Purpose
The Larson International Fellowship was established in 1986 by grants to Carleton from Robert ’56, John ’60, and David Larson ’63 in memory of their parents, Frances W. and Eugene Larson. Both Frances and Eugene had a deep interest in Carleton and were champions of international understanding and involvement. Awarded annually, Larson International Fellowships provide a significant international experience for students with strong leadership potential. Learn about some recent Larson International Fellowship experiences.
For the 2026-27 academic year, first-year, sophomore, or junior students may apply for the Larson International Fellowship at the Fall Term or Spring Term deadlines.
Funding
Summer Projects: Up to $5,000 per fellowship may be awarded
Winter Break Projects: Up to $2,000 beyond the cost of airfare, per fellowship, may be awarded
Eligibility
- First-year, sophomore, or junior students may apply.
- The Larson International Fellowship is open only to US and Canadian citizens or permanent residents who may travel internationally.
- Students studying any discipline are eligible.
- All applicants must be in good academic standing.
- While prior foreign experience does not disqualify an applicant, special consideration is given to those who have not traveled outside of North America.
- Fellowship awards will support activities in all countries of the world except the United States and Canada.
When deciding among equally strong proposals for the same category/categories or fellowship funds, juniors/rising seniors (especially those proposing Comps work) are prioritized for fellowship funding; followed by sophomores/rising juniors; and the lowest priority group for funding will be first-year students/rising sophomores.
View examples of projects funded.
Questions?
Please contact Marynel Ryan Van Zee, Director of Student Fellowships, Laird 131, x4300.
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Awa Cisse ’27 volunteered at the High Atlas Foundation in Morocco as part of her Larson International Fellowship project, participating in psychosocial and women’s empowerment workshops. -
Brewer Atocha, David Lee, and James Bowers (all Class of 2025) hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, where they interviewed local guides and porters, as part of their Larson International Fellowship project. -
Claire Burbery ’26 volunteered at Spay Panama as part of her Larson International Fellowship project, assisting with pre- and post-operative tasks and general animal care. -
Lejla Mehmedovic ’27 interned at the Post-Conflict Research Center in Sarajevo as part of her Larson International Fellowship project, conducting interviews, writing articles, and visiting governmental offices. -
William Johnston ’25, Aiden Lesneski ’25, Billy Bratton ’25, and Chris Melo Mejia ’25 near the seaside in Portugal during their Larson International Fellowship project. -
Yoel Izaguirre ’26 created a documentary about street food vendors in gentrified neighborhoods of Mexico City as part of her Larson International Fellowship project.
Special Note
Students may not use Carleton-funded fellowships, scholarships, or internships to study or travel to countries with Level 4 travel restriction or countries where the US has a treasury embargo. Fellowship applicants proposing travel to countries with Level 3 travel restrictions must discuss their plans with the Office of Student Fellowships. Fellowship recipients who learn after an award is made that they are affected by travel advisories or restricted travel may be required to make alternative plans. See the U.S. State Department travel advisories website for current information.