...About the Nationality Room Summer Study Abroad Scholarships
1. What do the selection panels look for in a candidate?
Each panel varies but, in general, these points apply:
- Academically prepared for the study abroad experience
- Linguistically prepared to carry out the project successfully
- Knowledgeable about the country with sound academic reasons for going there
- Definite relationship between the project and their career goals
- Participation in a credit-worthy study program of at least 5 weeks
- Enrollment in a non-American-sponsored study program
- Inclusion of an in-depth cultural experience as well or in addition to a classroom experience (e.g., a home stay as opposed to dormitory living, volunteer work, an informal research project on a related topic)
- Previous or identified contacts with people important to the project, securing letters of introduction from faculty members where needed (especially important for graduate students doing independent research)
- Information on the institutions involved in conducting research, insuring availability during the summer (some libraries close for the summer, some require special permission, etc.)
2. When will I know if I've won an award?
All awards are decided by the end of February.
3. Can I use a Nationality Room scholarship for Semester at Sea?
No, because the voyage doesn't provide a 5-week stay in one location.
4. Can I use the scholarship for a summer study program preceding a year-abroad program and return for the fall and spring semesters of the following year?
No. Students are required to be on campus for the fall and spring terms immediately following their summer study experience.
5. Are there restrictions as to how the scholarship money can be spent?
The award is considered a supplement to the cost of the proposal. Scholarship funds should be spent on tuition, room and board, transportation, passport and visa application expenses.
6. Do I have to enroll in an American university-sponsored program?
No. The Nationality Rooms Program encourages students to enroll in credit-worthy host-country-sponsored programs or propose a credit-worthy internship or, at the graduate level, directed research. However, the credit must be transferable to your transcript.
7. When will applications be distributed?
Applications will become available on Monday, November 19, 2007.
The last day to pick up applications is January 18, 2008.
Applications must be submitted by Noon, Thursday, January 24, 2008.
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