The Stearns Global Education Fund stands as a pivotal scholarship program at George Mason University (GMU), designed to facilitate student mobility between its U.S. and Korea campuses. Named in honor of University Provost Emeritus Peter N. Stearns, who significantly advanced international education during his tenure from 2000 to 2014, this fund underscores GMU’s commitment to fostering global learning and cross-cultural exchange. It is particularly beneficial for Mason Korea students aspiring to study in the U.S. and Mason U.S. students seeking educational experiences at the Korea campus. By providing financial support, the Stearns Fund not only enhances academic opportunities but also promotes leadership, innovation, and global networking. This article offers a detailed exploration of the fund’s structure, eligibility, application process, and benefits, tailored for job seekers, students, professionals, and researchers interested in international education opportunities.
About the Stearns Global Education Fund
The Stearns Global Education Fund is a scholarship initiative by GMU, aimed at supporting students traveling between its campuses in Fairfax, Virginia (U.S.), and Incheon, South Korea. It reflects GMU’s mission as a leader in higher education, dedicated to providing transformative global learning experiences.
Program Details
- Program Name: Stearns Global Education Fund
- Current Status: Active, with applications ongoing for the 2025 academic year
- Scope & Objectives: The fund supports Mason Korea students traveling to U.S. campuses for their year of study and Mason U.S. students pursuing a semester or year of study abroad at Mason Korea, including Global Gateway students. It aims to provide a strong foundation in cross-campus education, equipping participants with essential skills for global engagement.
- Program Overview: GMU, recognized for its innovative approach to education, administers this program through its Korea campus. The university, founded in 1972 and now Virginia’s largest public research university, is committed to fostering international collaboration and student mobility.
- Legacy: Named after Peter N. Stearns, the fund honors his legacy of expanding GMU’s global presence, including the establishment of Mason Korea. Stearns, a prominent historian and educator, served as provost until 2014, leaving a lasting impact on international education.
- Institution: George Mason University, with campuses in Fairfax, Virginia, and Incheon, South Korea
- Program Duration: Covers one semester
- Study Mode: Requires full-time enrollment at the host campus
- Focus Areas: Centers on supporting study abroad and exchange programs, emphasizing cultural and academic exchange (International Relations, Business, Social Sciences, Technology, Arts & Humanities)
- Purpose & Objectives: The program supports individuals in higher education by offering financial assistance for cross-campus study, providing mentorship through university resources, and enhancing professional development through global exposure.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Stearns Global Education Fund, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Requirements: A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Work Experience: Not specified, making it accessible to students without professional experience
- Age Limit: No age restrictions, open to all eligible students
- Nationality: Open to all students enrolled at GMU’s Mason Korea or U.S. campuses, promoting inclusivity
- Language Proficiency: Must be capable of studying at the host campus, with no specific language test required but implied through enrollment
- Additional Requirements: Must have submitted all necessary documents for transition or study abroad approval, ensuring readiness for the program
Key Points
- The Stearns Global Education Fund supports student travel between George Mason University’s (GMU) U.S. and Korea campuses.
- It provides $1,000 per semester for one semester to students with financial need and a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Research suggests it’s ideal for Mason Korea students studying in the U.S. and U.S. students at Mason Korea.
- The evidence leans toward it fostering global education and cultural exchange, with deadlines like April 9, 2025, for Fall 2025.
Overview
The Stearns Global Education Fund, named after former GMU Provost Peter N. Stearns, helps students financially to study across GMU’s international campuses. It’s a scholarship that removes barriers for those wanting to experience different academic environments.
Eligibility and Application
You need a GPA of 2.0 or higher and must prove financial need. Apply through the Mason Korea portal, submitting documents like transcripts and a personal statement, with deadlines varying by term.
Benefits and Deadlines
It offers $1,000 for one semester, covering travel costs, with a key deadline of April 9, 2025, for Fall 2025 travel from Mason Korea to Fairfax. Check the official site for updates.
Application Process
The application process is designed to be accessible, with clear steps for prospective applicants:
- Register on the Official Portal: Students should apply through the Mason Korea scholarships portal (Mason Korea Scholarships) or the relevant system for U.S. students, ensuring they use the official channels.
- Choose a Host Institution: For Mason Korea students, this involves being accepted into a program at one of the Mason U.S. campuses. For U.S. students, acceptance into the Mason Korea program is required.
- Prepare Required Documents:
- CV/Resume: Detailing academic and extracurricular achievements
- Personal Statement: Explaining financial need and how the fund will support educational goals
- Transcripts & Certifications: To verify GPA and academic standing
- Letters of Recommendation: If required, to support the application
- Proof of Financial Difficulty: Such as financial statements or tax returns
- Approval for Transition or Study Abroad: Documentation showing acceptance at the host campus
- Submit Application before the Deadline: For example, for Fall 2025 (Mason Korea to Fairfax), the deadline is April 9, 2025, at 11:55 PM (KST). Students must adhere to these dates to be considered.
- Interview Process: May be required, depending on the selection process, to assess candidacy further.
- Await Results & Enrollment Confirmation: Successful applicants will receive notification and must confirm their enrollment for the program, ensuring a smooth transition.
Financial Support & Benefits
The Stearns Global Education Fund offers a comprehensive funding package to successful applicants:
- Monthly Stipend: $1,000 per semester, awarded for one semester to cover travel and related expenses
- Research Funding: Not applicable, as the focus is on study abroad rather than research
- Relocation Allowance: Intended to cover travel costs, with the $1,000 stipend supporting relocation needs
- Additional Benefits: Students may access other university resources for housing or additional support, enhancing their study abroad experience
This financial assistance ensures that students can focus on their academic and cultural immersion without financial stress.
Key Application Deadlines
Deadlines are critical for applicants to note, with specific dates for different terms:
- Application Open Date: Typically opens several months before the deadline, check Mason Korea Scholarships for exact dates
- Application Deadline: For Fall 2025 (MK Students to Fairfax), April 9, 2025, at 11:55 PM (KST)
- Document Submission Deadline: Same as application deadline, April 9, 2025, for the mentioned term
- Interview Dates: If applicable, dates will be communicated post-application
- Admission Results Announcement: Notification sent to successful applicants after review
- Program Start Date: Varies by term, typically aligns with the start of the semester at the host campus
Applicants should regularly check the official website for updates, as deadlines may vary.
Contact Information
For inquiries and support, applicants can reach out through official channels:
- Program Coordinator: Contact details available on the Mason Korea scholarships page or through the university’s financial aid office
- Email: mksch@gmu.edu (for Mason Korea students), a primary point of contact for scholarship queries
- Phone: Refer to the university website (George Mason University) for contact numbers
- Social Media Links: Follow George Mason University and Mason Korea on platforms like X and LinkedIn for updates and announcements
Summary
The Stearns Global Education Fund exemplifies GMU’s commitment to fostering global citizenship and academic excellence. By providing $1,000 per semester for one semester, it removes financial barriers for students wishing to study across its international campuses, whether from Mason Korea to the U.S. or vice versa. With a GPA requirement of 2.0 and proof of financial need, it’s accessible to a wide range of students. The application process, involving documents like transcripts and personal statements, has deadlines such as April 9, 2025, for Fall 2025 travel. This program not only enhances academic opportunities but also promotes leadership and global networking. Aspiring scholars are encouraged to apply early, leveraging this opportunity to step into a world of boundless possibilities and contribute to a more interconnected global society.
Quick Reference Table
Field | Details |
Name of Program | Stearns Global Education Fund |
Organization Name | George Mason University |
Location | Between Mason Korea (Incheon, South Korea) and Mason U.S. campuses (Fairfax, Virginia, etc.) |
Eligibility | – Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher<br>- Financial need<br>- Approval for transition or study abroad |
Focus Areas | Supporting cross-campus study and cultural exchange |
Application Deadline | Varies by term; e.g., Fall 2025 for MK to Fairfax: April 9, 2025 |
Key Citations
FAQs
The Stearns Global Education Fund is a scholarship program at George Mason University supporting student travel between its U.S. and Korea campuses, fostering global education and cultural exchange. It honors former Provost Peter N. Stearns’ legacy in international education.
Eligible students include those from Mason Korea traveling to U.S. campuses or U.S. students studying at Mason Korea. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
The fund offers $1,000 per semester for one semester to cover travel costs, helping students with financial need experience cross-campus study opportunities.
Apply through the Mason Korea scholarships portal or George Mason University’s general scholarship system. Ensure eligibility and submit required documents like transcripts and a personal statement by the deadline.
Required documents include transcripts, proof of financial need, a personal statement, and approval for transition or study abroad. Refer to the official guidelines for a complete list.
The fund primarily supports travel costs; for living expenses, explore additional financial aid options through George Mason University’s Office of Financial Aid.
The fund is awarded for one semester only. For longer stays, students must reapply or seek other funding sources.
Selection is based on financial need and application materials review. Check the official application guidelines for detailed criteria.
