The Richter Scholar awards are available for graduate and undergraduate students for the purpose of globally-oriented independent study in foreign countries. Due to COVID-19, we may consider also funding globally-oriented projects within the U.S. as well. For example, a U.S.-based student might travel to Little Havana in Miami to research Cuban immigrant experiences.

Students are encouraged to pursue enriching, broadening projects that have the promise of being life-changing. To enrich the independent study experience, each student is required to have a faculty mentor for their project.

We anticipate awarding Richter Scholarships to undergraduate students in summer 2022. Due to Covid-19, there may be travel restrictions, quarantine expectations, and visa requirements for foreign travel.

Travel Pre-Authorization: Under current WFU policy due to Covid, all WFU-sponsored international travel requires pre-authorization. When preparing your Richter application, consider carefully the safety of your destination. Consult the list of countries for which the US State Department has issued travel advisories. If your country is on this list, you must petition the Overseas Crisis Management Team (OCMT) to travel to this country, and you might want to have a backup plan! You also must check to see if there are any visa requirements for travel to your destination. The OCMT is responsible for reviewing and approving all University-sponsored international travel to areas considered “High Risk”. This includes travel to locations where: (a) the U.S. State Department has issued a Travel Advisory Level 4 or Level 3 ; (b) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Warning Level 3 health notice; or (c) the OCMT and/or University has deemed significant health, safety, or security risks are present.

Important details to consider: