Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships
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About
Scholarship program, instituted in 1947 by the Rotary Foundation, an internationally renowned service organization, that grants men and women from over 100 counties (those with Rotary Clubs) the opportunity to study abroad in an effort to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas.
Award
There are three types of scholarships: 1. Academic-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships, 2. Multi-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships, 3. Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarships. As of 2009-2010, the academic options provide a flat grant of $24,000; should a scholar’s needs exceed that, he/she is expected to supplement with his/her own funds. The cultural program, which is intended for language study, provides $11,000 for 3 months, and $16,000 for 6 months.
Time
The academic scholarships are for one or two academic years. The cultural scholarships are for 3 or 6 months.
Number
Varies. Contact local Rotary club for details.
Who’s Eligible
Citizens of a country in which there is a Rotary club who will have completed at least two years of college course work by the beginning of the scholarship period, or have worked for at least two years after high-school graduation. Applicants cannot be affiliated with the Rotary club, through self, employment, or immediate family, must be applying to study in country other than their own, in which they have not previously lived, studied, or visited for an extended period of time. No age restrictions.
Selection Process
Competition depends on district. The Rotary club favors applicants applying to countries/areas less popular, in an effort towards equitable geographic distribution. Candidates are judged from application and interview, critiqued on academic and service record and “ambassadorial” qualities. Study the Program Guide for Rotarians available online at rotary.org for more details. Applicants must receive a club-level endorsement before moving to the district-level, and a district-level endorsement before final decisions made by the Rotary Foundation.
Pre-Application Process
None required, but we encourage applicants to make an appointment with our office for any help you may need throughout the application process. Applicants should also make contact with their local Rotary club for more information about club endorsements.
Application Process
Timeline depends on district, but all final applications due by October 1 of the application year, or the year prior to the scholar’s study abroad. In 2008, District 6780 (for Knoxville area applicants) requires candidate applications be sent to clubs by April 15; club interviews completed by April 30; and district applications received by May 31. District interviews will be held June 28, 2008.
Campus Contact
Office of External Scholarships, F101 Melrose Hall, (865)974-7825. Call or email to schedule appointment early in the Spring semester.
Official Websites
http://www.rotary.org/en/StudentsAndYouth/EducationalPrograms/AmbassadorialScholarships/Pages/ridefault.aspx
District 6780 http://www.rotary6780.org/
