West Virginia University’s Office of International Programs has awarded nearly $12,000 in Global Educational Opportunities (GEO) grants to 14 students to study abroad.

The 12 undergraduate and two graduate students will study overseas in several different countries including Brazil , Ghana , Japan , Northern Ireland , Peoples Republic of China , Denmark , Mexico , Sweden and Wales.

Initiated in 1992, the GEO grants are supported by three endowments: Carter and Carolyn Jones Endowment; Ralph and Dora Nelson International Study Travel Endowment; and the W. Gerald and Carolyn E. Blaney Endowment. Additional funds are provided by the WVU Office of International Programs.

The awards assist WVU undergraduate and graduate students in pursuing international study abroad opportunities, including research and training. Awards vary in amount from $500 to $1,000, depending on the type of project, length of program and financial aid needs. Grants defray international travel expenses for long-term projects and semester programs.

Grant recipients include: Mary Barr, Martinsburg , W.Va. ; Stephanie Botsaph, Erie , Pa. ; Amanda Bukrim, Morgantown; Natalie Committee, Wheeling; Adam Garbutt, Morgantown; Daniel Harris, Charleston; Lane Litz, Charleston; Rebecca Lovell, Martinsburg; Brian McMillien, Princeton; Jessalyn Pack, Daniels; Sarah Pratt, Summersville; Christine Roberts, Morgantown; Christine Lokko, Morgantown; and Nicolette Wilhide, Falling Waters.

For more information, contact Rebecca McDaniel, Office of International Programs, 304-293-6955 ext. 1, or visithttp://www.wvu.edu/~intlprog