Below is a list of helpful resources for Veteran Students who wish to access their VA benefits for a study abroad experience. In combination with the Padnos International Center, the Veterans Network at Grand Valley will work with Veterans to interpret the benefits that Veterans can access during a study abroad summer, semester, or academic year programs! For more information regarding the Veterans Network at Grand Valley and student benefits, visit www.gvsu.edu/veterans

VA Benefits Study Abroad Checklist

Step 1 Meet with Meaghann Myers-Smith ([email protected]) to review study abroad program criteria required by the VA.

Step 2 Attend a Study Abroad First Step Meeting or visit the Padnos International Center to learn about the various study abroad options available.

Students using VA benefits to help pay for the cost of study abroad can select from the following program options:  

1.  GVSU Faculty-led programs
2. GVSU partnered exchange
3.  Direct enrollment in a foreign institution*

Browse Programs

NOTE: VA benefits cannot be applied to third-party providers.

*The overseas host university must be approved by the VA prior to participation. A list of approved universities can be found on the WEAMS Database at: https://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchInstitutionCriteria.do   Any institution NOT approved in the WEAMS database must first be approved prior to a student’s participation. 
Approval process for foreign universities: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/foreign_program_approval_information_for_schools.asp

Step 3 Visit the Padnos International Center to research and select a study abroad program that fits your academic, personal, and professional interests.  

Step 4  Verify benefits with your GVSU VA Certifying Official.

Step 5  APPLY for study abroad. 

Step 6  Meet with GVSU’s School Certifying Official (SCO) to review your plan. Students must provide evidence for how the selected study abroad program will help them meet degree requirements at GVSU.

Veterans Network Contact

If you have further questions regarding your GI Bill ® benefits, please contact your GVSU VA Certifying Official in the Records Office (616) 331-3327 or via email at [email protected]. 

Further Guidelines to VA Benefits for Study Abroad

For direct guidelines about the use of VA (GI Bill ®) benefits, please check out the Tuition and Fees, Housing, Books and Supplies under Post-9/11 GI Bill © Study Abroad Programs. 

Scholarship Opportunities for Veterans

Study.com Scholarship for Military Veterans

https://amvets.org/scholarships/

The Purple Heart Scholarship Program

pattillmanfoundation.org/apply-to-be-a-scholar/

Financial Aid for Military & Veterans

For additional opportunities, contact the Padnos International Center

Project GO

Project Global Officer (Project GO) is a national initiative designed to enhance the language skills, cultural understanding, and regional expertise of ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) cadets and midshipmen in the United States. The program provides funding for immersive language study and cultural experiences, including study abroad programs and intensive language courses. Project GO aims to develop future military officers with the global competencies necessary to effectively operate in diverse international environments, promoting cross-cultural communication and understanding within the U.S. military. The initiative supports a range of languages deemed critical to national security, fostering a cadre of officers equipped to meet the challenges of global leadership.

Scholarships for Dependents of Veterans

Guy M. Wilson Scholarship

William D. and Jewell Brewer Scholarship

Gilman-McCain Scholarship

Frederick S. Singer Memorial Veterans Endowed Scholarship