The Adventure Learning Grant

world map of countries represented by their flags

About the Adventure Learning Grant

The Adventure Learning Grant is a $25,000 stipend awarded annually to a few Fairhaven students so that they may travel abroad to enrich their education with intellectual risk, challenge, and adventure by traveling to a place of discomfort. The purpose of the Adventure Learning Grant is to challenge students’ perspectives, enrich their education, expose them to intellectual risk, and help embody challenge and adventure as integral to a Fairhaven education. Preference will be given to students who propose travel to the Global South. Prior international travel experience not required.

NOTE ON COVID19: These are unique times. We are planning to continue with the ALG recruitment and selection process despite our inability to know the status of future international travel. We ask that you think about the uncertainty of our future travel options when preparing and applying - in case this level of uncertainty precludes you applying.

We have a canvas page to share important information with ALG applicants, click on this link to join: ALG Canvas Page

Purpose

The purpose of the Adventure Learning Grant is to challenge students perspectives, enrich their education, expose them to intellectual risk, and help embody challenge and adventure as integral to a Fairhaven education. The grants will enable Fairhaven students to have extended experiences with cultures outside of the United States and to integrate those experiences into Fairhaven College.

Eligibility

Applicants must be current students, enrolled in a least their second quarter at Fairhaven, have their concentration filed or major declared prior to departure, commit to living internationally for at least 10 months consecutively, and commit to returning to Fairhaven as a full-time student for three quarters (excluding summer) following the 10-month period of the Adventure Learning Grant.

Selection Criteria

Creativity and ingenuity of proposed project
Likelihood that proposed experience will challenge student's perspectives
Extent to which culture(s) the student will experience differs from that of the United States
Student's commitment to integrating the Adventure Learning experience into the Fairhaven community
Probability that student will make full use of opportunities provided by the Adventure Learning Grant
Student's awareness of the importance of learning respectfully from the people and culture(s) visited

Adventure Learning Grant (ALG) Information Sessions

TBA for the Spring 2023 term.

We will meet in person (room 326), and virtually. If you want to connect virtually email Hilary for the zoom link: hilary.schwandt@wwu.edu.

There will be snacks, visits from former and current ALG recipients, and ample opportunity to learn more about the ALG application process and experience - and to have all of your questions answered.

Important Dates:

January 9, 2024 Applications due
January 10-12, 2024 Proposals read by Committee
January 15 & 16, 2024 Interview Finalists
January 17, 2024 Grant recipients announced

Expectations of Grant Recipients

Use the two quarters prior to the Adventure Learning Grant experience to prepare to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the grant.
Pursue the proposed project with curiosity and enthusiasm, making changes in consultation with advisor and ALG Coordinator to take advantage of new opportunities.
Participate in a program of regular communication with Fairhaven College so that other students can share in and learn from your experiences and insights.
Submit final report of activities and financial accounting within 30 days of return.
Return to Fairhaven for a minimum of three academic quarters and conduct a program (lectures, slideshow, performances, teaching a class, etc.) to share experience in depth with other students.
Conduct oneself in a responsible manner and avoid all illegal activities during the grant period.

Please email Hilary Schwandt if you have any questions.

Contact

Hilary Schwandt for the meeting links.

Deadlines - 2023/2024

Spring through December 2023: Preparation of applications; attend information and orientation sessions; solicitation of letters of recommendation
January 9, 2024 Applications due