UO Staff Study Abroad Grant
With this grant, GEO supports UO staff who wish to participate in a site visit to select GEO study abroad programs. In 2025, three grants were awarded. Read about their experiences below!
Explore the World | Advance the GEO Mission | About the Grant | Apply Now
UO Staff Travel Grant
Three UO staff members traveled abroad on the UO Staff Study Abroad Grant, offered by Global Education Oregon (GEO), gaining firsthand experience to enhance support for Ducks exploring the world. Read about their experiences below at our GEO Centers.
Amy Sibul, Human Physiology director internships and career readiness, visited GEO's Spain Centers in Oviedo and Segovia, and GlobalWorks International Internships in Madrid.
“Each of these locations—Oviedo, Madrid, and Segovia—offers Ducks the chance to strengthen their Spanish, grow as global citizens, and explore the world with curiosity and humility.”
She witnessed students building community, confidence, and independence across three distinct Spanish cities.Read Amy's Blog
Andrea Olson, College of Education director of stewardship and donor relations, visited GEO’s new programs in Costa Rica.
“One student told me, ‘I almost didn’t go because I had a lot of anxiety about the unknown. Now I can’t imagine my college experience without it.’ That kind of transformation is what study abroad is all about.”
Her experience highlighted how homestays, local staff, and program structure provide powerful support for first-time travelers.
Rosa Chavez, Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence director, visited the GEO Siena Center to better advise first-generation and multicultural students.
“My advice to students is to start exploring early, even if you don't know where you want to go. To take the opportunity to take a look and see what's available to you.”
Her experience is testimonial to the importance of campus advising and the resources we offer to help students feel that studying abroad is attainable.
Explore the World
Each year a select group of GEO programs will be available for the UO Staff Study Abroad Grant.
In 2025, three UO staff members were selected for the UO Staff Study Abroad Grant. Read about their experiences on the GEO Blog by clicking on their name below:
- Amy Sibul, Human Physiology director internships and career readiness, visited GEO's Spain Centers in Oviedo, and Segovia, and GlobalWorks International Internships in Madrid.
- Andrea Olson, College of Education director of stewardship and donor relations, visited GEO’s new programs in Costa Rica.
- Rosa Chavez, Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence director, visited the GEO Siena Center to better advise first-generation and multicultural students.
Advance the GEO Mission
The purpose of the grant is to:
- Enable UO staff to participate in and contribute to UO’s global education programs and internationalization mission;
- Encourage creation of new GEO programming, when appropriate, in which staff might be more fully engaged;
- Increase awareness of, and appreciation for, GEO study abroad programming among staff who may not regularly engage with the Division of Global Engagement;
- Expand promotion of GEO programming through the involvement of a wider range of UO staff;
- Enhance the global engagement mission of the University of Oregon.
Who is eligible?
UO staff from all departments and classifications are encouraged to apply. Non-Tenure Track Faculty (NTTF) who have an FTE .5 or greater assigned to advising students and/or administration are also eligible.
What does it cover?
The grant is intended to cover the cost of travel, lodging, some meals, and related fees (e.g. travel and supplement travel insurance) for the recipient. Individual grant amounts will vary as determined by the selection committee but do not include salary or per diem.
How long are the visits?
Grant recipients will work closely with the GEO director, faculty leader or program coordinator to determine an appropriate form of participation in the program both before and during the grant period. Form and extent of participation will vary depending on grant recipient background, experience, and interests; type and duration of study abroad program; faculty leader, program goals and expectations; program logistics.
What is expected of me?
Staff who apply for this grant should highlight in their application specific avenues for using the experience to serve as an advocate for GEO study abroad programming during the exercise of their day-to-day responsibilities. If possible, staff should propose specific activities or actions they will undertake upon completion of the trip that will help promote GEO study abroad and related international educational opportunities to UO students.
How do you apply?
Applications for 2025 are closed. The applications will be reviewed by a selection committee consisting of UO faculty, plus GEO and DGE staff, with final selection made after interviews with relevant GEO staff, faculty program leaders, and program coordinators (as needed). For questions about this grant, email Will Johnson.