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 and J-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 or J-1 students may apply for experiences to take place during winter break within the current year. 
  • For Spring Break 2023 three awards of $1900 will be made available.
  • 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 ($1900) 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

  • A mandatory pre-departure meeting will take place (exact dates to be announced).
  • 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 -- Spring 2023

1. Complete the Weinstein Travel Grant Info Session.

2. Submit your Application/Statement of Grant Purpose.

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 Spring Break 2023 award amounts will be limited to a maximum of $1900. 

Submit your Spring Break 2023 Weinstein Grant application by 5 p.m. on Monday, February 6, 2023. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Make sure to hit "submit" when your application in WildcatSync is complete, otherwise, it will remain in pending status and be considered incomplete. 

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.

Applications for summer or fall 2023 experiences will NOT be accepted in the spring application. This application cycle will strictly adhere to experiences occurring during Spring Break 2023.