The International Center is pleased to announce the Bond International Scholars Award, which will provide five $5,000 study abroad scholarships to MU students. This new award is the result of generous donations by friends of retired U.S. Senator Christopher S. “Kit” Bond in honor of his exemplary public service.

Eligibility and application

All full-time MU undergraduate and graduate students participating in semester or academic/calendar year study abroad programs are eligible to apply. Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate appropriate academic merit or financial need. To apply, students should complete the International Center scholarship application as part of their program application in myStudyAbroad.

Applications for spring 2019 are due Sept. 20, 2018, and the first cohort of Bond international scholars will be selected by Nov. 1.

About Senator Bond

Over the course of 40 years of distinguished public service, Bond has been recognized for his global leadership and dedicated service to the people of Missouri. Prior to his election to the United States Senate in 1986, Bond served as Missouri state auditor and two terms as Missouri’s governor.

A sixth generation Missourian, Bond was born in St. Louis and grew up in Mexico, Mo. As a young man, he had the opportunity to accompany his father on a number of international trips for their family business. These formative experiences provided Bond with the global perspective that was one of the hallmarks of his many years of public service to Missouri, equipping him with an appreciation of the interconnectedness and interdependence that is the foundation of today’s global society and economy.

A forward-thinking Missouri leader, Bond aims to ensure that future generations are equipped with the skills and experiences necessary to bring about change for our region, state and world. The establishment of the Christopher S. “Kit” Bond Distinguished International Scholars Fund will provide the necessary resources for students at the University of Missouri in Columbia and the University of Missouri-St. Louis to study abroad. The Bond international scholars will benefit educationally and personally as they gain a better understanding of different cultures and economies. These study abroad scholarships will empower MU and UMSL students to follow Bond’s example, creating the next generation of global citizens with roots in Missouri.