The Bonenfant International Travel Scholarship enables students enrolled in engineering and/or physical science programs to attend semester-abroad programs offered through their accredited college or university. The goal of the scholarship is to provide international experience to students as they prepare for professional lives that promote global engagement and collaboration.

Application Information

How To Apply

Apply when open at apply.optica.org

Important Dates

Opens 31 March 2025
Closes 19 May 2025

Applicant Requirements

• Be a student enrolled in engineering and/or physical science programs
• Have at least a 3.0 grade point average (or the equivalent)
• Have applied for, or been accepted to, a study-abroad program of at least 6 weeks’ duration
• Show a demonstrated interest in optics related research and applications
• Be a resident of the U.S. and a graduate of a 12-year pre-college school in the U.S. (Note: This requirement is in support of the scholarship’s focus on promoting global engagement between students living in the U.S. and their counterparts around the world.)
• Agree to blog and/or utilize social media platforms to document their trip and to share their experiences and the insights they have gained from living in another culture

Application Requirements

• Short Answer Questions
  • In 250 words or less, describe why you are interested in participating in a study abroad academic program.
  • In 250 words or less, demonstrate your interest in optics and photonics research.
  • In 250 words or less, share your financial need and how this scholarship will allow you to participate in a global study abroad program.

• CV or resume: Must not exceed four (4) pages
• Short budget reflecting the anticipated use of this scholarship – must utilize budget template provided.  
• GPA Certificate (Min 3.0 or Equivalent)
• Two letters of recommendation. At least one of the letters should be from a faculty member who is familiar with the student’s educational performance. 

2024 Recipient

Kevin Kwock

In his final year at Columbia University, Kevin is a spectroscopist interested in investigating nanomaterials with advanced microscopy techniques. Kevin will use the Bonenfant Scholarship to start and pursue a research exchange at Ghent University in Ghent, Belgium. He will work at the Photonics Research Group and learn to translate semiconducting 2D nanomaterials towards relevant technologies, like sensitive chiral sensors and pixel detectors. At the end of his exchange, Kevin will transition to postdoctoral scholar status to continue his research work into the next academic year. Additionally, Kevin is extensively involved with Los Alamos National Laboratory as an NNSA LRGF fellow, studying ultrafast spectroscopy and cleanroom nanofabrication. Outside of research, Kevin enjoys visiting museums and exploring New York City. He will take what he has learned to Belgium, and is excited to move across the pond.

Past Recipients

Travis Sawyer

University of Arizona, United States (2019)

Adrianna Mitchell

University of Arizona, USA (2018)

Alden Hoke

Drexel University, USA (2018)

Evan Sloan

California Institute of Technology, United States (2016)

Victorine Muse

Cornell University, USA (2015)

Margaret Cron

Ohio State University, USA (2014)

Stephanie Laga

California Institute of Technology, USA (2013)

• This program did not occur between 2020-2022