Honors College International Research Scholarship

Successful applicants will receive up to $5,000 to support an international research project and be designated as Honors College International Research Scholars.
An international research project is a project that features student-directed research in any field (interdisciplinary projects welcome). Student research must go well beyond standard study-abroad or classroom experience. Possible eligible research projects include research lab experience, creative work, archival or library research, community/nonprofit/volunteer-based research project, participation in a conference or workshop where a student presents and advances research, etc. Projects with a clearly established affiliation in the host country will have priority.
Sophomore and Junior Crimson Scholars who want to do an international research project in 2025.
  • Students must sustain at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA throughout the application and fellowship period.
  • DACC students can apply; but must be enrolled at main campus when award begins.
  • Priority given to students who have taken several Honors courses or are planning to graduate with University Honors, and to students who wish to use the experience to prepare to apply for a major fellowship, like a Fulbright, Boren, or Udall.
  • International students enrolled at NMSU are not eligible.
  • Great preparation for an Honors thesis or capstone experience.
  • Deepens your relationship with an NMSU faculty mentor; you’ll rely on that relationship as you develop your thesis/capstone.
  • Great practice for later Fulbright, Boren or other competitive fellowship or grad school applications .
  • Helps acclimate you as a global citizen to the world outside the United States.
  • Helps you develop international friendships and professional connections.
See below for a step-by-step explanation.
A committee will evaluate applications based on the following criteria.
  • Rigor: Student projects should be of the highest quality.
  • Commitment to and knowledge of the proposed field of study.
  • Commitment to and knowledge of the proposed destination country (language ability may (not) be relevant, depending on the circumstances and destination).
  • Feasibility: Is the proposed project realistic? Will the student have enough time and access to appropriate support and necessary resources to do the project well?.
  • Benefit to student’s future work/study, to the field of study, and to the common good.

How To Apply:

  • 1

    Talk to a faculty mentor/recommender and to Dr. Keleher, Director of the Office of Fellowships about your research idea(s). Make an appointment with Dr. K.

  • 2

    Build your application:

    • One letter of recommendation from a faculty member.
      A faculty mentor can be any faculty member who agrees to write a letter for you. The ideal letter writer will be able to recommend both you and recognize the value of your project. The letter should be sent directly to Dr. Keleher at lkeleher@nmsu.edu by the letter writer with your name as the subject heading. (It should not be given to you).
    • A Resume or Curriculum Vita
    • Proof of valid passport (by the time of travel)
      • If you already have a passport, be sure that the expiration date is late enough to comply with your destination’s requirements. Some countries require that the expiration date is at least six months after you plan to leave the country.
      • If you do not have a passport, apply as soon as possible and state that you have done so and when you expect to receive your passport. Staffing changes in the federal government may mean longer processing times for passports.
    • A Budget
      The budget should be no more than one page and can be roughly estimated. Be sure to include airfare, lodging, travel insurance (NMSU requires Geo for $64 a month), and a rough estimate of expenses (like food, any ground transportation, etc.)
    • A 2-3 page cover letter (from you)
      The cover letter should address the following topics in as much detail as possible.
      • What’s your research question or creative project? How do you intend to try to answer (or create) it? Why is this question (creation) important for your academic discipline? Why is this work important for non-experts/the world?
      • What plan do you have for this research? (Capstone project? Submit it for publication in the Agora or another journal? Present it at URCAS or another conference? Use it as a writing sample for a graduate school application? Something else?)
      • What is your research travel destination? How will going there facilitate your research?
      • Check the US State Department’s website for travel advisories. If there are low level concerns (e.g., Level 1 travel advisories), list them and explain how you plan to mitigate your risks. (Travel to areas with serious travel advisories will not be funded.)
      • What is your trip schedule/research plan, roughly estimated? Include your preparation for your trip, what work you will do during the trip, and what work you will do after the trip to complete, polish, and ultimately disseminate your work.
      • How does this project fit into your personal and professional trajectory?
  • 3

    Submit your application to Dr. K.

*DISCLAIMERS:
NMSU follows State Department guidelines regarding student safety and international travel. Please check the State Department and Education Abroad websites to be sure your chosen destination is considered safe.