GO Scholarship

The Global Opportunity (GO) Scholar Program works with first-year students with financial need and encourages them to go abroad by reducing financial barriers and providing support through a designated coordinator and a student cohort. 

GO Scholars receive a planning scholarship to help cover the cost of a CU Boulder-approved education abroad program offered by Education Abroad. This a one-time scholarship and GO Scholars have four years to use the scholarship. GO Scholars may be eligible for additional Education Abroad funding opportunities. Additionally, GO Scholars receive individualized mentoring and support they explore all international opportunities. 

This is a collaboration between CU Leadership, Excellence, Achievement, Diversity (LEAD) Alliance and Education Abroad.

“Before I was selected as a GO Scholar I had not even considered studying abroad as an option. I come from a low-income background and I am first-generation so I had no idea how the credits worked or how I would ever be able to afford it. The GO Scholar program opened my eyes to a world of possibility and allowed me to have hope in being able to make it work with the proper planning and scholarships. I would have never studied abroad without this program.”— GO Scholar recipient

Scholarship Information

GO Scholar recipients will be selected on the basis of financial need, engagement with the CU community, and the thoroughness and depth provided within their application responses.

Applicants to the GO Scholar program do not need to have already identified a study abroad program or determined when / where they are interested in going abroad. The individual mentoring and support GO Scholars receive is intended as an opportunity for Scholars to explore all international opportunities. 

Awards are contingent upon acceptance into and participation in an approved Education Abroad program. Admission to specific study abroad programs is based on program eligibility.

Scholarship funds: GO Scholars will receive a planning scholarship to apply to any CU approved Programs. See details below:
 
  • Fall or Spring Education Abroad program ($6,000)
  • Additional funding available for students going abroad for the academic year
  • Summer programs longer than one month - 4 weeks or more ($6,000)
  • Summer programs shorter than one month ($3,000)
  • Global Intensive Programs  ($2,000)
This applies to all programs including CU in DC programs!

Coaching: GO Scholars will receive individualized mentoring and support from the GO Scholar Coordinator and other Education Abroad staff

Scholar meetings: GO Scholars will participate in multiple meetings (2 times a semester) through out the year which is intended to equip students with the information necessary to navigate the Education Abroad process

Scholar follow-on project: Students share their experience abroad and serve as ambassadors to the greater CU community  

Prior to participating on an Education Abroad program, GO Scholars are expected to:

  • Attend their cohort's GO Scholar Inauguration Celebration and all scheduled meetings
  • Attend a study abroad event (study abroad fair, outreach event, etc.) or meet with an Education Abroad staff member or GO Scholar Coordinator within the first year of receiving the scholarship and again in the year leading up to their program abroad
  • Meet with their academic advisor on a yearly basis to discuss how study abroad can fit into their academic plan

Once GO Scholars select and open an application for their intended Education Abroad program, they are expected to:

After participation on an Education Abroad program, GO Scholars are expected to share their experience abroad and serve as ambassadors to the greater CU community. This includes completing the scholar follow-on project. The project must include at least two of the following:

  • Attend at least one study abroad event (study abroad fair, outreach event, program pre-departure orientation, etc.) as a program alumni
  • Attend the GO Scholar Inauguration Celebration for an incoming cohort
  • Submit photos from your experience abroad
  • Submit an article, video, or other media for Education Abroad's Global Buffs Gazette
  • Students are welcome to discuss other scholar follow-on projects with the GO Scholar Coordinator. 

GO Scholar Jump Menu

 

Applying to the GO Scholar Program

Eligibility

  • Must be your first year at CU Boulder (including transfer students)
  • Must be an undergraduate student
  • Must demonstrate unmet financial need
  • Preference will be given to those without previous international experience
  • Preference will be given to those who participate in a LEAD academic community
  • Special consideration will be given to first-generation students
  • You must be in good academic standing in the School or College you are enrolled in (and not on academic probation or suspension). Definition of "good standing" varies by School and College). Check yours here:

How to Apply

Applications for the 2026-27 Global Opportunity (GO) Scholars Program are now open. The deadline to apply is December 1st, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the posted deadline. Please take your time completing this application. Recipients will be notified if they are awarded Mid February 2027.

APPLY NOW

Application Tips for Sharing Your Story

The GO Scholarship provides funding, mentoring, workshops, and a supportive community to help you plan for education abroad.

Only 35 students will be selected for the 2026–2027 cohort, so take time to make your application personal and specific. We want to hear your story, not a "perfect" or AI-generated answer. 

As you gather your responses:

  • Be specific and be yourself - Share real experiences, examples, and details that help us get to know you. Go beyond general statements like “I want to travel” or “I want to experience a new culture.” Tell us why education abroad matters to you and what you hope to gain from the experience.
  • Connect the dots - Help us understand how your experiences, education abroad goals, and future plans connect.
  • Proofread and don't rush - Make sure your responses are complete, easy to follow, and answer each question. If possible, ask someone you trust to review your application.

Remember: The work you put into this application can help you build your foundation for future reference!! You may be able to use these reflections again for other scholarship applications, interviews, academic opportunities, and career conversations.

 

Additional Funding for GO Scholars

GO Scholars who go abroad on an approved Education Abroad program with our partners will receive the amounts below in addition to their CU GO Scholar award. This includes: 

ArcadiaGO Scholars will receive a $2,000 scholarship for semester programs or a $1,000 scholarship for summer programs.
CEA CAPAGO Scholars will receive a $2,000 scholarship for semester programs or a $1,000 scholarship for summer.
CETGO Scholars will receive a $1,000 scholarship for semester programs or a $500 scholarship for summer.
CIEEGO Scholars will receive a CIEE GAIN travel grant to cover a portion of their airfare. The amount of the grant depends on the cost of the airfare for the given location, but is not to exceed $1,500 for a semester or $500 for a summer. If the cost of the airfare exceeds this amount, the student will need to pay the difference.
DISGO Scholars will receive a $5,000 scholarship for semester programs or $400 for summer Session 3 or 4.
IAU FranceGO Scholars will receive a $6,000 scholarship for semester programs or a $2,000 scholarship for summer programs.
(for IAU Barcelona, Florence and Madrid, GO Scholars are eligible for the IAU Access Scholarship up to $10,000)
IESGO Scholars should consider IES Abroad's High Impact Aid Commitment, which increases accessibility to study abroad for historically underrepresented students and those with high financial need. Eligible students can get up to $5,000. 
WorldStridesGO Scholars will receive a $2,000 scholarship for semester programs or a $1,000 scholarship summer.
Sea Education Association (SEA)GO Scholars will receive a $5,000 scholarship for semester programs or a $3,000 scholarship for summer.
Semester at SeaGO Scholars will receive a $5,000 scholarship and will be considered for additional funding.
SITGO Scholars will receive a scholarship between $1,000-$3,000 for a semester or summer program. Also, all CU Boulder students who receive a Federal Pell grant as part of their Federal financial aid package are eligible to receive a scholarship from SIT that matches the amount of their Pell Grant for that term.

GO Scholars will also be considered for Buffs Abroad Scholarships in addition to funds listed above. GO Scholars are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships and scholarships offered by their program (see program website for information).  

All students participating on any approved CU Boulder Education Abroad program can use their federal, state and institutional financial aid and scholarships / grants they receive through CU towards the cost of their Education Abroad program.

 

Want more info?

Contact Ed Abroad's Global Engagement Coordinator, Adilene Garcia Aniles.