunities. Students can also explore our Outside Scholarships page. 

Fully funded summer are competitive and eligibility requirements vary. Applications are usually due between October-February, so you have to plan early! 

Fully/highly funded summer opportunities

• • Critical Language Scholarship Program The U.S. Department of State supports intensive, overseas language study and cultural enrichment for 7-10 weeks during the summer for undergraduates who are U.S. citizens.  No prior study required for Hindi, Persian, Portuguese and Swahili; One year of study required for Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Russian; Two years of study required for Japanese. Deadline mid-late November.

  • DAAD RISE Germany RISE stands for Research Internships in Science and Engineering. RISE Germany offers STEM undergraduate students from North American, British and Irish universities the opportunity to complete a summer research internship at top German universities and research institutions. Students are matched with a host university or institute according to their area of interest (biology, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, engineering, or a closely related field). DAAD provides students roundtrip airfare and a monthly stipend for three months to help cover living expenses. Host universities and institutes provide housing assistance and match students with Ph.D. student mentors. German language is not required and the working language will be in English. Deadline late November.

  • CIEE Douglass-O'Connell Global Internship Pell eligible US citizens who are current first years, sophomore, or juniors with a 3.0 GPA may apply for this competitive summer internship experience in Dublin, Ireland. Thirteen (13) students are selected based on their demonstrated interest in gaining practical work experience in Ireland; their desire to emulate the business acumen and social justice reform of Frederick Douglass and Daniel O’Connell; their values in equality, entrepreneurship, and advocacy; and their commitment to pursuing a better, more inclusive world. Participants will gain real-world work experience while deepening their understanding of Irish history and culture. All eligible applicants who are not selected receive a $1,500 Douglass-O'Connell Scholars Grant, which can be used toward any CIEE summer or semester study abroad program for this summer or next.* Deadline early January.

  • The Boren Awards fully fund overseas programs that include at least 15-20 weekly language hours in Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East only. Eligibility for summer awards is US citizenship with interest in public service and students majoring in STEM (Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Public Health) are eligible for summer-only awards of at least eight weeks’ duration. Deadline late January.

  • US-UK Fulbright Summer Institutes Open to US citizens with little to no travel experience outside of the US, a GPA of at least 3.6, with at least two years left of their undergraduate studies after completion of the program.  Awards cover the majority of costs (including round-trip airfare, tuition and fees, and room and board) to participate in a summer institute program at a UK university. Deadline early February.

  • DIS Arctic Experiential Studies in Greenland Funded through the DIS Green Education Fund, this program supports sustainability-minded students, covering most costs so you can focus on field-based learning, cultural exchange, and making an impact. This program covers tuition, meals, housing, travel between Denmark and Greenland, equipment, and academic materials. Only transatlantic airfare to/from Denmark is not included. Deadline early March.

*Consider stacking the CIEE Douglas O'Connell Scholarship on MHC Lynk funding

Lynk funds an unpaid or underpaid internship or research experience the summer after sophomore or junior year. The deadline to complete step 1 for eligibility is the third Friday in February. The Lynk international standard award is currently $4,600 with potential travel and living adjustments based on location.

If you you apply and are not selected as a CIEE Douglas O'Connell Scholar, you will receive a $1,500 Douglass-O'Connell Scholars Grant, which can be used toward any CIEE summer or semester study abroad program for this summer or next. 8 week CIEE Global Internship programs generally meet Lynk funding eligibility requirements:

• summer only

• 240 active work hours

• well-supervised (by faculty if research)

• comprised of over 50% substantive work

• relevant to student's academic and/or professional goals

• not political

• not in a country assigned a level 3 or 4 travel advisory

• cannot transfer in any credit awarded 

For example, if you were to apply to the 8 week CIEE Global Internship in Monteverde, Costa Rica, for example:

$6,950 CIEE fee for internship placement and support, housing and insurance

$1,966 estimates for meals, roundtrip airfare, local transportation, and personal expenses**

-$1,500 Douglass-O'Connell Scholars Grant

-$4,600 Lynk Fellowship

= $2,816 cost

**In-country expenses vary based on the Global Internship location, so take note when exploring your destination options.

CIEE Global Internships do come with credit, but in order to avail yourself of Lynk funds, you cannot transfer the credit toward your Mount Holyoke degree.