US liberal arts college Albion College has launched a reimagined study abroad program Albion Go! in a bid to widen access to study abroad opportunities.
Each student at the Michigan-based, private college can apply for the grant-based initiative which gives access to $2,500 to cover tuition fees, accommodation, food, visa fees and more, while participating in Albion-approved study abroad and faculty-led global courses.
The grant amount is available for each student, no matter the length and location of their study abroad period, which is how Albion College previously allocated study abroad grants.
Albion Go! originally launched in autumn 2021, and the institution now wants to encourage its study body of 1,500 to apply to take their studies to other locations in the US and globally.
Albion Go!, a “more equitable approach to grant distribution” was set up in order to make its “immersive educational experience more inclusive for all students” according to Cristen Casey, director for International Education at Albion College.
“It is our hope that this program encourages more students to take advantage of opportunities to immerse themselves in cultures different from their own, grow academically and personally, and get cultural context on important issues facing society,” said Casey.
“It is our hope that this program encourages more students to take advantage of opportunities”
The college, founded in 1835, prides itself on preparing students to anticipate, solve and prevent problems in order to improve the human and global condition.
“Support of the global perspective is an important component of Albion’s commitment to a well-rounded liberal arts education and we’re thrilled to expand that support through Albion Go!” Casey added.