Scholarships help defray the cost of studying abroad.
Studying abroad can be a defining moment in the education of a student. Programs that offer full or partial scholarships abound. Typically, students must demonstrate excellent academic achievement and may be asked to show community service or leadership qualities. Scholarship programs can last from a few days to several years.
The American Rhodes Scholarship
The prestigious Rhodes Scholarship provides an all-expense paid scholarship, averaging $50,000 yearly, to qualified students who are chosen to study at Oxford University in England for two to four years. The scholarship began in 1903 through the will of British philanthropist Cecil Rhodes. As of October 2011, 32 American Rhodes Scholars took part in the program. Students must be endorsed by their college or university, and then must be chosen to appear for an interview before the Committee of Selection. The committee looks for characteristics set forth by Rhodes -- integrity, unselfishness, respect for others and physical vigor. Rhodes scholars are expected to make a positive contribution to society. Former President Bill Clinton is a Rhodes Scholar.
Rotary Short-Term Youth Exchange
The Rotary organization provides scholarships on a short-term basis for students who wish to study abroad. These scholarships are available for students ages 15 to 19 years of age. General short-term programs can last from a few days to several weeks. Students have the opportunity to tailor the program to their personal interests, and they can include a home stay, tours and an international camping experience. The New Generations Exchange is designed for recent secondary-school graduates ages 18 to 25, and can last from three to six weeks. This program can include home stays, tours and camping, as well as internships.
Rotary Long-Term Youth Exchange
Students applying for the Rotary Long-Term Youth Exchange program must be between the ages of 15 and 19. Participants stay in abroad for a year, and live with several host families while attending the local school. For both the short- and the long-term foreign-exchange programs, students must show above-average academic achievement or leadership within their chosen profession. Students are responsible for airfare and insurance, while other costs are shared by the Rotary club and host families and communities.
American Field Service Future Leaders Exchange Program
The American Field Service organization provides scholarships to promote global citizenship. Full scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, and are funded by the U.S. Department of State. The Future Leaders Exchange Program began with former U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley of New Jersey when he proposed the Freedom Support Act, which passed in 1992. Eligible students come from countries that were formerly part of the Soviet Union. Winners must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, possess desirable personal characteristics and show participation in extracurricular activities.
Fulbright Scholarships
The Fulbright scholarship program was established in 1946 when Sen. William Fulbright introduced legislation to Congress.The scholarships are sponsored by the United States government and are intended to promote increased international understanding. Participants are selected on the basis of academic merit and leadership qualities. Eight-thousand grants are awarded annually, and recipients are given the opportunity to study and teach abroad.
Tags: academic achievement, last from, Youth Exchange, American Field, American Field Service, American Rhodes