International Studies majors may be awarded financial assistance to study and travel abroad through an endowed fund named for a College Trustee Emerita who has lived and traveled around the globe.

Sharing a Global Perspective

Margaret White Bennett grew up in the U.S. foreign service. Both her father and her grandfather were career diplomats, and she married into the profession as well. During Tapley Bennett’s service with the State Department, the couple represented their nation during postings in Austria and Italy. They lived in Portugal and Greece. Their NATO assignment took them from Canada’s Yukon to Mt. Ararat in Turkey. Mrs. Bennett has met with Washington College students on numerous occasions to share her personal experiences. In recognition of her service as a member of the Board of Visitors and Governors, the College has named the endowment for experiential education in international studies in her honor. 

With the support of the Margaret R. Bennett Fund for Fellowships in International Studies, students have pursued internships overseas with the U.S. State Department and participated in study abroad opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.  

Who is Eligible

International Studies majors and those pursuing International Studies-related minors who are in good academic standing are eligible to apply for Bennett Fellowships.  Awards are competitive, with priority given to declared International Studies majors and those who have not previously received Bennett Fellowships. The amount of the award varies, but typically ranges from $500-$2,000 — to support participation in a Washington College study abroad program or, on occasion, another approved activity abroad.  Priority application deadlines are posted on this site for Fall, Spring, and Summer abroad activities — though applications may be submitted at any time and will be considered on a funds-available basis.

How to Apply