The Department of Political Science and International Relations is pleased to announce the POIR Travel Awards made possible through the generous support of our alumni and friends.

These scholarships are designed to support undergraduate students participating in a POIR‑sponsored faculty-led program in spring and summer. Awards of up to $3000 will be given to participants in an eligible Maymester or Summer Program to help cover non-tuition expenses (travel, accommodations, meals) and program fees.

The goal of the fund is to foster global perspectives, promote cross‑cultural understanding, and reduce financial barriers that may limit students’ access to off-campus and international academic experiences.

 

Eligibility

  • Currently enrolled USC undergraduate students at the time of application and program enrollment. PDP students may apply if they will still have undergraduate credits to complete at the time of enrollment.
  • A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

  • Submission of a complete application to an eligible spring or summer program.

The number of awards given will be determined based on the availability of funding.

 

Application Procedures

Applications open: October 12, 2026
Deadline: November 2, 2026

Eligible programs:

  • Dornsife Spring Semester in D.C.
  • IR 325 (Maymester)
  • IR 397 (Maymester)
  • IR 374 (summer)
  • IR 391 (summer)

* Note: Applications for an eligible program must be submitted by the program’s individual deadline, which may be earlier than the travel award deadline.

Submit an application form and upload the following materials as a single PDF file:

  • A current CV or resumé;
  • A Personal Statement (max. 500 words) explaining:
    1. our academic interests and motivations for participating in the selected faculty‑led study‑abroad program;
    2. how the program’s content relates to your major, minor, or broader academic and intellectual interests;
    3. the ways in which the program fits into your academic plan at USC and supports your future academic or professional goals;
    4. the skills, experiences, or perspectives you would bring to the program; and
    5. how you anticipate the faculty‑led program will contribute to your personal development, cultural awareness, and global perspective.
  • A copy of your STARS report;
  • Proof of the completed IR 397, IR 374, or IR 391 or submitted interest form for IR 325
Students in IR 325 Maymester pose in front of Capital Campus in Washington, D.C.

Conditions of Award

If selected for a POIR Travel Award, the following conditions will apply:

  • The student must be accepted into and commit to an eligible spring or summer program.
  • The stipend will be disbursed once the student’s enrollment in the course is confirmed.
  • The stipend may only be spent on non-tuition expenses (travel, food, transit passes, books, etc.) incurred while participating in the program.
  • If the student withdraws before beginning the program, the stipend must be returned to POIR within 10 business days.
  • Students who receive the POIR Travel Award agree to submit a one‑page reflective summary of their study‑abroad experience upon completion of the program, and provide a thank‑you letter addressed to the scholarship donors. We may ask you for permission to share this information in the newsletter, website, or social media.