Details

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State that enables American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities to intensively learn a language while experiencing cultural immersion.  The program lasts from 8 to 10 weeks and includes intensive language instruction of one of 15 critical languages and cultural enrichment experiences aimed at promoting rapid language study. Participants are expected to continue learning a new language after the program finishes and apply newly gained language skills in their professional careers.

Eligibility

Must be a U.S. citizen or national and if undergraduate, complete at least one full year of study.

Details

The prize for Best Essay in Technology and International Security Policy is made possible by a generous donor. It recognizes the best essay that considers the impact of technology on prospects for peace or war, and/or how conflict may shape technology.

The essay should be 2500 – 5000 words long, before references, and may be a term paper or other writing assignment. 

Eligibility

All currently enrolled Cornell students—including undergraduate, doctoral, masters, Cornell Tech, law, and medical students—are eligible. Undergraduate students are particularly encouraged to apply.

Amount

$250

How to Apply

• The essays will be reviewed by a committee of PACS faculty members.

Details

The Susan Tarrow Fellowship for Research in Europe was established in 2005 in honor of the associate director of the Institute for European Studies from 1985-2005. One of Tarrow's priorities was to establish funding to enable Cornell undergraduate students to pursue summer field research in Europe and to provide them with the intellectual and practical advising they need at all stages of their projects.

Undergraduate students from all fields of study are invited to submit applications to pursue research projects focused on Europe. In light of Tarrow’s passion for France and Italy, students planning a project in those countries are particularly encouraged to apply, though the fellowship is open to all Europeanists.

Requirements

• 4-5 page project proposal (double-spaced) with bibliography
• Budget listing estimated costs for airfare, lodging, food, etc.
• 1 letter of recommendation from Cornell Faculty
• Transcript 

The winner will receive up to $4,000 in funding, distributed through their bursar account.

Contact IES with questions about this award.

Details

The Laidlaw Undergraduate Leadership and Research Program promotes ethical leadership and international research around the world—starting with the passionate leaders and learners found on campuses like Cornell.

With generous support for your leadership development, a summer abroad putting your skills into action, and research, this two-year cohort program for emerging leaders lays out a path for you to invest your skills, knowledge, and experience to make global change. Learn more about the program and its global reach on the Laidlaw Foundation website.

The Program

Leadership Training

Learn about your unique leadership strengths, further develop your skills through critical reflection, and prepare to encounter difference from a creative and mindful place.

Leadership-in-Action

Develop a six-week independent leadership-in-action project contributing to a community-based project in an international setting. We'll help you identify an international organization where you can learn from real-world leaders enacting change in their communities and beyond.

Networking

Meet like-minded scholars who are passionate about Laidlaw's shared values—ethical leadership, global perspective, and research with a real-world impact. The international network of Laidlaw scholars extends beyond Cornell to a global community that shares an online collaboration space.

Research

Work on an internationally focused research project with the support of a faculty mentor and/or an experienced research team during your second summer. We'll help you find a project and a faculty mentor!

Award

Summer 1: Up to $3,900 stipend for living expenses during your leadership-in-action experience, plus up to $1,950 stipend for international travel expenses.

Summer 2: Up to $3,900 stipend while you conduct full-time research in Ithaca.

Eligibility

First- and second-year students from any college or major may apply. You should have a strong academic background and must be able to commit to full participation in the program. U.S. citizenship is not required. 

In order to be eligible for program funding, scholars must commit to all components of the program. Upon acceptance, scholars will be required to sign a commitment form. These expectations and important upcoming dates are outlined below. If you have any questions about what full commitment to the program entails, please contact us at laidlaw.scholars@cornell.edu 

How to Apply

Apply by January 12, 2026 using the link below. Students who are selected to become Laidlaw scholars are notified by March 1.

Documents to Submit with Your Application

• Short Answer Questions
• Leadership-in-Action Reflection Question
• Resume/CV (2 page maximum, upload as PDF)
• Copy of your passport. If you do not have one or if it will expire before February 2027, apply for a passport now.
• At least one reference who can submit a letter of recommendation

Questions? 

Contact our Laidlaw coordinator.

Details

The Michael J. Harum Memorial Award for Students of Slavic Languages was established with generous contributions from Michael's family, the Institute for European Studies, and many others who loved and respected this extraordinary man.

The purpose of the award is to support Cornell undergraduates while they continue their language studies in countries where Slavic languages are spoken or while they do research in these countries. In a typical year, funding for this award is used for international summer travel.

Funding Options

• 2-3 week project at 20-40 hours per week = $1,500 - $2,500
• 4-6 week project at 20-40 hours per week = $2,500 - $3,500 

Funding will be distributed through bursar accounts to be made available for use in Summer 2025.

Requirements

• 4-5 page project proposal (double-spaced) with bibliography
• Detailed budget proposal
• 1 letter of recommendation
• Transcript 

Contact IES with questions about this award.

Details

Established in 1993 with a generous bequest from the estate of Cornell alumnus and trustee Frederic Conger Wood, these fellowships support undergraduate research in Europe.

Undergraduates from all colleges are invited to submit applications to pursue independent research projects focused on Europe.

During the summer, Conger Wood fellows spend two to eight weeks pursuing field study in Europe, and upon their return write up the results of their research. These fellowships can be combined with projects tied to attending Cornell summer courses taught in Europe.

Application deadline for winter break travel: December 1, 2025

Application deadline for summer travel: March 1, 2026

Funding Guidelines

• 2-3 week project at 20-40 hours per week = $1,500 - $2,500
• 4-8 week project at 20-40 hours per week = $2,500 - $4,000

Funding will be distributed through bursar accounts.

Requirements

• 4-5 page project proposal (double-spaced) with bibliography
• Budget (identify the level of funding requested using the options above, and list your estimated costs for airfare, lodging, food, etc.)
• 1 letter of recommendation from Cornell faculty
• Transcript 

Contact IES with questions about this award.

Details

The Freeman Prize is awarded annually in the spring to a Cornell graduating senior and/or a graduating Master's student. The Freemans established the prize to offer recognition and encouragement to Cornell students actively engaged in promoting peace and to encourage continued work or education in the field of peace studies. 

The Freeman Fellowship is awarded annually to one or more Cornell students to pursue unpaid projects in the field of peace and conflict studies, including unpaid internships, training seminars, and conferences.

In 1984, the Harrop and Ruth Freeman Prize and Fellowship was established to honor Ruth Freeman, the first woman on the faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences. A bequest from the Freemans ensures that future Cornell students will be recognized for their achievements and continuing work in peace activities.

Eligibility

For the Freeman prize, you must be a Cornell graduating senior or Master's student who has demonstrated a commitment to working for world peace. Preference will be given to students who plan to work in peace-related organizations after graduation, but students who are going on to graduate work in the field are also eligible for consideration. The Freeman Fellowship is open to all Cornell students.

Amount

We award one or more Freeman prizes of $2,500 each. The Freeman fellowship amount varies based on activity, location, and duration.

How to Apply

Apply online:

• Include a brief (1-2 pages) statement of purpose.
• If applying for the fellowship, describe the project you plan to engage in, and include a budget in your statement of purpose.
• Identify and ask your advisor or a faculty member who knows your work well to provide a letter of recommendation. They will be emailed to submit a letter in the online application.
• Upload an e-transcript to the online application.

Details

The Department of Asian Studies provides funding for travel and living expenses for the study, service, or research, in an Asian country.

Students receiving grants are responsible for managing all aspects of their trip including:

• Making their own travel itinerary.
• Arranging travel and accommodations.
• Managing their own budgets.

At the end of the travel recipients must provide documentation of travel and submit a 3-5-page report summarizing the language and cultural experiences. 

Eligibility

Applicants may be from any college or major; their proposed project must relate to their area of study.

Applicants should have a strong cumulative GPA, a well-articulated project, and submit an appropriate budget. 

Priority will be given to students who:

• have completed 2 years of language work in the relevant language prior to the intended travel;
• have no prior travel experience in the area of travel;
• and are Asian Studies majors or minors.

Awardees must be enrolled at Cornell in the semester following travel.

How to Apply

Applicants must also complete an application form, and provide the following:

• a 1500-word proposal about the plan of study or service or research (consisting of the title of the project, project summary, project detail, a detailed project timeline, and a detailed budget);
• a list of the current Academic Year Fall and Spring courses;
• two letters of academic recommendation, one from a language teacher (preferably of a language relevant to proposal) emailed to asianstudiesdus@cornell.edu*,
• letter of recommendation from host institution if you are doing a service project emailed to asianstudiesdus@cornell.edu*.

To apply for a travel grant, or to ask for more information, contact Erin Kotmel, undergraduate coordinator for the Department of Asian Studies. You can also find more information in the travel grant frequently asked questions.

Details

Hoping to learn a new language this summer?

SEAP offers one qualified undergraduate student a chance to win a full scholarship to intensively study a Southeast Asian language for eight full weeks at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. This scholarship is intended for beginners; no prior instruction in or knowledge of any Southeast Asian language is necessary.

SEASSI is an eight-week intensive language training program, offering a chance to jump-start your language learning experience. Each language course is equivalent to two semesters of study, with full academic year credit.

Learn more about SEASSI.

If you plan on attending SEASSI using a SEAP SEASSI Language Scholarship, please note that you must ALSO apply directly to SEASSI. The priority application deadline for SEASSI is March 15, 2026.

Amount

A full scholarship covering the cost of tuition at SEASSI, plus a stipend and/or travel funding may be available

Eligibility

No prior language experience is required.

How to Apply

Please use the “Apply” button below to create and submit an application (Cornell NetID login required).

Required materials include:

• Statement of Purpose (academic background, career goals, other qualifications)
• Letters of recommendation

Questions?

Please direct any questions to SEAP Program Manager Colin Peterson at crp88@cornell.edu.

Details

Planning an international trip?

Students may apply to SEAP for up to $3,000 of funding for international study or research in Southeast Asia, as part of a class or independently. Complete the online application describing your plans, how the experience fits in with your academic goals and pathway, and explaining your sources of funding and anticipated expenses. Apply at least six weeks before your planned travel. For winter break travel, the application period is open.

Amount

Up to $3,000.

Eligibility

• Undergraduates who have taken at least one semester of a Southeast Asian Language and/or a Southeast Asia area studies course.

Timeline

Fall applications are reviewed on October 15.

Spring applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Questions?

Please direct any questions to SEAP Program Manager Colin Peterson (crp88@cornell.edu).

How to Apply

Please use the “Apply” button below to create and submit an application (Cornell NetID login required). Required materials include:

• Project proposal. The proposal should contain a title, abstract, objectives, activities, timeline, and outcomes.
• Budget using THIS TEMPLATE
• Letter of recommendation