West Virginia University students can see the world and expand their knowledge and experience in their academic fields through WVU s Global Educational Opportunities (GEO) Grant Program.

Applications are available online for the grant competition, which enables undergraduate and graduate students to pursue international study, research and training experience.

Last year, more than a dozen WVU students received GEO awards and studied in Hong Kong, Japan, Ireland, England, Mexico, Ghana, Austria, Denmark and Brazil, according to Becky McDaniel, study abroad program assistant.

GEO grants range from $500 to $1,000 and can help defray the cost of international roundtrip airfare. Funds are provided by the Nelson International Study Travel and W. Gerald and Carolyn E. Blaney endowments, as well as the Office of International Programs.

Any full-time or part-time students currently enrolled at WVU are eligible to submit proposals, McDaniel said. Applicants have two categories to choose from: international research and training or study abroad travel grants for semester- or year-long programs. Students are required to submit an application form; course transcript; 1,000-1,500-word essay; personal references; and proposed budget.

To download an application, go to:http://www.wvu.edu/~intlprog/Materials should be mailed to: Office of International Programs, West Virginia University, Attn: Becky McDaniel, P.O. Box 6214, Morgantown, WV 26506 -6214. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 16 . Names of grant winners will be announced in April.

Questions may be e-mailed to oip@mail.wvu.edu . For more information, contact McDaniel at 304-293-6955.