University of Minnesota - International Reciprocal Student Exchange Program (IRSEP)

Eligibility
Open to University of Minnesota-Twin Cities students enrolled as degree-seeking undergraduates. Students must have completed at least one year of study at the University of Minnesota prior to participation. Students must be willing to make a three year commitment which includes returning to the Twin Cities the year after the study abroad experience in order to recruit, select and orient the next year's nominee. Finalist receives an interview with Learning Abroad Center staff and IRSEP students as part of the selection process.

IRSEP Exchanges
International Reciprocal Student Exchange Program (IRSEP) offers a full scholarship to study abroad in six different countries. It is the oldest continuous exchange program at the University of Minnesota and primarily offers opportunities to study at non-traditional destinations around the world. Founded by students in 1952, it is still characterized by active student participation exemplified by a three year commitment. IRSEP Scholarship Exchanges provide the opportunity to spend an academic year studying in China, Ecuador, Germany, Iceland, Malaysia, and Tanzania.

Scholarship Exchange in China

• Tianjin, China
• Academic year
• University of Minnesota-Twin Cities juniors and above; Chinese citizens not eligible
• Transfer credit
• Host-university study
• Dorms
• 2 years college-level Chinese
• Sponsored by Learning Abroad Center, IRSEP

This full scholarship exchange offers you the chance to study in China's third largest city. Experience traditional and contemporary culture and art in Tianjin while studying with students from around the world.


Scholarship Exchange in Ecuador

• Quito, Ecuador
• Academic year
• University of Minnesota-Twin Cities juniors and above
• Transfer credit
• Host-university study
• Homestay
• 4 semesters college-level Spanish
• Sponsored by Learning Abroad Center, IRSEP

This full scholarship exchange offers you the chance to experience Ecuadorian university life in the capital city of Quito.

Scholarship Exchange in Germany

• Berlin, Germany
• Academic year
• University of Minnesota-Twin Cities juniors and above
• Transfer credit
• Host-university study
• Dorms, independently arrange apartments and homestays
• 2 years college-level German
• Sponsored by Learning Abroad Center, IRSEP

This full scholarship exchange offers you the chance to study in the vibrant city of Berlin. On this program you will join Berlin's active intellectual and student life.

Scholarship Exchange in Iceland

• Reykjavik, Iceland
• Academic year
• University of Minnesota-Twin Cities juniors and above
• Transfer credit
• Host-university study
• Dorms, apartments, homestays
• No language prerequisite
• Sponsored by the Learning Abroad Center and IRSEP

America - Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Scholarships

Absolute Brilliance Scholarship
Award maximum: $1,000
One scholarship available for the On Campus Graduate Diamonds Program or Distance Education Diamonds & Diamond Grading course or Diamond Grading Lab class.

Butterfly of Peace Scholarship
Award maximum: $500
One scholarship available for any On Campus or Distance Education course or program.

CJA Peter Hess Scholarship
Award maximum: $1,000
One scholarship available for any On Campus or Distance Education course or program. Recipient must be a California Jewelers Association (CJA) member or be willing to join CJA if awarded this scholarship.

CJA Robert B. Westover Scholarship
Award maximum: $1,000
One scholarship available for any On Campus or Distance Education course or program. Recipient must be a California Jewelers Association (CJA) member or be willing to join CJA if awarded this scholarship.

ColorMasters Scholarship
Award maximum: $395
Eight scholarships available for the Distance Education Accredited Jewelry Professional (A.J.P.) diploma program. Preference will be given to applicants employed by a jewelry store that carries ColorMasters products.

Daniel Swarovski & Company Scholarship
Award maximum: $1,500
Three scholarships available for On Campus or Distance Education gemology courses or programs. Applicant must have a minimum of two years experience in the jewelry industry. Two letters of recommendation are required, one of which must come from within the jewelry industry.

Eunice Miles Scholarship
Award maximum: $500
Five scholarships available for any On Campus or Distance Education course.

George W. Juno Memorial Scholarship
Award maximum: $1,000
Two scholarships available for Distance Education gemology courses.

GIA Endowment Scholarship – San Diego County Resident
Award maximum: $800
Two scholarships available for any course or program. Applicants must reside in San Diego County.

GIA Endowment Scholarship – On Campus
Award maximum: $10,000
Two scholarships available for the On Campus Applied Jewelry Arts (A.J.A.), Graduate Jeweler (G.J.) or Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) program.

GIA Endowment Scholarship – Distance Education
Award maximum: $1,000
Five scholarships available for any Distance Education course. Applicants must reside in the United States.

GIA Endowment Scholarship – Lab Classes
Award maximum: $600
Nine scholarships available for Distance Education Lab Classes. Applicants must reside in the United States.

Independent Jewelers Organization/IJO Scholarship*
Award maximum: $500
Four scholarships available for any gemology course or program. Available only to IJO Members or their employees (*includes Canadian Members).

Irving Getz Scholarship
Award maximum: $2,000
One scholarship available for any On Campus or Distance Education course, program, or Lab class.

Kurt Wayne Scholarship
Award maximum: $1,000
One scholarship available for the On Campus Graduate Jeweler (G.J.) program.

Lone Star GIA Associate & Alumni Scholarship
Award maximum: $500
One scholarship available for any On Campus or Distance Education course, program, or Lab class. Preference will be given to applicants who reside within Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, or Arkansas.

Marion H. Halfacre Scholarship
Award maximum: $15,000
One scholarship available for the On Campus Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) program.

Michael Beaudry Scholarship
Award maximum: $16,585
One scholarship available for the On Campus Graduate Jeweler (G.J.) program.

Mikimoto Scholarship
Award maximum: $750
Eight scholarships available for the Distance Education Graduate Pearls Diploma program.

Morris Hanauer Scholarship
Award maximum: $600
One scholarship available for any Distance Education gemology course.

New Hampshire Jewelers Association Scholarship
Award maximum: $1,000
One scholarship available for any Distance Education course, program, or Lab class. Applicants must reside in New Hampshire.

North Texas GIA Alumni Association Scholarship
Award maximum: $1,500
One scholarship available for any On Campus or Distance Education course, program, or Lab class. Preference will be given to applicants who reside within the following Texas zip codes: 75000-75799, 76000-76999, and 76900-79799.

Pyramid of Hope Scholarship
Award maximum: $500
One scholarship available for any On Campus or Distance Education course or program.

R. Harder Gallery Scholarship
Award maximum: $5,000
One On Campus or two Distance Education scholarships available for the Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) program. Applicants must reside in the state of Wisconsin. Preference will be given to applicants who reside in the Fox Valley Region (zip codes 54911 - 54956).

Richard T. Liddicoat Scholarship
Award maximum: $18,000
Two scholarships available. One for the On Campus Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) and one for the Distance Education Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) program (which includes three required Lab classes - Diamond Grading, Colored Stone Grading, and Gem Identification.)

Rio Grande Scholarship
Award maximum: $16,585
One scholarship available for the On Campus Graduate Jeweler (G.J.) program. Applicants must reside in the United States.

S.H. Silver Scholarship
Award maximum: $2,500
One scholarship available for the On Campus Jewelry Design course.

William Argo Scholarship
Award maximum: $500
One scholarship available for any On Campus or Distance Education gemology course or program.

William Goldberg Diamond Corp. Scholarship
Award maximum: $10,000
One scholarship available for any gemology program.

GIA Endowment Scholarship - International Distance Education Courses
Award maximum: US $1,500
Three scholarships available to be applied toward any of the five Distance Education core gemology courses required for the Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma. Does not include Lab classes. Applicants must be non-U.S. citizens living outside the U.S. Courses available in English only.

GIA Endowment Scholarship - GIA India
Award maximum: US $7,500
Up to three scholarships available for any On Campus program at GIA India. Applicants must be non-U.S. citizens whose country of residence is outside the U.S.

GIA Endowment Scholarship - GIA London
Award maximum: US $9,500
One scholarship available for any On Campus program at GIA London. Applicants must be non-U.S. citizens whose country of residence is outside the U.S.

GIA Endowment Scholarship - GIA Thailand
Award maximum: US $5,250
Two scholarships available for any On Campus program at GIA Thailand. Applicants must be non-U.S. citizens whose country of residence is outside the U.S.

Helpful Links

How to apply for scholarships
21010 GIA scholarships Applications


Contact Student Financial Assistance
800-421-7250 ext. 4004
or ext. 4005
financialaid@gia.edu