West Michigan World Trade Association

The West Michigan World Trade Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining West Michigan’s competitive edge in the global marketplace. As part of this commitment, the organization wishes to encourage students to expand their academic knowledge by offering them scholarships for qualified study abroad programs. Scholarships will be awarded to students from West Michigan post-secondary academic institutions in amounts up to $1,000 and are based on program costs and financial need.

A study-abroad program is considered a qualified program if the institution deems it academically challenged and appropriate for the applicant’s course of study. Priority will be given to students who have never been abroad and those who participate in a semester-long program rather than a summer only program. Additionally, since WMWTA is a business/trade organization, preference will be given to students whose study abroad program is business focused. However, other applications will be considered.

2007 Study Abroad Scholarship Recipients

Aaron Bulthuis, Western Michigan University. Aaron will spend a semester in Madrid, Spain. His major is Business, Spanish, Economics.

Download a WMWTA Scholarship Application Form
Application Deadline is April 10, 2009

To apply, please send a letter of application along with the completed application form to the

WMWTA Scholarship
111 Pearl Street NW
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

Arrangements should be made for a letter of recommendation from the director of the institution’s study abroad program attesting to the academic appropriateness of the foreign program to the student’s studies, as well as to the suitability of the applicant. Appropriate supporting information regarding the program may also be included. The letter should also include a statement of why the applicant is interested in this particular program and how the program will further the student’s personal and professional development.

The Board of Directors of the West Michigan World Trade Association will make the final award decision. Notification of awards will be made within four weeks of the application deadline. Award recipients will be asked to report about their study-abroad experience at a WMWTA monthly Dinner-Speaker meeting.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Janet Wyllie at 771-0569.