HOW TO APPLY

ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS

• The one-year program is open to any Vanderbilt University senior who will graduate by May 2025. December 2024 graduates are eligible to apply.

• If you are a rising junior or senior and looking for information about the Summer Keegan Traveling Fellowship, please visit the Summer Keegan information page.

• Completed applications must be submitted on InfoReady. This year’s application will open on November 1st, and the deadline will be in January 21st, 2025.

• A selection committee will evaluate submitted applications and name finalists, who will be interviewed early March. Recipients will be notified by phone and/or email shortly thereafter.

• Fellow(s) will receive a $25,000 stipend to support travel and maintenance costs.

• Fellow(s) will work with the Office of Undergraduate Education Senior Director and the Vanderbilt Office of Global Safety (OGS) to plan their multi-country, cross-cultural itinerary.

• Fellow(s) must communicate monthly with OGS, the Office of Undergraduate Education Senior Director, and their faculty project adviser while overseas.

• Keegan Traveling Fellows will only be allowed to commence travel in accordance with State Department, CDC and WHO guidelines. Fellows may propose travel to countries with Level 1 and Level 2 Travel Advisories. Please visit USA Study Abroad and travel.state.gov for more information. Final approval to travel will be granted by Vanderbilt University.

APPLICATION
PROCESS

Each applicant must complete the application form on InfoReady (which includes academic, professional and other biographical information, including multiple short answers and a 500-word essay that demonstrates your leadership ability) and upload the following documents:

1. CV/Curriculum Vitae: This document (max 3 pages) highlights experiences that have prepared you to thrive as a Keegan Traveling Fellow. Your CV should include professional and research experience (work, internships, student-athlete, volunteer), leadership, extracurriculars, service, honors and awards. You should also include any international and/or intercultural experience, and language skills. You may include pertinent activities prior to your enrollment at Vanderbilt, but you should concentrate on your university and/or graduate coursework except in the case of exceptional involvement during your high school career. Applicants may meet with a Career Center or Writing Studio coach to refine their CV.

2. Project Proposal: This statement should be no more than two pages (approximately 1000 words) single-spaced, 12 pt font. You should indicate your proposed international project, with particular emphasis on how the year abroad will enhance your understanding of the chosen subject in a global context. Keep in mind that the Fellowship seeks to promote reflection on community engagement, leadership development, and a global orientation, not pursuit of a postgraduate degree or a specific career. 

3. Letters of Recommendation: Two letters are required. One must come from the Vanderbilt faculty member who has agreed to advise your project throughout your time abroad. Another must come from an individual who can speak to your campus and/or community service, leadership and extracurricular engagement.

4. Transcript: An official Vanderbilt academic transcript is required (available through YES). You can upload an unofficial copy to InfoReady, but you should also request that the official transcript be sent to christina.cunningham@vanderbilt.edu.

5. Headshot: Photograph to be used for outreach and promotional efforts if selected as a Fellow. This need not be professional.