IES Abroad - William E. & Mary M. Dwyer Need-Based Spanish Scholarship

These scholarships are intended for students interested in studying in a Spanish-speaking country.

This scholarship was established by the IES Abroad Board of Directors to honor the memory of William E. Dwyer, Jr., the father of the current IES Abroad president, Dr. Mary Dwyer. Trained in transportation law, Mr. Dwyer was a senior corporate executive overseeing transportation functions world-wide for a multi-national steel manufacturing company. He was an innovator in the transportation field and a pioneer in support of the equal employment of African Americans and women in the management ranks of the steel industry. He was known throughout the industry for his ethical business practices during a period in the steel industry history when this was less common. Having benefited from full scholarship support as an undergraduate at Rockhurst College and during law school, he remained dedicated to the value and accessibility of higher education for those students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to pursue a college education. He minored in Spanish as an undergraduate and continued to use the language in his work throughout his career. He recognized the value of language learning. His greatest priority, however, was the welfare of his family. He put family first.

Likewise, Mrs. Mary M. Dwyer put family first while at the same time being deeply involved as a volunteer in her community and church. She attended the University of Missouri and was a staunch advocate of the importance of higher education in furthering individuals’ development and success.

Amount: 

Ranges up to $1,000; awarded to 4-6 students each year

Eligibility: 

• Must be admitted to and attend an IES Abroad program in a Spanish-speaking country (Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, or Spain).
• The scholarship recipient will be required to present a brief written bio statement. Guidelines will be provided with notice of award.
• Currently receive financial aid from your home school.
• Recipients must attend a college or university that is a Member or Associate Member of the IES Abroad Consortium. In addition, your home school must have a policy of transferring at least 75% of institutional aid for study abroad.
• Return Requirement: If awarded one of these scholarships, at the conclusion of the IES Abroad program you agree to submit a 1-page statement about your experience abroad, including how it has affected you personally, professionally, and academically and how this scholarship supported your endeavors. Once submitted, this statement becomes property of IES Abroad and excerpts may be used in any/all IES Abroad electronic and printed publications. Additional details and instructions will be emailed to you after your program ends.
• Standard programs only. Customized programs are not eligible for IES Abroad financial aid.

Application Procedure:

IES Abroad's quick and easy aid application allows a student participating in an IES Abroad program to apply online for nearly all of our scholarship and aid opportunities at once.* You can apply at any time, even if you haven't yet started an IES Abroad application for admission, and we'll let you know your need-based aid status within five business days. Just make sure you meet the scholarship and aid application deadline for your term.

We have many different scholarship and aid opportunities and each one has its own eligibility requirements. Use the online aid application online to tell us a bit about yourself and upload the documents described below so we can determine every scholarship and aid possibility for which you are eligible.

Funds are limited, so apply early!