Rotary Seeks Ambassadorial Scholarship Applicants

Applications for the Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships for the school year 2002-2003 are available through the Rotary Club of Newtown. Rotary International offers some 1,000 to 1,200 scholarships of various types worldwide.

These scholarships offer the opportunity to study abroad either for one academic year at a university; or to study abroad for three months of intensive language study; or for a teacher to teach abroad in a college or university for three to five months in a developing country.

The scholarships are also designed to further international understanding and goodwill in one of 189 countries and regions where Rotary Clubs are located. For the academic year of 2001-2002, Rotary International has provided more than $20 million.

Academic Year Ambassadorial Scholarships are for one year of graduate study abroad, or for one undergraduate year after completion of at least two years of college. They provide up to $25,000 for round-trip transportation, tuition and fees, room, board, necessary educational supplies, contingency expenses, and one month of intensive language training, if assigned by the Rotary Foundation.

Similarly, the costs for the three month Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarship for intensive language program and the three to five month teacher program each are supported by up to $10,000.

During their studies abroad, Rotary Ambassadorial Scholars act as “Ambassadors of Goodwill.” Through appearances before Rotary Clubs and district, schools, civic organizations, and other forums, the scholars represent their homelands and promote international understanding.

Interested persons should contact Newtown Rotarian Fred Parrella at 203/426-4587, or any Newtown Rotarian, for application materials and deadline information. No local club may accept completed applications after June 15, 2001. Serious applicants are urged to start work on their applications early, since much backup data is required.

The Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships program is the world’s largest privately sponsored international scholarship program. Some $245 million has been spent on over 25,000 International scholarships since the program began in 1947. Founded in Chicago in 1905, Rotary International is the oldest service club association. Rotary Clubs provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and promote international understanding and good will.