AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

· Following RI founder Paul Harris's death in 1947, Rotarians worldwide gave the Foundation more

then US $ 1 million, enabling it to launch its first program: International Scholarship is now

called Ambassadorial Scholarships.
· This is Rotary Foundation's oldest and best known program. To-day it is the world's largest

privately funded international scholarships program.
· Since 1947 nearly 37,000 men and women from 100 nations have studied abroad under its auspices.
· The purpose of this program is to further international understanding & friendly relations between

people of all nations.
· The program sponsors several types of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as

well as for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies.
· Ambassadorial Scholars have two priorities: first, to be ambassadors for Rotary between their

home and study countries by sharing with others the cultures in their host country and second, to

successfully complete their academic course of study and upon returning home, scholars share with

Rotarians and others the experiences that led to greater understanding of their host countries.
· Currently, three types of scholarships are offered :
o Academic-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships provide funding for one academic year of study in

another country.
o Multi-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships are for two years of degree-oriented study in another country.
o Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarships are for either three or Six month of intensive language study

and cultural immersion in another country.Applications are considered for candidates interested in

studying

Arabic,nglish,French,German,Hebrew,Italian,Japanese,Korean,Mandarin,Chinese,Polish,Portuguese,Russian,Spanish,Swahili and Swedish.
· Scholarships availability depends on district's contributions to The Rotary Foundation and which programs district leadership chooses to support with available funds.District Designated Fund (DDF) is used at district's discretion to participate in Ambassadorial Scholarships.
· The amounts required to sponsor each type of scholarship for program year 2006-07 are as follows:
o Academic -Year Ambassadorial Scholarships: US $ 26000
o Two-year Multi -Year Ambassadorial Scholarships: US $ 26000
o Three-month Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarships: US $ 12000
o Six-month Cultural Ambassadorial Scholarships: US $ 19000
· Other Scholarship Opportunities : In addition to funding scholarships through DDF of each district,there are alternative ways to participate in the program.Endowed,Named,and Donated Scholarships differ from regular DDF-funded Ambassadorial Scholarships because they are funded from an alternate source and recipients often must comply with special study field or location that the donor or donating district has placed on award.
· Eligibility Criteria :
o Applicants must be citizens of a country in which there are Rotary clubs.
o Applicants must have completed at least two years of college-level coursework or equivalent professional experience before commencing their scholarship studies.
o Initial application must be made through a Rotary club in the applicant's legal or permanent residence or place of full time study or employment.
o Candidates can not be Rotarians, Honorary Rotarians,or employees of a club,district or R.I.
o The scholarships are not appropriate for students to continue studies already begun at a foreign institution.
o Persons with disabilities and members of Rotaract clubs are eligible and encouraged to apply.
· In order to assist Rotary club and district selection committees in selecting outstanding Ambassadorial Scholarship candidate,the Foundation has identified the following traits that should be considered standard for any Rotary "ambassador of goodwill." Following are few criteria for the Ideal Candidate:
o Possesses excellent leadership skill & potential ,
o Understands his/her award obligations,especially speeches to Rotary and non Rotary audiences,
o Possesses maturity and seriousness of purpose,
o Has a proven record of success in his/her academics and/or vocation,
o Knows the history,culture and politics of both his/her home community and study country,
o Is flexible and possesses a good sense of humor,
o Is sincere about maintaining a lifelong relationship with Rotary after his/her scholarship period,
o Intends to dedicate part or all of their personal or professional life to the ideals of Rotary.
· Some of the world's most distinguished leaders are alumni of the program,including : Ambassador Otoo Borch of Denmark, Bill Moyers, prominent US TV journalist,renowned pianist Van Cliburn .
· Also in our district-3050 we also have alumni of this program.To name few - L.M.Singhvi ( M.P.- Rajyasabha-first from our district), Dr. Pranav Amin (Ophthalmologist-sponsored by R.C.Sabarmati-Ahmedabad), Mrs.Suhas Nambiar (Now Rotarian and President of R.C.Ahmedabad- West)
· There is enormous gratitude to Rotary (by scholars) for what most believe to be the most significant experience of their lives.