Vredenburg Travel Fund
Travel abroad and conduct research this summer!
You can apply your engineering, technology, or applied science skills and training in an international setting with a project through the Vredenburg Travel Fund!
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About
The Vredenburg Travel Fund offers strong Johns Hopkins engineering students the opportunity to apply their engineering, technology, or applied science skills and training in an international setting. The Fund encourages engineering majors of any discipline to broaden their engineering experience by giving them the chance to participate in international experiential activities through collaboration, investigation, and application.
Current engineering sophomores and juniors may apply for the Vredenburg Travel Fund by proposing a 7 to 10 week international experience in the form of research, an internship (paid or unpaid), or a service project. Independent research projects are highly encouraged. Recipients of the Vredenburg Travel Fund will participate in a summer course, Life Design Summer Experience Practicum (LDSEP), offered by the Life Design Lab during their summer of funding. The fall after returning from their summer abroad, recipients prepare and present their experiences during a public poster session.
Projects can be funded to a maximum of $10,000; the typical range of the Vredenburg Travel Fund is between $5,000 and $8,000, depending on the location of the experience, additional funding sources, and other associated costs. The Fund prioritizes airfare, housing, food, and other reasonable expenses associated with the international experience. Financial need will not be a factor in the selection of the recipients and funding of the proposals, however, Vredenburg funding may impact a student’s financial aid package. Students with demonstrated financial need may be eligible for an additional stipend upon return.
The Vredenburg Travel Fund does not cover traditional “study abroad” experiences. A research opportunity, internship, or service project proposal is required in order to apply.
Finding Opportunities
The Global Education Office is the preeminent resource for students interested in any sort of international experience. We encourage students to explore programs available through the Global Education Office’s program database, but they support independent international activities as well.
Whether you are pursuing applied mathematics in Denmark, an independent research opportunity in materials science with a professor in Cairo, or doing an environmental engineering service project in Malaysia to combat water pollution, an appointment with a Global Education Advisor is necessary. Approval by the Global Education Office is required before you can proceed with your Vredenburg application. To schedule an appointment with a Global Education Advisor, please use their booking portal. The office provides both in-person and virtual advising appointments every weekday.
It will be important to see what, if any, type of visa, vaccination proof, and/or other documentation may be needed depending on the proposed project location. It is advised that students begin looking into these things well before the application deadline.
Research
If interested in conducting research, there are generally two options. One option is to find a structured study abroad program through the Global Education Office. These programs are beneficial as they are existing partnerships with international universities, have pre-approved coursework, and provide much logistical support. These programs can simplify the process for students by handling visas, housing, and credit transfers. The Global Education Office has multiple resources specifically for engineering students to find a suitable program for their path of study. Some of these programs also include research components, where students can join labs or collaborate on projects under faculty supervision.
In contrast, the other option is independently finding a research opportunity abroad. Typically, this requires more initiative and planning, but it can be immensely rewarding as you can tailor your experience more specifically to your research interests. To find independent research opportunities, students must identify potential research institutions or professors abroad whose work aligns with their interests and reach out directly to inquire about opportunities. Alternatively, you may have a connection in your professional network who you could reach out to. This route demands consistency and strong communication skills, as students may need to navigate international academic systems, secure their own accommodations, and ensure academic credit can be transferred. However, independent research abroad can offer more flexibility and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects in a highly focused area of interest.
If you are interested in an independent research project, your Life Design Educator can be an excellent resource to help you navigate the process. It is advised that students begin looking into making those connections at least 2 months before the application deadline.
Internships
International internships offer engineering students the chance to apply their technical knowledge in a global context, gain hands-on experience, and build professional networks across borders. These opportunities can enhance a resume, broaden your perspectives, and expose you to different engineering practices, regulations, and workplace cultures. One option is to find an internship is through the Global Education Office. Through partnerships with international companies or internship placement organizations, the process can be streamlined by providing a list of vetted opportunities, assistance with work visas, and academic credit options. These structured programs often have set application timelines and requirements, making them a more accessible path for students new to international experiences.
Finding an international engineering internship independently, however, typically requires more proactive effort. Students need to research companies with international presence that align with their interests and contact them directly to inquire about internship possibilities or apply through the company’s internship program. Networking through professional platforms like LinkedIn or Handshake and seeking advice from faculty or alumni with international experience can all increase the chances of finding a position.
If you are interested in an internship, your Life Design Educator can be an excellent resource to help you navigate the process. It is advised that students begin looking into making those connections at least 2 months before the application deadline.
Service Projects
International service projects provide engineering students with meaningful opportunities to apply their technical skills toward real-world challenges communities around the world face. While the Vredenburg Travel Fund doesn’t have applicants with service project proposals as often, we welcome them. These projects often focus on areas such as water and pollution management systems, renewable energy solutions, sustainable and accessible infrastructure, and technology access, though the list of possibilities continues. Participating in service-oriented initiatives helps students develop critical problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership skills while gaining a deeper understanding of global development and cultural perspectives. Many service projects are designed to combine hands-on engineering work with cultural immersion, allowing students to collaborate with local communities while contributing to impactful and sustainable solutions.
To find an international service project, students can start by exploring the Global Education Office’s program catalog, search online for programs, or they may even find an opportunity through their own network of alumni and faculty. If you are interested in engineering service projects abroad, the Global Education Office is a resource to help you look for opportunities. It is advised that students begin looking into making those connections at least 2 months before the application deadline.
Please note that travel associated with existing student organizations (ex: Engineers Without Borders) is not eligible for funding through the Vredenburg Travel Fund.
Apply
If you are interested in studying abroad or applying for the Vredenburg Travel Fund, we highly encourage you to talk to your Academic Advisor first, as they can provide you with ongoing support and guidance throughout the process.
Applications to the Vredenburg Travel Fund must be submitted by the 3rd Friday in February at 11:59 PM. The applications for Summer 2026 open November 3, 2025 and student submissions are due February 20, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted, no exceptions.
A complete application will contain the following components:
- Intent to Apply form
- Project Proposal form
- Letter of recommendation from a WSE faculty member
- Commitment from a host
- Approval by Global Education Advisor
- CV/Resume
NEW FOR 2026: The application for Vredenburg is now hosted through SharePoint and contains two separate components for the student portion. You must be logged into your JHED account in order to access the application. When accessing the Vredenburg Application Portal (available here when applications open), you can read more about these changes on the Application Resources page.
Award Timeline
All applicants will be notified of results by the 3rd Friday in March at 5 PM.
Budgets for award recipients will be reviewed and finalized in April.
Applicants are encouraged to make alternate summer plans in the event that they are not awarded support from the Vredenburg Travel Fund.
Program-Specific Requirements
If you are pursuing a program or opportunity which is not a Hopkins Summer program, you must identify an individual from the organization or program who can serve as the “host” and who is willing to complete the Host Commitment form. On the form, this individual will need to indicate that you have applied to the program (or are actively coordinating with the individual in the case of independently-sourced opportunities) and will be notified of your acceptance in the “host” program no later than the third week of March.
Likewise, if you are applying to one of the Hopkins Summer programs/exchange partnerships that the Global Education Office supports, a Global Education Advisor will complete the Host Commitment form.
Additional Information
If you have additional questions, please email the Vredenburg Travel Fund Administrator at [email protected].
Travel Policy
Johns Hopkins University does not permit undergraduates to travel for university affiliated purposes (e.g. study abroad, research, independent study, internships, field work, etc.) or to use university funding for international travel to “high risk areas” as determined by the Department of State (DOS), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), University Risk Management, or other university international travel consultants. This includes countries under a Level 3 (reconsider travel) or 4 (do not travel) advisory with the U.S. DOS/CDC. The university will consider petitions for travel to Level 3 destinations on a case-by-case basis, but not for Level 4 destinations. Read the full policy for all details.
Additional Information
If you have additional questions, please email Vredenburg Travel Fund Coordinator at [email protected].