Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship Information
2011-2012
The Foundation of Rotary International sponsors one of the largest international scholarship programs in the world. Scholars study in a different country, where they serve as unofficial ambassadors of goodwill. Since 1947, more than 38,000 scholars from over 100 countries have received scholarships of more than $500 million through The Rotary Foundation.
The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. The program sponsors several types of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. While abroad, scholars serve as goodwill ambassadors to the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to a greater understanding of their host country.
July-August 2010
Applicants should complete the 2011-12 application
available on the RI website, carefully researching
possible institutions of study. There is no need
to apply for or take language tests at this time.
Applications must be submitted to local Rotary clubs
by July 30, 2010. Applications
should be submitted to Tom McCarty by August
6, 2010.
Downloadable Form: http://rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/139en.pdf
August/September 2010
A selection committee comprised of individuals
throughout District 6250 will review applications,
interview applicants and select award representatives
in August. Clubs and individuals will be notified
by mid-September 2010.
February 2011
All 2011-2012 scholarship recipients will receive
a packet of information from the Foundation.
This material outlines the steps they’re required
to complete in preparation for their term.
Terms of Scholarships
- Scholars are required to attend at least one orientation seminar if offered in their district or region. Orientation seminars include training on developing and delivering speeches and presentations.
- Study or training must be undertaken in another country or territory where there are Rotary clubs. It cannot take place in the country of the sponsor Rotary district.
- Although applicants are asked to list their preferred study locations, the Foundation Trustees reserve the right to make assignments to any suitable institution to ensure the widest possible geographical distribution of scholars. Candidates must be flexible in their study institution assignments.
- Scholars will not be assigned to a city, state, or province where they have lived or studied for more than six months. As a result, these scholarships are not appropriate for students seeking to continue their studies at a given university.
- Each scholar is responsible for applying directly to the assigned institution, gaining admission, obtaining required visas, and making travel arrangements. The scholarship may not be used in conjunction with a study-abroad program affiliated with a home-country institution.
- Scholars must locate funds to cover all expenses that are not specifically financed by their scholarships or for which their scholarships are not sufficient. Scholarships will not be increased to cover spouses, dependents, or anyone other than the scholar.
- Scholars may receive additional funding from other sources during the scholarship period, but the Foundation will not duplicate funds provided by these sources.
- Depending on tax laws in the home and host countries, the scholarships may be partially or fully taxable. It is the scholar's responsibility to investigate tax regulations for scholarship funding.
- Academic-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships may be used for almost any field of study but cannot be applied to unsupervised research, medical internships or residencies, or employment. Scholars planning to pursue medical studies are not permitted to engage in hands-on procedures or direct-care patient services during the scholarship period.
- Any applicant for Academic-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships whose native language is not that of the proposed country of study must submit evidence of the ability to read, write, and speak the language of that country. Academic-year scholarship candidates must also pass a language proficiency exam determined by the Foundation.
- Scholars interested in third world environmental efforts will be given consideration for an Academic-Year award through the Mead-Witter Foundation with Rotary endorsement.
For additional information, contact:
Tom McCarty
District 6250 Ambassadorial Scholar Chair
6708 Timber Lane
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Day Phone: 715.839.5106
Fax: 715.839.6243