Delaware Diplomats Scholarship Program
The Delaware Diplomats Scholarship Program was founded in 2014 as a means of increasing access to UD study abroad for all members of the University community and to reward students for their engagement with the world on UD’s campus.
As Diplomats, students can earn up to $1,500 toward UD Study Abroad by completing badges in World Knowledge, Intercultural Friendship and Study Abroad Preparation. In addition to earning a scholarship, Diplomats join a tight-knit community, prepare for their time abroad and develop the skills that will give them a competitive edge in the global job market. Read the UDaily article about this program.
Apply
The Center for Global Programs & Services bi-annually invites applicants for the Delaware Diplomats Scholarship Program. The program is best suited for current UD freshmen and sophomores but is also open to juniors.
To confirm enrollment in the Delaware Diplomats Program, students are required to attend an orientation session and complete a brief online assessment. To maintain active enrollment in the Program, students must attend monthly Diplomat meetings and participate each semester in at least three activities toward badge completion.
Application Deadline: September 20, 2025
Yes, all new members are required to participate in the program for the full semester before requesting to "cash out" any funding they have/will earn. Please note that members need to notify our office when they would like to use their funds by the application deadline of the program they are planning to apply to.
Example: A student applies to the Delaware Diplomats program by the Fall 2023 deadline of September 10, 2023. They hope to use any funds earned toward a Spring 2024 study abroad program they want to apply to. Unfortunately, the student is not able receive their funds in time because the Spring 2024 deadline for study abroad programs is September 20, 2023 - just a couple weeks after the Delaware Diplomats deadline. The student would have needed to be accepted to the Delaware Diplomats program in Spring 2023 to "cash out" funds for the application deadline for Spring 2024 programs.
We strongly recommend that students participate in the program for at least two semsters before the application deadline of the UD study abroad program they would like to apply to.
The Spring application deadline is February 20 and the Fall application deadline is September 20.
Still Have Questions?
Contact us anytime at DEDiplomats@udel.edu or call the Center for Global Programs & Services Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (302) 831-2852. Follow #DEDiplomat on social to stay connected.
Earn Badges
Diplomats can earn up to $1,500 toward UD Study Abroad by completing badges in World Knowledge, Intercultural Friendship and Study Abroad Preparation. Badges must be completed before the application deadline of a UD study abroad program in order to be applied to that program.
World Knowledge
The World Knowledge badge signifies that you have expanded your understanding of other countries and cultures. Diplomats attend five international/intercultural events and submit a reflection for each to earn this five-point badge worth $500 toward UD study abroad.
Examples of activities to earn this badge include:
- International Coffee Hour
- Make a recipe from another culture
- Watch a documentary from or about another country or culture
Intercultural Friendship
The Intercultural Friendship badge signifies that you have developed a connection with at least one person from a culture different from your own. Participate for a full semester in the ELI American Host Partner Program (AHPP) and submit your Digital Story to earn this five-point badge worth $500 toward UD study abroad. This badge must be completed within a single academic semester.
Study Abroad Preparation
The Study Abroad Preparation badge signifies that you have acquired skills needed to support a successful experience abroad. Participate in five events/activities that prepare you for a successful experience abroad and submit a reflection for each to earn this five-point badge worth $500 toward UD study abroad.
Examples of activities to earn this badge include:
- Meet with your academic advisor
- Attend a study abroad program interest meeting
- Prepare a packing list
Once accepted, Diplomats will receive additional details on monthly meetings and instructions on earning badges.
Maintain Your Award
Please note, you will be required to repay your scholarship award in full if you:
Get a serious judicial violation before the program begins;
Are dismissed from a program due to improper conduct; or
Withdraw from a program after funds have been spent on your behalf.
Pay it Forward
All Delaware Diplomats and CGPS Need-based Scholarship awardees are asked to:
Email CGPS your 2 best photos depicting what you have learned about your host culture.
Contribute at least three written submissions and photos for the UD Abroad Blog.
Additional instructions will be given to you prior to departure.
