Weinstein Travel Grant

The Weinstein Travel Grant is administered through International Student Programs and made possible through a generous gift from Carol and Marcus Weinstein.

The grant is designed to give international students (F-1 visa holders) an immersive experience within the United States, but outside of the Charlotte metro area.

International students are invited to pursue experiential learning opportunities that allow for intentional immersion, reflection, and transformation. Applicants should creatively design projects/trips that facilitate interaction with diverse cultures, environments, standards of living, artistic expression, political climates, and/or more, across the U.S.

Previously funded projects include: traveling the U.S. west coast by Amtrak, exploring street art in NYC, following the route taken by Jack Kerouac in On the Road, experiencing food trucks in Portland, Oregon and Austin, Texas, recapturing American cinema using iconic film locations in New York, and traveling the Southern States in search of the most delicious BBQ.

Grant Details

• All current F-1 students may apply for experiences to take place during Winter Break within the current year. The Weinstein Travel Grant will no longer be available during Spring Break or summers.
• Approximately 10 awards of up to $2000 will be awarded.
• Experiences that appear to have the greatest potential for high impact and cultural/geographic connection, regardless of length, are given preference.
• The primary objective is a theme or immersion in a different U.S. socio-geographic environment, not to "tour" broadly or superficially.
• Pairs are allowed to apply, but the maximum award ($2000) does not increase. If you're planning on going as a couple or a group, make that clear in your application.
• Proposals to cover the living expenses for internships will not be considered.

Meetings, Expenses and Presentations

• Attendance in one of the Weinstein Travel Grant Info Sessions is required. The Info Sessions scheduled for Fall semester 2023 are scheduled for Tuesday, September 12, Common Hour (11 a.m.-noon) in 1003 Chambers; Thursday, September 21, Common Hour (11 a.m.-noon) in 1003 Chambers. The application will go live on Wednesday, September 13. 
• A log of all expenses, including receipts, is required.
• Any un-used funds above 10% of the original grant amount will be owed back to International Student Programs.
• A written reflection and presentation are REQUIRED upon completion of the project.
• Receipt logs, written reflections, presentations, and unspent funds are due to International Student Programs by the stated due date.

Non-Covered Expenses

• Durable goods that can be used beyond the time period of the project (such as a camera, laptop, voltage converter, etc.).

Application Process – Winter Break 2023-2024

1. Attend one of the required Weinstein Travel Grant Info Sessions. The Info Sessions scheduled for Fall semester 2023 are scheduled for Tuesday, September 12, Common Hour (11 a.m.-noon) in 1003 Chambers; Thursday, September 21, Common Hour (11 a.m.-noon), in 1003 Chambers. The application will go live on Wednesday, September 13. 

2. Submit your Application/Statement of Grant Purpose by the October 2, 2023 deadline.

The Statement of Grant Purpose, this essay (not to exceed two pages) should outline the who, what, when, where, how, and why of your proposal. Make sure to highlight the following:

• Your interest in the area of U.S. culture you will be exploring.
• Your interest in the geographic location(s) you will be visiting.
• The significance and impact this proposal will have on your overall experience in the U.S.
• The goals of your proposed experience.
• A realistic estimate of the timeline and budget. For Winter Break 2023/24 award amounts will be limited to a maximum of $2000. 

You will be notified on the status of your application within one week. If your proposal is selected for funding, you will be required to prepare a detailed budget and itinerary.