Mary Tjosvold graduate fellowship in community development
Recently celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Mary T. Scholars program has grown significantly since its inception in 2014. Empowering graduate students with unique, community-based professional internships across social work and education sectors. With over 50 alumni and placements spanning four countries, the program continues to expand its global reach, offering unparalleled opportunities for graduate-level professional development in international settings. One of the few study abroad programs at the University of Minnesota to combine academic learning with real-world impact, the Mary T. Scholars program is deeply committed to reciprocity. It fosters meaningful partnerships with global organizations, welcoming international collaborators to campus and supporting students as they make a difference in communities around the world.
Founded by University of Minnesota alumna and humanitarian Dr. Mary Tjosvold, the program reflects her lifelong dedication to advancing global initiatives and supporting underserved communities both in the U.S. and abroad. As the program continues to evolve, it remains firmly focused on equipping future leaders with the global knowledge and skills needed to drive positive change.
2026 Programs
Laos program Laos program
Cambodia program Cambodia program
Thailand program Thailand program
Nepal program Nepal program
2026 Mary T. Scholars application information
Important Notes
- Graduate students selected for this program will receive airfare, living expenses, and meal stipend.
- The internship is unpaid.
- Fellows will be expected to attend pre-departure meetings and register for OLPD 5105 (Ethical Considerations in International Fieldwork), a 1-credit schedule B course related to the ethics of international fieldwork in the spring semester, Fridays, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. in Burton Hall 205, March 20 - May 1.
- The internship over the summer is non-credit.
Program Dates (Tentative)
- Nepal Program: May 17 - June 30, 2026 (6 weeks)
- Although all are welcome to apply, we are prioritizing applicants with an early childhood education background.
- Cambodia Program: June 6 - July 12, 2026 (5 weeks)
- Thailand Program: June 6 - July 12, 2026 (5 weeks)
- Laos Program: June 14 - July 26, 2026 (6 weeks)
Eligibility
All CEHD graduate and professional students are eligible for this program. If positions go unfilled in CEHD, invitations will be extended to the broader University community.
Application materials
To apply, applicants should submit a cover letter explaining how the internship best fits your past experiences and future goals (1-2 pages), CV, a letter of recommendation from your academic advisor, and two additional references. Essays should highlight the academic and professional background of the applicant in relation to the internship focus area.
Mary T. Fellows will be selected based on their capacity for:
- Previous experience related to the professional requirements of the position
- Fit with academic goals and current program
- Evidence of commitment to international engagement
- Flexibility and initiative to work in new environments
- Capacity to work in groups and be a team player
- A commitment to the reciprocal benefit of Fellow and community partners.
Application form and due date
- Submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information of two additional references (all in one PDF document) through the application form by February 13, 2026.
- Submit a letter of recommendation through this form above from your academic advisor
Selection process
Final candidates selected for the program will be interviewed via Zoom. The interview will be conducted on Thursday, February 19, and the decision will be made by February 27, 2026.
Contact
CEHD International Initiatives (cehdintl@umn.edu)