Scholarships for International Students

Developments in Electronic Residency Application Service for Foreign Medical Graduates.

2012-01-25T18:42:00.001-06:00

The Educational Commission forForeign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) is a world leader in promoting quality healthcare — serving physicians, members of the medical education and regulatorycommunities, health care consumers, and those researching issues in medicaleducation and health workforce planning. ECFMG’s Electronic ResidencyApplication Service (ERAS), a support service developed by the Association ofAmerican Medical Colleges (an ECFMG member), has recently undergoneadvancements to further assist medical school students and graduates inapplying for residency positions in accredited U.S. graduate medical programs.

Among these developments, the number of international medical schools usingERAS has grown, with 95 schools now submitting documents electronically onbehalf of their students and graduates. The ERAS new Letter Writer Portal hasalso been introduced to aid international medical graduates applying for U.S.post graduate training, by allowing letters of recommendation to be requestedthrough and later uploaded directly to ERAS; this feature has seen success inaccelerating this part of applying to U.S. programs.

Also accessible through ERAS, on Thursday, February 9th, the National ResidentMatching Program will be hosting an informational web conference on theSupplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP). This is one of multiple newweb conferences, meant for both international medical schools and theirstudents, which will include complete information on the Supplemental Offer andAcceptance Program (SOAP) implemented for Match week 2012, as well as informationand guidelines for letters of recommendation, and information on the AAMC’s newrelease date for the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE).

Interestedparticipants can RSVP to erasadmin@ecfmg.org.

For more information, please visit: http://bit.ly/xFcOeo

International PhD Scholarships in Biology at University of Queensland, Australia

2012-01-11T17:02:00.005-06:00

The School ofBiological Sciences is a large and research intensive unit at the University ofQueensland, one of Australia’s most prestigious Universities. The School hasbroad expertise across the disciplines of ecology and evolution, molecular andquantitative genetics, developmental biology, behavior, plant and animalphysiology, and conservation biology. Their research programs span all scalesof biological organization, from molecules and cells, to organisms,populations, species and communities, and take advantage of study animal andplant systems in a large variety of habitats. The School has announced a newinitiative that has made available a number of PhD scholarships for talentedInternational students who enroll in their PhD program in 2012.

Qualifications

Applicantsshould possess a Bachelor’s degree with Honours, Master of Science, MPhil orequivalent, and must be accepted into the PhD program at the University ofQueensland. The UQ Graduate School website provides further information on theentry requirements for admission to the PhD program(http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/our-research-degrees).

Remuneration

Living stipend(scholarship) of $23,728 per annum for 3 years which is tax free, with thepossibility of a 6 month extension. International students normally payinternational student fees of $29,600 per year, however individuals successfulin gaining one of these scholarships will also be granted a full tuition-feewaiver.

The ApplicationProcess

Interestedstudents should identify potential supervisors within their research area ofinterest (http://www.biology.uq.edu.au/academic-staff) and contact them to discuss potentialprojects. Strong candidates will be invited to apply for entry to the PhDprogram, and if accepted into the program will be considered for the School ofBiological Sciences International Scholarships on a competitive basis.

For further information:

For detailedinformation on research programs, see http://www.biology.uq.edu.au/

For furherinformation on the application process please contact the PostgraduateAdministration Officer Gail Walter gj.walter@uq.edu.au

Four Year Doctoral Fellowship for International PhD Students; The University of British Columbia, Canada.

2012-01-09T20:20:00.006-06:00

StudySubject(s):Courses offered by UCC
Course Level:PhD
Scholarship Provider:The University of British Columbia; Canada

ScholarshipDescription:

The Four Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) program will ensureUBC’s best PhD students are provided with financial support of at least $16,000per year plus tuition for the first four years of their PhD studies.
Thisprogram allows UBC to continue to attract and support outstanding domestic andinternational PhD students, and provide those students with stable, base-levelfunding for the first four years of their PhD studies and research.

ScholarshipOpen for International Students: Yes

Eligibility:

Four Year Fellowships may be held by domestic and international students.
Ingeneral, the fellowships are offered to students beginning their first year ofPhD studies, but may be offered to continuing PhD students.
In all cases,funding is offered until the end of the fourth year of PhD studies, subject tosatisfactory academic progress. Students holding the following Tri-Agencyawards automatically become 4YF designates: Vanier Scholarships, DoctoralCanada Graduate Scholarships (CGSD), CIHR Doctoral Research Awards, NSERCDoctoral Postgraduate Scholarships (PGSD), and SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships.
Doctoralstudents who obtain Tri-Agency scholarships may be eligible for 4YF tuitioncoverage and will receive 4YF stipend and tuition support once their externalscholarship funding ends, to the end of the fourth year of PhD studies.
Othermajor external scholarship winners who are selected as 4YF designates may beeligible for 4YF tuition coverage and will receive 4YF stipend and tuitionsupport once their external scholarship funding ends, to the end of the fourthyear of PhD studies.

Further Scholarship Information andApplication: http://www.grad.ubc.ca/awards/four-year-doctoral-fellowship-4yf

United World College International Baccalaureate Diploma Scholarship, Malaysia

2012-01-08T21:29:00.000-06:00

Study Subject(s): Courses offered by the university
Course Level:Diploma
Scholarship Provider:UWC National Committee (NC) – Malaysia
Scholarship can be takenat: Malaysia

Eligibility:

· Malaysian citizen.

· Resident in Malaysia andhaving completed Form 5 and sat for the SPM (or currently in the final year ofICGSE or equivalent) in Malaysia. A student who purports to be resident inanother country straight after Form 5, without their family being with themwould not qualify as IQ and the application would be carefully scrutinized.

· Between the ages of 16-19years as of the 1st August in the year of entry to UWC.

· Those on refugee statusshould contact the NC directly.)

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes

Scholarship Description:Each year the UWC National Committee (NC) – Malaysia will receive from the UWCcolleges a specific number of places (which may include a scholarship,bursary/partial scholarship or fee-paying place) for which they select studentsto study the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Although strong academicachievement is valued highly at UWC, academic achievements are put intoperspective with a demanding mix of community engagement, internationalaffairs, physical activities and creative pursuits. Our student intake isdeliberately diverse and each of the schools and colleges draws togetherstudents from many different nations and backgrounds. Our bursaries,scholarships and fee structures aim to ensure a broad socio-economic mix withinthe student body that adds value to the student experience and the organization

How to Apply: ByPost; for application form, visit the website: http://www.uwc-my.org/

Scholarship Application Deadline: 17 February 2012

Further ScholarshipInformation and Application: http://www.uwc-my.org/

CONTACT DETAILS:

TheSecretariat

(C/oEn Ahmad Fhamy Sallehudin)

UWCNational Committee – Malaysia

5Jalan BK3/2,

BandarKinrara,

47180Puchong,

SelangorDarul Ehsan

Telephone:03 80767843

Telefax:03 80767829

Emailenquiries should be directed to Deborah Mazlan.

Standing Out in the Crowd: Creating Your Brand Statement: Part IX - Putting it all Togehter

2011-11-27T22:02:00.001-06:00

Standing Out in the Crowd: Creating Your Brand Statement: Part VIII - Brand Statement

2011-11-27T21:58:00.001-06:00

Standing Out in the Crowd: Creating Your Brand Statement: Part VII - Brand Loyalty + Brand Equity

2011-11-27T21:55:00.001-06:00

A brand statement will help your cover letter or resume stand out from thousands of others! In this series of blog postings, I will share information with you taken from leading personal branding expert and career advancement coach, Robert Allen Paul, and his “Company Of One” presentation at Buena Vista University. I would recommend his valuable message to every student. (Part I: Your Brand Part II: Core Competencies Part III: Brand Attributes Part IV: Brand Identity Part V: Brand Promise Part VI: Brand Vision)

Part VII: Brand Loyalty + Brand Equity:

What Will You Do To Attract and Keep Customers?
By now, you probably have a pretty clear understanding of what you do, how you do it and the benefits to your potential “customers.” The only thing left to do is to go out and there and get them!

This is where the principles of Brand Loyalty and Brand Equity come into play. Both are critical in attracting the attention of prospective employers. Both are instrumental in securing interviews. Both are invaluable in launching and advancing your career. But while both relate to the way you manage your professional relationships, in some ways, they are polar opposites.

Brand Loyalty vs. Brand EquityWe can all think of a simple definition of the word “loyalty.” But how would you define “equity”? It’s not a word you hear that often, but when you do, it’s usually in financial circles. That’s because equity refers to a sense or condition of ownership; ownership resulting from some sort of investment.

And that is the defining difference between Brand Loyalty and Brand Equity. Brand Loyalty is a measure of how willing the customer is to do business with you again. Brand Equity is a measure of how much the customer is willing to invest –in time, thought, effort or money– in order to do business with you.

Brand equity is the ultimate goal of every smart marketer (and every job hunter).

How can you apply these two principles in order to attract the attention of potential employers and advance your personal career? It’s actually easier and more common than you think. Let’s start with Brand Loyalty.

Brand Loyalty
There are a million customer loyalty programs out there and most of them fail. Because most of them aren’t based on any understanding of customers or loyalty. Contrary to popular practice, you don’t build loyalty by getting customers to invest more in your brand. You build brand loyalty by investing in your customer. No one understands this better than your average non-profit organization, so we will use one to help illustrate this point.

Frequent Flyer Miles vs. Free Address Labels
Free fares and class upgrades can be pretty appealing if you do a lot of traveling. Frequent Flyer programs are pretty much alike – they allow you to earn points for every mile you fly with them. After you’ve flown about 35,000 miles (and spent several thousand dollars), you get one free round-trip ticket anywhere they fly (as long as you don’t want to fly anytime that normal people would want to fly).

Now, there’s nothing really wrong with this loyalty program. Unless you count the fact that it doesn’t inspire loyalty. Are you any more likely to choose that particular airline for your next trip than any other airline with a similar program? Of course not. Because instead of earning your loyalty, they are forcing you to earn their reward. And by the time they deliver, you’ll probably feel like they owe you much more.

Compare that complicated program to the simple solicitations we all get from organizations like the American Lung Association. Once a year, I open my mailbox to find a fat, little envelope from the ALA. Inside is a letter about all the good they are doing –and some address labels with my name.

Why? You already know why. Because donations from consumers who receive some little trinket first are about five times that of consumers who get the letter alone. That’s why.

Most human beings are hardwired to seek balance and order. If someone gives you something –if someone invests in you –then, more often than not, you feel a need to reciprocate. When I get those cute little address labels, I can’t resist the urge to write a check. Even if it’s just for five dollars. Even if I’ll never actually use the address labels.

What’s true for fund raising is also true for job hunting. If you want a better return on your investment, then you must first invest in the prospect. How?

Start by doing your homework. Learn a little about the person you are approaching, the company you are pursuing, and the challenges they are facing. Then include that knowledge in your cover letter.

Which reminds me: Put it on paper. In an age when most candidates just click the Apply button and transmit an e-copy of their online profile, printing and mailing a real, live letter and resume can really help you stand out! Employers receive dozens of resumes every week, but do you know how many of them come via US Mail? Maybe half a dozen per year.

If you do nothing more than upload your resume to a corporate website, it doesn’t show much interest on your part. But if you take the time to learn a name, study the company, read the job posting, write a letter, print it on paper and pay for a postage stamp, then you have made a real investment in the position –and you might be owed something in return.

That doesn’t necessarily mean you will get the job. But it may mean someone will be more likely to pick up the phone when you make your follow up call. And that is when you start building Brand Equity.

Brand EquityAs was said before, you develop Brand Loyalty by investing in the customer, but you build Brand Equity by getting the customer to invest in you. The tricky part is figuring out how to earn that investment. There are three basic methods: You can require it, you can request it or you can borrow it. If you are job hunting, you are most likely to employ the last two, but we will cover appropriate applications for all three approaches.

Require ItDepending upon how much chutzpah (nerve) you have, you can always develop brand equity by simply demanding it.

Even if you haven’t been shopping for cars, you are probably familiar with both Hyundai and Toyota. If so, you probably know that the average Hyundai costs considerably less than the average Toyota. But did you know that many Hyundai vehicles have more features and options than their Toyota counterparts? Did you know that Hyundai has won just as many awards? Or that Hyundai vehicles also come with a longer warranty? It’s all true. So, why does Toyota outsell Hyundai by such a huge margin? Maybe Hyundais just don’t cost enough.

Remember the Two-Thirds Rule for developing brand attributes? You can’t be all things to all people. When Hyundai promotes Quality, Reliability and Value, consumers think it’s too good to be true –and start looking for reasons not to buy. On the other hand, Toyota focuses its marketing on Quality and Reliability. Period. Even during their annual Toyotathon events, advertising rarely features specific pricing. They figure if you want quality and reliability, you know you’ll have to pay for it. And you do.

So, requiring someone to invest more in your services often leads them to believe they are worth more.

This approach isn’t just about pricing, it’s just as applicable to other capital your consumers can invest. If you force a prospective employer to rearrange their schedule or drive half way across town for an interview, it implies that you are in demand and they may feel fortunate to be included in your schedule.

Of course, if you are a recent college graduate seeking your first career position, you may not possess the credentials (or confidence) to require that prospective employers make a major investment in recruiting you. In fact, in today’s economic climate, if you are an experienced superstar, you still might not have the daring to draw a line in the sand. But at some point this approach may become more appropriate, so it’s important that you understand the underlying principles.

Request ItOne of the easiest ways to get others to invest in you and help you advance you career is to simply asking them to invest a little time and assist you in your career planning. And one of your best tactics is the Informational Interview.

Asking professionals in your chosen field to discuss key issues and ideas not only uncovers clues to the future and potential opportunities, but requires them to spend a fair amount of time and effort explaining themselves and educating you. Having made that kind of personal investment, they don’t want to see it go to waste and will be more likely to choose you over others if a position presents itself. It’s why so many of the college graduates hired by major employers are prior participants in their internship programs.

When your informational interview is drawing to a close, don’t forget to ask them to invest just a little more by providing you with a professional referral. Thank you so much. This has been very insightful. Is there anyone else you think I should meet? If they actually refer you to a professional associate, they become a personal reference for you –and that’s the first step in borrowing brand equity.

Borrow ItIf neither of the first two approaches seems to work for you, your third option may be to borrow some brand equity.

If you happen to work for a recognizable organization, its reputation is automatically transferred onto you, and in most cases, it’s a blessing. The instant credibility that working for a good company creates is usually far greater than any you could earn on your own.

If you don’t work for a well-known or well-respected company (and as a student or new college grad, you probably don’t), you can still borrow brand equity from others -whether other people or institutions (like your college and its alumni). The credibility established through a personal recommendation or association trumps the credibility of even the largest corporation.

When we talk about “borrowing brand equity,” what we are really talking about is networking. I don’t mean networking in a personal, passive, Facebook sort-of-way. I mean networking in a professional, proactive, productive sort-of-way.

Even today, in the age of the Internet, experts estimate that about 80%of all available positions are filled through networking and referral. Your friends and family are still four times more powerful than any website (including Monster.com). Start by asking everyone you know if they know anyone else in your chosen field. It doesn’t matter what company or position that second person might be in, as long as they are employed in your field. You won’t believe how many people you know actually know someone else you ought to know.

Ask the person you know for the contact info of the person they know and if it’s okay to mention their name. They’ll say “yes,” of course.

Now sit down at your laptop and type up a quick letter of introduction to request an informational interview. Since this person doesn’t know you, you will want to establish a little credibility up front by borrowing the brand equity of the person who referred you. Maybe something like “You don’t know me. We’ve never met. But your niece, Jenny Jenson, thinks we should.”

Then you can share some of the personal branding info you’ve already developed, including your career objective and a request to discuss your options when they have time. Since your new contact is already vested in a relationship with the person who referred you, they are much more likely to invest a few minutes in meeting (and helping) you.

If you will remember to ask for another referral at the conclusion of all of your referral conversations, you will be on your way to dozens of meetings and building a real business network. Before you know it, one of those interviews will turn into a real opportunity and that opportunity will turn into a real career.

Best of all, you won’t have to do it alone. Instead of just posting your resume a hundred times and hoping for the best, you will have a hundred people invested in you and doing their best to help you find your way.

These are just a few of the ways you can develop personal brand equity with career contacts and prospective employers. I am sure you can think of many more. Just remember: Your ultimate goal is to promote such extreme loyalty they wouldn’t dream of doing business with anyone else.

Next up: Creating Your Brand Statement: Brand Statement

Standing Out in the Crowd: Creating Your Brand Statement: Part VI - Brand Vision

2011-11-27T21:49:00.001-06:00

Standing Out in the Crowd: Creating Your Brand Statement: Part V - Brand Promise

2011-11-27T21:47:00.001-06:00

Standing Out in the Crowd: Creating Your Brand Statement: Part IV - Brand Identity

2011-11-27T21:44:00.001-06:00

A brand statement will help your cover letter or resume stand out from thousands of others! In the next several blog postings, I will share information with you taken from leading personal branding expert and career advancement coach, Robert Allen Paul, and his “Company Of One” presentation at Buena Vista University. I would recommend his valuable message to every student. (Part I: Your Brand Part II: Core Competencies Part III: Brand Attributes): Part IV: Brand Identity:

Who Are Your Customers? What Do They Think You Do?
Understanding what you really do and how you do it differently provides you with an advantage when it comes to communicating key benefits to your “customers”. But who are your customers?

Traditionally, a customer –or consumer –is usually defined as anyone who uses or could possibly use your product or service. But in branding, the definition of a consumer also includes all of those who couldn’t or wouldn’t. Because even those consumers who are unlikely to become your customer (or employer) have some influence over those who might. They all participate in creating what marketers refer to as your Brand Identity; which is something different from simple Brand Recognition.

Brand Identity vs. Brand Recognition
What is the difference between Brand Recognition and Brand Identity? Let’s use a party analogy. You go to a party, you see an attractive person, and you walk up to them and introduce yourself with some Brand Advertising: “Hi, I’m (name) and I’m an awesome date.” So they say, “Hmmm. (Name)? I think I’ve heard of you.” That’s Brand Recognition. Now imagine you go to a party, you see an attractive person, you walk up to them and say “Hi, I’m (name).”
Then they say “Oh? You’re (name)? I hear you’re an awesome date.” That’s Brand Identity.

See the difference? Brand Identity isn’t based on what you say about yourself, but on what the consumer is likely to say about you. And, just as with brand positioning, your brand identity isn’t built in the marketplace. It’s built in the mind of the consumer. It consists of more than just the ability to recall your brand name. It consists of the consumer’s 360 degrees experience with your brand –personally and otherwise. In fact, it’s possible to develop a brand identity with all sorts of consumers who’ve never done business with you.

Every year, the Harris organization conducts what they call their Best Brand Survey. It’s a national poll of approximately 3,500 consumers that consists of just one question:
“We would like you to think about brands or names of products and services you know. Considering everything, which three brands do you consider the best?“

Can you guess which brand tops the list? According to American consumers, the best brand in America was Sony. For seven years running. That’s impressive performance by any standard. But what’s even more impressive is that there were years in which the percentage of consumers who named Sony as a best brand was greater than the percentage of consumers who actually own any Sony product.

In other words, you don’t have to have personal experience with a brand to have a definite opinion about that brand.
It can be disturbing to discover that people you don’t know –and who don’t know you –may still have an opinion of you. But that’s the way brand identity works; one impression or observation or interpretation at a time.

If I cut my hair or lose weight. If I’m ten minutes early or two minutes late. The clothes I wear. The car I drive. The way I answer the phone. The way I sign my emails. The way I treat my colleagues or my mother or the students in my class. Every little thing I say or do –or don’t say or don’t do –all make a little deposit in the identity account that exists in the mind of my consumer.

So, to those who might tell you the little things don’t matter, I’d say the little things do matter. More often than not, building positive brand identity is a matter of managing impressions and word-of-mouth.

Next up: Creating Your Brand Statement: Brand Promise

Standing Out in the Crowd: Creating Your Brand Statement - Part III: Brand Attributes

2011-11-27T21:35:00.001-06:00

Compatibility Rule: You can’t be tough and gentle. You can’t be spontaneous and strategic. Don’t choose attributes that appear to be in conflict with one another.

Two-Thirds Rule: When buying a product there are usually three primary factors that drive purchasing decisions; however we seldom get all three, so choose based on benefits of the other two. If you’re a new college grad, the primary factors prospective employers consider when choosing candidates are likely Education, Experience and Compensation (Price). So, if you’ve earned good grades from a good school, but have no relevant experience, then you may have to offer prospective employers the benefit of lower compensation. If you’ve graduated cum laude from an Ivy League school and worked several related internships, then employers probably shouldn’t expect you to come cheap. Whatever the three factors are in your category, you need to choose the two you’re going to focus on and forget about the third.

Now, write a list of all the adjectives that describe your professional personality. Think about what each adjective might communicate to your “customers”, then circle two or three that you really like. Read them aloud. Read them again in a different order. Do they sound like you? If so, these are your new brand attributes! Write them down. My Brand Attributes: I am __________, __________, and __________.

Next up: Creating Your Brand Statement: Brand Identity

Standing Out in the Crowd: Creating Your Brand Statement: Part II - Core Competencies

2011-11-27T21:26:00.001-06:00

In previous posts about the importance of a personal brand, we concentrated on how to create a personal brand using web tools such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Now it’s time to create your own personal brand statement. A brand statement will help your cover letter or resume stand out from thousands of others! In the next several blog postings, I will share information with you taken from leading personal branding expert and career advancement coach, Robert Allen Paul, and his “Company Of One” presentation at Buena Vista University. I would recommend his valuable message to every student. (Part I: Your Brand.) Part II: Core Competencies:

What do you do? What you do is best explained as a summary of your accomplishments. Just as on a resume, you skip the list of responsibilities and lead with accomplishments instead. If you think you haven’t done much yet, you need to change the way you think about what you’ve done – shift your perspective!

Defining your professional core competencies is all about discovering your personal strengths; you need to look beyond what you’ve done in school. Consider everything you’ve done in the rest of your life – college and childhood - what other people think you do well. Those things form the foundation of your core competencies.

Are you a sympathetic listener? A great planner? Well organized? A master at getting others to do what you want? There are professional applications for all these personal aptitudes. Think of several things you do well. Ask others who know you what they think. What do your friends and family see as your personal strengths? How about your professors, counselors, or advisors? Now just identify the common denominators.

Are you hearing your strengths as “you always get your work in on time, or early” or “you have odd ideas” or possibly “you seem to like to argue”? Whatever the common denominator might be, consider it a core competency. Regardless of what your personal skill turns out to be, you can turn it into a professional talent. And no matter what your talent may be, there are hundreds of employers who would love to put it to work. Change “odd ideas” into “a talent for delivering unexpected results”. If you like a good argument, then say you have a talent for critical thinking. If you usually beat deadlines, then you have a talent for exceeding expectations.

Discovering your core competency not only provides you with some personal direction, but some professional confidence, too. So, start making a list of all your strengths and successes, and then look for the common denominator. Once you’ve done that, there’s only one thing left to do: Pick one. But only one.

Focus. It’s critical that you focus your core competencies on a single business category and then do everything you can think of to own it. No matter how many things you do –or how well you may do them –people are likely to recognize you for only one.

You can’t be all things to all people. And when you try to promote yourself as a jack of all trades, you come off as the king of none. People (including employers and recruiters) have very specific needs; they don’t want generalists, they need specialists. So, if you want them to believe you can actually solve their problem, then you’re going to have to focus on it. The real impact of focusing on one core competency isn’t exclusion; it’s inclusion. Summarizing your key talent helps everyone who can really use it find you and add you to their list of candidates.
Make that list of achievements and accomplishments; of personal strengths and skills and successes. Then make a note of any common denominators that might point to a central theme. Are you an instigator or instructor? A promoter or problem solver? What seems to happen with projects or positions you make your own?

In 20 words or less, write down what you do - I have a talent for (so the next word should be some sort of active verb like “developing,” “helping,” “creating,” “delivering). Write down a number of different summary sentences. Read them aloud and think about what they really say. Whatever you decide will be fine – as long as it is clear and concise and true.

Next up: Creating Your Brand Statement – Brand Attributes

Standing Out in the Crowd: Creating your brand statement - Part 1: Your Brand

2011-11-27T21:19:00.001-06:00

Concentrate on what makes you unique; focus on “different” so you stand out in the crowd.
Identify your unique personal strengths and develop a summary that helps others recognize the professional applications and advantages of those strengths – help employers understand why they might want to read your resume.

This is how to do it:

Your Brand

The first question posed by the branding process (or any prospective employer) is simply: Who are you? The answer becomes your brand. In simplest terms, a brand is really a name, and that’s where you start – with the name you want on your business correspondence.
Every name communicates its own unique characteristics – “serious”, “fun”, “friendly”, “reliable” … and so on. [Some international students take on an English name when they study abroad – perhaps because it’s easier for others to remember. Some keep their name, or use a shorter nickname.]
Just as words have meanings beyond their literal definitions, names are also infused with certain attributes. Whatever name you decide to use, it’s important to choose one that communicates who you really are – or at least who you want to be.
Your first exercise in building your personal brand is to take a few minutes and choose your personal brand. Write out all the possible names under which you could choose to do business and then go ahead and pick one. Write that name after the words “I Am” –and start thinking about who that person is.

Up next: Creating Your Brand Statement: Core Competencies

Personal Branding: Bringing it all together – tools to aggregate information

2011-10-23T18:24:00.001-05:00

If you’ve been following my other posts regarding creating a professional online presence and your own personal brand through social networking, you probably have a number of accounts and profiles. You don’t want to spend all of your time checking and posting information to all of your different social networking sites separately, so I’ll share with you several interesting and fun (and did I mention free?) web or desktop tools that will make your online life easier!

In a previous post I gave you information on how to find scholarships using Twitter (http://bit.ly/1XmOb ). You should also search the Web, using different search engines, including Bing (http://www.bing.com/ ); you will come across sites that have frequently updated information. Instead of bookmarking the site and checking it regularly, it’s a good idea to set up RSS feeds. They can keep you up to date with the latest news, sports results, weather, music, or what your friends are doing (Twitter or blogs, for example), by bringing the information to you. If you need more information about what RSS feeds are, and how to set them up using a feed reader or news aggregator, here’s a helpful YouTube video to get you started:

RSS in Plain English: http://bit.ly/oAtri

Twitter can be an important part of your social media life. You might have more than one profile or account, with many people and organizations that you follow and watch, a frequent need to do searches of topics (scholarships!), and of course, your own microblogging activities. Twitter itself is pretty limited, but there are free desktop applications you can download and use. There are a number worth checking out (do a search for "social media tools"); here are a couple of my favorites:

TweetDeck lets you manage all of your Twitter accounts, stay in contact with Facebook and more. I have Facebook in one column, my personal Twitter account in another, my Scholarship Twitter account in yet another. There is a refresh button, but the updates come in automatically. You also have the option of having alerts pop up (much like messenger). You can check on the local trends – what your friends are talking about – and see your favorites (much like bookmarks or favorites). It’s easy to Tweet to multiple accounts, and it will sync with your iPhone if you have one. Check out the tabs at the top of the Tweetdeck website: (http://www.tweetdeck.com/ )

Seesmic is very similar to TweetDeck, and is undergoing new updates regularly, so by the time you read this blog and try it out, it will have even more capabilities. Seesmic makes it easy to reply to Facebook and Twitter, sharing text, links, photos and videos all in one screen. There are plenty of options: cell phone, desktop, web, and more: (http://seesmic.com/ )

Another one – PageFlakes (http://www.pageflakes.com/ ). As soon as you set up your account, there is a default tab (page) that brings in default information such as the local weather, national news, video options, music options, and so on. You can create more tabs/pages for different content. On my second tab I have my RSS feeds to the blogs I follow, along with Facebook and my Twitter accounts. On the third tab I have specific Google searches as RSS feeds (you can search for “Scholarships for International Students” and use it as an RSS feed). I always keep my browser open, with the PageFlakes site available 24/hours a day for instant access to all the information I need.

There are so many other Web and desktop tools and applications available – find something that works for you! And if you find or use something that you really like – please share the information by leaving a comment below. (Thanks!)

Very shortly the prime time for applying for scholarships for next spring and next year will be here! My next series of posts will get you ready, and hopefully very competitive – so “RSS” this blog site! ; )

Personal Branding: LinkedIn

2011-10-16T19:46:00.000-05:00

LinkedIn is a more professional social networking site that is career-focused and enables users to exchange knowledge, ideas, and opportunities with trusted contacts. LinkedIn users invite people they know and trust to become "linked in" to them. (Similar to being friends on Facebook.) They are then called “Connections”. Choose connections wisely. You'll also want to choose your network carefully; only add people you actually know – and who know you well enough to give you glowing recommendations. A recruiter may choose to contact one of your connections to ask about you; make sure that person is someone you know and trust, such as family, friends, former teachers, colleagues, and employers. Here’s a short video description of LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/aEzVz

A major feature of LinkedIn is its groups, allowing anyone to start a group based on an association or industry topic. For example, there are tens of thousands of academic and corporate groups that enable alumni and employees to stay in touch. LinkedIn members request an invitation to the group and can receive postings by other members via e-mail. It is through these groups that you can find jobs and internships, and make new connections. Watch for future blog posts about how to use LinkedIn to find internships and jobs.

Here’s how to get started:

Go to http://linkedin.com/ and create a free account.

Create your profile. Your profile is very important, and can increase your visibility online and help build your personal/professional brand. Make sure your profile is complete and detailed – almost like an online resume that includes information such as education, skills, qualifications, employment information and experience, and recommendations.

Add a picture. It’s always important to connect a face with your name. A headshot is recommended; but no larger than 80x80 pixels.
Education. When adding information about your education, don’t forget to add your activities, associations, and any special honors or awards you’ve earned.

Professional Summary. When filling out this section, be sure to select an industry (recruiters often use that field to search). If you change your major, or are looking for a job in a different industry later on, make sure you update this information. There is a ‘headline’ feature that will appear at the top of the page when your profile is viewed by others – so be sure to fill in this information.

Keywords and skills. Be sure to include keywords and skills that will make it easier for your profile to be found in search results.

Contact settings. Contact settings let your connections (and recruiters) know what you are available for. Even if you are not ready for a job yet, it’s beneficial to be flexible here – you never know what opportunities might come along.

Links. If you have a web site, blog, or Twitter profile, add the links – it’s a good way to provide more information about you, and your interests. Beyond just linking to my blog sites, I have used the RSS feed to bring my blogs into my profile (this is a good idea of your blog is professional in nature, rather than personal – more information about blogging in a future blog!).

Public Profile URL. Make your profile public. Customize your URL so it is easily recognizable as yours … such as http://www.linkedin.com/in/YourName.

Make connections. Connect with other members and build your network – invite family, friends, former teachers and current professors, and employers (past and present). The more connections you have, the more opportunities you have. Just make sure you only connect with people you know – quality is more important than quantity here!

Get Recommendations. Ask former and current employers, teachers, and professors for recommendations – as you would for a resume.

Groups. Join groups that you are affiliated with (such as the school you are attending, or have graduated from); or groups that interest you – by topic, industry, or interest.

There is plenty of excellent information about LinkedIn on the Web – use a search engine or two and look up information that can help you create a professional LinkedIn profile, or how to use LinkedIn to find information, internships, or jobs.

Personal Branding: Creating Your Twitter Profile

2011-10-09T20:40:00.002-05:00

Twitter is a must for college students! – For personal branding, networking, opportunities, and limitless access to information. Recent headlines say that Twitter is transforming business and impacting life in general! So, what is Twitter? Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that lets you post short text messages on your profile – up to 140 characters. You can follow people or organizations in order to read their updates (or ‘Tweets’), and others can follow you to read your Tweets as well.

To begin, create your free profile at http://twitter.com/ using your name (try to be consistent with the same form of your name that you used to create other social profiles). Fill out your user profile completely, including adding a picture of yourself. Make sure your bio reflects and represents who you are. Before you start posting, think about how you want to brand (or represent) yourself.

Basic information to get you started:

First, you can only post 140 characters, but only use abbreviations when necessary. If you want to post a link to a web site, you might want to shorten the link by using a URL shrinking service such as tinyurl.com or bit.ly. You will see posts with “RT” – this is used when someone is re-tweeting something someone has already posted. The “@” sign is used to direct a message to a particular user. For more information on how to effectively use Twitter, check out the following videos on Youtube: Twitter in Plain English: http://bit.ly/13gm0r , Twitter Tutorial - Getting Started: http://bit.ly/nZqUjU

Beyond keeping connected with family and friends, and creating a personal brand with Twitter, there are definitely other benefits and opportunities.

The current economic situation and poor job market are making it very important to get ahead of the competition through online networking, and using invaluable online tools such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and others. According to some professionals, social media tools will separate you from the pack. It is estimated that 78 per cent of companies now use social media or networking sites to both find and attract people to fill graduate jobs. Four out of five hiring managers Google search a candidate’s name before they decide to bring them in for an interview. Some feel the traditional job boards like Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com are outdated and may cease to exist in the future. Employers want graduates to research jobs and prepare for interviews more thoroughly than ever – and this is possible through Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other online social tools.

As an international student, it will be useful for you to follow schools, organizations, and companies that post information regarding studying abroad, scholarships, internships, jobs, travel and volunteer information and opportunities. You can also ask the people you follow for help or advice. Check out this video at Youtube “How to Find and Follow People on Twitter: http://bit.ly/LulNp ; here’s a link to help you find people or organizations to follow: http://twitter.com/#!/who_to_follow /;

And maybe the best thing about Twitter is that it’s fun! You’ll find different ways to use Twitter - connecting with people who share the same interests and ideas can create a special community for you; connecting with people who have different interests and ideas can open your world!

The next post: How to build your personal brand using LinkedIn. (Very professional, huge benefits!)

Personal Branding: Getting started with Facebook

2011-10-03T22:43:00.000-05:00

In my previous post, I wrote about the importance of creating a personal brand; in today’s post we get started! Currently one of the top websites, Facebook is one of the first places to start your personal branding campaign. Everyone should have a Facebook strategy and it should be based on your overall life goals. (But certainly balance the professional with the personal - your profile should reflect who you are!)

Most of you may already have a Facebook profile, but make sure you look good when a college or company recruiter looks up your profile – and they will. The Federal Trade Commission (in the U.S.) has decided that companies and universities that research how you spend your personal time and what your passions and hobbies are do not violate your privacy. In other words, the Internet is fair game.

Depending on who you are, where you are in your career, what you’re passionate about and an expert in, you’ll want to brand yourself differently. Here’s a quick list of ways to promote YOU on Facebook:

1. Use your real name in all of your online profiles; be consistent in your branding (and be yourself).
2. Add important information about you, focusing on the education and work section. In the contact information field, be sure to list your blog if you have one, any websites you might have and links to your profiles on other social networks. (More information about other networks in my next blog!)
3. Put your picture on your profile – they are a positive addition to your online presence. It’s always better if you can associate the name with a face. In fact, post albums of pictures! (Just be thoughtful about the pictures you post.)
4. You might consider turning tagging settings off for both photos and videos; some pictures you just might not want everyone to find easily.
5. Keep the applications and widgets to a minimum; only those that will represent who you are in a positive light.
6. Join and actively participate in Groups that interest you; or start your own!
7. Regularly update your status – making it a reflection of who you are and what you do.
8. Write informational notes.
9. Share useful links.
10. Comment on your friends’ walls, pictures, videos, notes, and posted items
11. Check -- and frequently recheck -- your privacy settings on social-media accounts like Facebook and Twitter.You may set your entire account to private or grant certain individuals permission to view sections of your profile. You can also make your entire profile public for everyone to see, which could be beneficial to you if you’re looking to become more visible, and have your name come up in searches.
12. Make every effort to find out what's out there about you. Anything that may be taken out of context should be taken down.

Next blog post … How to build your personal brand on Twitter (FUN!!)

Textbook Alternatives - 2011

2011-08-23T20:12:00.003-05:00

Textbooks. Just the word can conjure up pictures of dollar signs added to an already expensive tuition each semester. Now you have alternatives to purchasing new textbooks that can run in the triple digits, and cost over a thousand dollars a year!

To check out the increased options and what works best for you, open a tabbed web browser like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari. This will make it easier to keep track of and compare textbook options. You might also use a spreadsheet or a table in a word document to keep track of the list of books you need for each course, along with other needed information, such as the link to the store or website, price, tax, shipping & handling, and the time it takes for shipping the books. (Be aware of shipping & handling costs, as well as shipping time!). Before you start, make sure you know the name, edition, author, and ISBN number of the books you are searching for. It is now required to give students this information in the US. To find this information, check with the campus bookstore (online if they have that option); ask the professor personally or send an email; check syllabi or course websites.

Check out your alternatives!

Used Books.
Certainly nothing new, but you might find new places to purchase them.

Students. Ask students who took the course last semester – quite often they ask the professor if the same book will be used again the following semester, and have one for sale. Also check to see if your campus has a student-run textbook selling system in place, such as a website or bulletin board.

Websites. Amazon.com or eBay is a good place to purchase used books. You can also use Google or Bing to search for books by typing in the name of the book and edition, and see what other options come up. (Be careful about purchasing the “international” edition; they can be different, or lack content.)

Book companies and vendors. There are companies that buy and sell used textbooks, and sometimes you’ll find good deals there. A few to try: www.Abebooks.com ; www.CampusBooks.com ; www.Textbooks.com ; www.Half.com ; www.usedtextbooks.net ; www.CheapestTextbooks.com ; … do a search and you’ll find many more. Keep in mind that book companies also buy back used textbooks, often paying for shipping, at prices better than the local campus bookstore can offer.

When comparing prices, however, don't forget to also compare shipping costs. To make the process of comparison shopping easier, price comparison service such as http://www.bookdealfinder.com/ or Bigwords.com, BookFinder.com, CheapBooks.com

If your books just aren’t worth selling back, consider donating them to organizations such as Books for Africa. Better yet, hold a book drive on your campus to send used books and funds to people who need them (Books for Africa, Room to Read, Worldfund, Invisible Children, and more). Not only will the textbooks go to a good cause, they will not end up in a landfill. AND – you can earn money for your campus organization! (Win-Win!!)

E-Books.
Again, this is not exactly new, but there are new players and better options. Many of the book publishers have online or downloadable versions of the textbooks they sell – at a reduced price; so check out the book publisher’s website for details. Coursemart is a website that offers books that can be downloaded for 40-50% of the purchase price. To prevent resale of the book, there is a 180 day limit on use of the online book.

There are a number of sites that offer the classic texts, novels, and books free:

Google Books: http://www.google.com/ig;
Many Books: http://www.manybooks.net/;
Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/;
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com (instantly downloaded to a Kindle)
Do a search for “free eBooks” and you will find others as well.
You can also download free audio books! Search for “free audio books” on the web.

A number of vendors have great new devices available called e-readers. They are small, slim (sometimes 3G wireless) reading devices that let you download ebooks in 60 seconds - no monthly fees, no service plans, no hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots. Others, if you want Internet access, have a monthly fee for the Internet service. I have a Kindle (inexpensive, and uses paper technology rather than an LSD display) and an iPad, both are acceptable, and good alternatives. Check them out.

If you’ve never read an eBook – download a free one today and check out the tools available. You can highlight, take clippings, bookmark, and (what I like best) SEARCH! When you study, wouldn’t it be great to search your textbook like you search websites for specific terms?

Be sure to check out the eBook vendors carefully – some eBooks are only available for a specific period of time; some are only accessible on the computer you use to download the book; as well as other limitations.

Renting/Lending Textbooks.
Now this is an old idea with a new twist! There are now a large number of universities, book companies, and publishing companies that have textbook rental options. The prices are usually much cheaper than the new retail price of the book. Check with your university bookstore to see if they are planning a rental option for students; some are working directly with book publishers and vendors. If not, there are websites that have online textbook rental options for students, although shipping & handling, along with shipping times, might make this a less desirable option than renting through a university program. There is a company, called Cengage Learning that makes the first couple of chapters of the rented text available online to students, so last-minute ordering isn’t such a problem. They also rent books to students at 40 percent to 70 percent of the sale price, and give you the option of renting selected chapters of books.

There are now a number of Internet textbook-rental companies, here’s two to get you started looking for the best deals: www.BookRenter.com , and www.Chegg.com. Both advertise books at 65 – 85% off the regular price of textbooks.

Other alternatives to look into:

Older editions. Updated textbooks are constantly being released, often with little change to the content. Ask the professor if the previous edition will suffice.

The library. Don't overlook the possibility that the college or public library has a copy of the required text. Especially in the case of literary classics, many of which are also available free on the Internet, it makes sense to investigate.

Don’t delay – order your textbooks as soon as possible so you have them in time for classes! (That’s the professor in me speaking.) Check your college bookstore’s web site for ordering convenience and peace of mind. Your local college store guarantees the correct title and edition chosen by your instructor, and may be the quickest, safest option. Know your store’s refund policy, especially deadlines. This way, you won’t be disappointed if you drop a class. Keep receipts. Most stores require them for returns.

Good luck with your textbook search, and good luck in your courses this year!

University of Sydney Achievers' International Scholarships 2012

2011-08-21T20:27:00.007-05:00

These prestigious scholarships are aimed at high achieving, academically meritorious, international students commencing at the University in 2012.

Undergraduate:
30 scholarships of AUD$10,000 each per annum, available for a maximum of three years, (total value AUD$30,000) for any undergraduate program offered at the University of Sydney (subject to the recipient maintaining satisfactory academic progress each year).

Criteria for eligibility:
Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification or an international senior secondary qualification accepted by the University with an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 98* or equivalent.

Students who have already commenced tertiary studies or students transferring with credit exemptions and/or advanced standing are not eligible. Students completing Foundation Studies Programs are also not eligible.

* Further information on equivalents to Australian Year 12 qualifications at:http://bit.ly/qE6fCp .

Postgraduate:
30 scholarships of AUD$10,000 each, available as a one-off award (total value AUD$10,000) for any Postgraduate Coursework program offered at the University of Sydney.

Criteria for eligibility:
Applicants must have completed the equivalent of an Australian Bachelor's degree qualification with a minimum high distinction average as based on the Australian grading system. Students who have already commenced postgraduate studies or students transferring from other postgraduate programs are not eligible.

Application procedure:
No separate application for a scholarship is necessary. An Application for admission to the University of Sydney in 2012 will constitute an application for a scholarship. All applications meeting the selection and eligibility criteria will be automatically considered.

Selection criteria:
Selection will be based strictly on academic merit as per the University's admission requirements. Selection will be based on actual results (academic and English language proficiency). Predicted/forecast results will not be considered.

Only applicants with firm, unconditional offers of admission will be considered.
Successful candidates will be informed in December 2011 (Semester 1, 2012) and June 2012(Semester 2. 2012). Successful candidates applying through UAC will be informed in January 2012.

No living allowance is payable.

For details, deadlines and conditions please refer to the University of Sydney Website: http://bit.ly/n9V0a8

2011 Scholarships for Medical and Nursing Students

2011-07-26T15:15:00.001-05:00

Medical careers offer you lucrative career options! Following are some scholarships that are available for students who wish to pursue medical education and training. The purpose of the scholarship provider is to encourage more and more students to opt for this career

Available Scholarships:

2012 Queensland Health Rural Scholarship Scheme, Australia:
Study Subject(s): Dentistry, Dietetics/Nutrition, Medicine, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Oral Health, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Radiography, Social Work, Speech Pathology
Course Level: Undergraduate
Scholarship Provider: Queensland Health
Scholarship can be taken at: Australia
Eligibility:You are eligible to apply for a Queensland Health Rural Scholarship if you:
- Are an undergraduate studying at University full time, AND
Scholarship Application Deadline: September 9, 2011
For more information: http://www.health.qld.gov.au/orh/scholarships/qhrss/docs/info_kit.pdf

2011-2012 Scholarship for Nursing Students at The Spalding University, USA
Study Subject(s): Nursing
Course Level: Bachelor, Master’s
Scholarship Provider: The Spalding University
Scholarship can be taken at: USA
Eligibility: Scholarship applicant must be officially accepted into the BSN or MSN program, enrolled fulltime (12 credit hours per semester for undergraduate and 9 credit hours per semester for graduate) by the start of the Fall semester 2011-2012 academic year and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Scholarship Application Deadline: September 9, 2011
For more information: http://bit.ly/r2CES9

Endeavour Vocational Education and Training Award for Diploma Students, Tropical North Queensland TAFE, Australia, 2011
Study Subject(s):Various
Course Level: Diploma
Scholarship Provider: Australian Government
Scholarship can be taken at: Australia
Eligibility:- Be citizens or permanent resident of a participating country and reside in a participating country.
Scholarship Application Deadline: 31 July in any year
For more information: http://www.tnqit.tafe.qld.gov.au/resources/pdfs/international_students/endeavour_vet_award.pdf

Merit Scholarship: School of Nursing and Midwifery at Robert Gordon University, UK Study Subject(s): Nursing, Advance Clinical Practice
Course Level: Postgraduate, Postgraduate Diploma
Scholarship Provider: The School of Nursing & Midwifery
Scholarship can be taken at: UK
Eligibility: Applicant must:
-Have an offer of a place to study on a taught postgraduate degree within the School of Nursing & Midwifery.
-Be an international student paying fees at the international rate,
Scholarship Application Deadline: 7th October 2011
For more information: http://bit.ly/nDoV0B

Dr. Vera Elizabeth Dewar Graduate Nursing Scholarship at UPEI, Canada
Study Subject(s): Nursing
Course Level: Master’s, Doctoral
Scholarship Provider: Dr. Vera Elizabeth Dewar
Scholarship can be taken at: Canada
Eligibility: Awarded to a graduate of UPEI School of Nursing pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree in Nursing.
Scholarship Application Deadline: 31 July 2011
For more information: http://bit.ly/pJncTv

Oxley Scholarship for Undergraduate at Australian Catholic University, Australia 2012
Study Subject(s): Nursing
Course Level: Undergraduate
Scholarship Provider: Oxley
Scholarship can be taken at: Australia (Brisbane campus)
Eligibility: The Scholarship will be open to commencing students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing course at the Brisbane campus of the University.
Scholarship Application Deadline: 1 August 2011
For more information: http://bit.ly/pfZxNY

Consort Education Scholarship at Queen Margaret University, UK 2011
Study Subject(s): Nursing
Course Level: Master
Scholarship Provider: NHS Lothian and the University of Edinburgh, Royal Infirmary, Queen Margaret University
Scholarship can be taken at: UK
Eligibility: All applicants will be assessed and selected by a panel from NHS Lothian and Queen Margaret University. -Candidates applying for short course programmes will be selected based on their written submission
Scholarship Application Deadline: 31 August 2011
For more information: http://bit.ly/p3CxCH

Calvary John James Hospital Nursing Scholarship at Australian Catholic University, Australia 2012
Study Subject(s): Nursing
Course Level: Undergraduate (second year)
Scholarship Provider: Calvary John James Hospital
Scholarship can be taken at: Australia
Eligibility: The Scholarship will be open to any Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia enrolled as a full-time student and commencing the second year of the Bachelor of Nursing at the Canberra (Signadou) campus of the University, with priority given to students who can demonstrate educational disadvantage arising from geographic location, disability or chronic medical condition or financial, social or cultural factors.
Scholarship Application Deadline: 1 August 2011
For more information: http://bit.ly/pCyLyU

Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship and Support Scheme, Australia
Study Subject(s): Nursing/Midwifery
Course Level: Undergraduate
Scholarship Provider: Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing
Scholarship can be taken at: Australia
Eligibility:
-Applications will be considered from applicants who are:
•Australian citizens or permanent residents
Scholarship Application Deadline: 25 July 2011
For more information: http://bit.ly/oJjl7z

Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme at RCNA, Australia
Study Subject(s):Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health worker, Allied health (all specialities except pharmacy), Dentistry/oral health, Direct entry midwifery, Medicine (including postgraduate entry-level courses), Nursing
Course Level: Undergraduate
Scholarship Provider: Australian Government
Scholarship can be taken at: Australia
Eligibility: Funding under this scheme is available for applicants who meet the following criteria:
•Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
•intending to enroll or are already enrolled in an entry level health qualification
Scholarship Application Deadline: 16 September 2011
For more information: http://bit.ly/p6fAJi

Aged Care Nursing Scholarships for Undergraduate at Royal College of Nursing, 2011, Australia
Study Subject(s): Nursing
Course Level: Undergraduate
Scholarship Provider: Australian Government
Scholarship can be taken at: Australia
Eligibility: -To be eligible to apply for an undergraduate scholarship applicants must:
•be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia
•demonstrate a commitment to pursuing a nursing career with a focus on aged care
Scholarship Application Deadline: 1 September 2011
For more information: http://bit.ly/oXU8Jv

Pre-Doctoral Research Training Fellowship for Scientists and Healthcare Professionals, USA
Study Subject(s):all fields of research pertinent to epilepsy
Course Level: Pre-Doctoral Research
Scholarship Provider: Epilepsy Foundation
Scholarship can be taken at: America
Eligibility:1.Be matriculating in a full-time doctoral (Ph.D.) program with an academic career focus. Areas of interest considered include, but are not limited to neuroscience, physiology, pharmacology, psychology, biochemistry, genetics, nursing, or pharmacy;
Scholarship Application Deadline: August 31, 2011
For more information: http://bit.ly/pUJurz

Call for Application in Cancer Research Bursaries for Clinicians by NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship, UK 2011
Study Subject(s): Nursing
Course Level: Research
Scholarship Provider: NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship
Scholarship can be taken at: UK
Eligibility: We are currently welcoming applications for Research Bursaries from clinicians, nurses and those working in allied health professions.
Scholarship Application Deadline: 1 August 2011
For more information: Further Scholarship Information and Application/

Convention Travel Scholarship funded by The Society for Vascular Nursing, USA 2012
Study Subject(s): Nursing
Course Level: Travel Expenses
Scholarship Provider: The Society for Vascular Nursing
Scholarship can be taken at: USA
Eligibility: This award may be used for registration fees or for lodging or travel costs. Individuals who have been members of SVN for at least one year are eligible for the Scholarship.
Scholarship Application Deadline: January 6, 2011
For more information: http://www.gla.ac.uk/media/media_201440_en.pdf

Dame Te Atairangikaahu Nursing Scholarship at Waikato Institute of Technology, New Zealand 2012
Study Subject(s): Nursing, Midwifery
Course Level: Diploma, Bachelor, Masters, Postgraduate Diploma
Scholarship Provider: Waikato Institute of Technology
Scholarship can be taken at: New Zealand
Eligibility:
1.Candidates for the Scholarship must be registered on the Tainui roll.
Scholarship Application Deadline: 16th February 2012
For more information: http://www.wintec.ac.nz/scholarships/details/files/Dame-Te-Atairangikaahu-Nursing-Regulations.pdf

2011-2012 Scholarships for International Students from Istanbul Sehir University, Turkey

2011-07-26T14:05:00.003-05:00

Istanbul Sehir University will admit 60 international students for undergraduate programs on full and partial scholarships.

Study Subject(s): Humanities, Social Sciences, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Management, Communications and Law

Course Level: Undergraduate
Scholarship Provider: Istanbul Sehir University
Scholarship can be taken at: Turkey

Eligibility:
The applications of:
-students who are either high school graduates or are studying their last year in high school,
-students with dual nationality who abandoned their Turkish or Turkish Republic of North Cyprus (TRNC) citizenship and who complete their entire high school education abroad
- citizens of TRNC who have completed their entire high school in TRNC and have GCE A/L result will be accepted.

Scholarship Open for International Students: Yes

Scholarship Description: Istanbul Sehir University is a recently founded, non-profit, private higher education institution established by the Foundation for Sciences and Arts in 2008. Its founder BSV is a renowned NGO functioning for more than 25 years in the field of social sciences, organizing many international and national academic activities and free seminars in related areas. With its young and qualified teaching staff, dynamic interdisciplinary curricula and eclectic programs, a wide range of elective courses, rich library and research-focused agenda, University aims to become a distinguished institution in Turkey and its neighboring regions in higher education and research. University invites international applicants to come study in Istanbul, Turkey.

How to Apply: Online

Scholarship Application Deadline: 1 August 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application: http://bit.ly/o4mwQJ

Campbell Fellowship for Women Scholar-Practitioners from Developing Nations

2011-06-15T08:28:00.002-05:00

The School for Advanced Research on the Human Experience (SAR) and the Vera Campbell Foundation offer the Campbell Fellowship, which provides financial support for one six-month fellowship to a female social scientist from a developing nation. The Campbell fellow can be a PhD candidate or a post-doctoral scholar whose research deals with women’s economic and social empowerment in her home country.

The Campbell Fellowship intends to advance the scholarly careers of women social scientists from developing nations and to support research that addresses issues surrounding gender inequality in the developing world. The Fellow will be selected based on citizenship, academic discipline, research topic, and English fluency.

Fellowship Description:One six-month fellowship is available for a female social scientist from a developing nation, either a PhD candidate or post-doctoral scholar, whose work addresses women’s economic and social empowerment in that nation. The goal of the program is twofold: to advance the scholarly careers of women social scientists from the developing world, and to support research that identifies causes of gender inequity in the developing world and that proposes practical solutions for promoting women’s economic and social empowerment.

In addition to a $4,500/month stipend and housing and office space on the SAR campus, the Campbell Fellow receives travel, shipping, and library resource funds; health insurance; and the support of a mentoring committee of established scholar-practitioners.

Criteria:

Citizenship: Applicants must be nationals of developing countries that are currently eligible to borrow from the World Bank.

Academic Discipline: Applicants should be pursuing research in one of the social sciences: anthropology, economics, education, geography, history, law, linguistics, political science, psychology, social work, or sociology, or in an interdisciplinary field that incorporates two or more of these disciplines.

Research Topic: Projects that identify causes of and/or solutions to gender inequity in the developing world, and thus contribute to women’s social and economic empowerment, will be favored. Sample topics include education and socialization of girls; globalization and the economic status of women; policies and practices toward family, reproduction, and women’s health; impacts of international and civil conflict on women; women’s roles in resolving such conflicts or sustaining civil society; media representations of women and the formation of ideologies of gender; the practice and process of gender-based development; and women in science and technology. SAR will select fellows on the strength of their clearly stated intention to serve their communities and countries of origin.

English Fluency: To facilitate full engagement in the SAR intellectual community, applicants must demonstrate their fluency in English, such as through their record of professional interaction in written and spoken English.

For more information and application:
Applications to the Resident Scholar Program (Due on November 1st.)

Qatar Airways creates new National Scholarship Program for Qatari youth

2011-06-04T23:43:00.001-05:00

Qatar Airways has created a dedicated new National Scholarship Program targeted at talented Qatari high school graduates. The long-term initiative is aimed at supporting their education to develop the right set of skills required by the airline and to qualify them for senior commercial and leadership positions at Qatar Airways.

The new scholarship for Qatari nationals has a strong focus on business-centered degrees in majors such as Business Administration and Management, Marketing and Communications, Computer Science, Human Resources, Finance and Accounting, Logistics and Law.

It complements an existing scheme the airline runs in collaboration with Qatar's Aeronautical College, which prepares Qatari students to take on various roles within the aviation industry covering areas such as engineering, passenger services, airport operations, cargo and pilots.

Building on this success, the newly-introduced scholarship program is yet another step taken by Qatar Airways to provide Qataris with support for educational success and enhanced career prospects within the national airline.

It is also a strategic business initiative in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030, which highlights the importance of investing in the country's human development in order for Qatar to become an advanced, knowledge-based and diversified economy. With this national vision in mind, the airline plans to grant up to 50 Qatari students with scholarships this year and increasing the numbers each year thereafter.

The Qatar Airways National Scholarship Program will mark its official debut on June 12 at the Oryx Rotana Hotel in Doha, where Dr. Kholode Al-Obaidli, recently appointed to head up the scheme, will brief students, parents and scholars on its objectives, admission requirements, selection process and the scholarship benefits.

The event is open to Qatari grade 12 students, their parents, as well as Deans, Principals and Career Counselors of local schools and universities.

Still in its early stages, the initiative is already receiving a great response. "Since we started advertising the new program in local media, applications are coming in on a daily basis," said Dr. Al-Obaidli, Senior Manager Qatar Airways National Scholarship Program.

Watch for more details!

Coca Cola İçecek International Student Scholarship

2011-05-25T13:50:00.002-05:00

Scholarship Description:
Coca Cola İçecek (CCI), Turkey’s largest beverage company will support an international student to attend Sabancı University’s MBA program beginning with 2011-2012 academic year.

Coca Cola International Student Scholarship is the most comprehensive scholarship available at Sabancı MBA program. It includes full tuition and fee waiver, monthly stipend and dormitory fee for 10 months (double room), textbook support and travel support for each year.

Eligibility requirements:

The candidate should be a citizen of one of the following countries: Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Kirgizstan, Jordan and Ukraine.

MBA candidates should have an excellent academic record in their undergraduate studies and high TOEFL and GMAT scores.

The recipient of the scholarship is expected to have a summer internship at Coca Cola İçecek Turkey and then work at Coca Cola for a period after the graduation.

Application deadline for the 2011-2012 academic year’s Coca Cola International Scholarship Program is June 30, 2011.

Information:
Visit Sabancı’s web site for more information:

program information: www.sabanciuniv.edu/mba

application process:http://som.sabanciuniv.edu/Application_Requirements_MBA

Sabancı University is in 3 Lots (Lot 14: China, Lot 11: Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Lot 3: Palestine, Israel) under the framework of the Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Window (EM ECW), a scholarship program set up and financed by the European Commission.Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are available for MBA students as well. The recipient of the scholarship receives full tuition and fees, 1000€/month stipend plus travel and insurance expenses.

In addition to the students from the target countries, citizens of these countries with refugee status in other countries can also apply for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship.

More detailed information for: Degree seeking applicants http://myweb.sabanciuniv.edu/iro/?p=271

Credit transfer student applicants http://myweb.sabanciuniv.edu/iro/?p=274

Duly completed forms should be sent to emundus@sabanciuniv.eduFor further information:
http://som.sabanciuniv.edu/Scholarships_Mba#.

2011 IET Ambition Awards - Undergraduate scholarships for students studying in the UK or Ireland

2011-05-17T13:23:00.002-05:00

Organization: The Institution of Engineering and Technology

Amount:
The IET offers a range of scholarships of up to £3,000 per annum to students studying (or about to commence) an IET accredited degree program in the UK or Ireland. All successful applicants receive free IET membership

Scholarship Application Deadline: 30 June 2011

Scholarship Description:
Scholarships are only available for accredited courses at UK universities. International students who are or who will be studying in the UK are welcome to apply, subject to visa requirements.
The application form and supporting documentation are the same for all undergraduate scholarships. The Scholarships Committee will decide which scholarships are most applicable to shortlisted/successful applicants.

IET accredited degrees
Check that your degree course is accredited by the IET by downloading the directory of IET accredited courses. IET is unable to consider an application for scholarship for if the course of study is not accredited by the IET at your university. Universities decide which of their courses they will seek to have accredited by the IET: please do not assume that a degree course that is IET accredited at one university will automatically be IET accredited at another.

For full details and application:
http://conferences.theiet.org/ambition/undergraduate/guidance.cfm

For information regarding other scholarships and funding (both undergraduate and post graduate) through IET: http://conferences.theiet.org/ambition/index.cfm

2011 Australian Government Scholarships for Developing Countries

2011-05-16T07:23:00.002-05:00

Scholarships for international students from developing countries from Australian Government to study for postgraduate degree in Australian Universities

Scholarship Application Deadline: 31 May 2011

Scholarship Description:
The Australian Leadership Award Scholarships are long term development awards aimed at enhancing leadership and building partnerships and linkages within developing countries, while addressing priority development areas.

ALA Scholarships target those whose chosen field of study equips them to play a significant role in addressing, researching or combating development challenges in their country or region. Awareness will be provided with opportunities to enhance their leadership capacity and extend their networks.

Criteria / Eligibility Requirements:
Check the open and close dates for your country, and select your country of citizenship/residency from the list of participating countries for specific information on eligibility, priority areas and how to apply. Participating countries: http://www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/eligiblecountries.cfm

The Scholarships handbook provides information on all aspects of the scholarships including general eligibility requirements, selection processes, entitlements, responsibilities, etc. Scholarships Handbook: http://www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/publications.cfm

Further Information and Application:
http://www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/ala.cfm

Development Trust Africa Scholarships for Studies in UK - Covers 100% Of Course Fees

2011-04-15T00:23:00.004-05:00

Scholarship Description:
Loughborough University announces full-fee scholarships for international full-time taught postgraduate students who are currently domiciled (permanently living) in Africa. Loughborough University Graduate School Development Trust Africa Scholarships will cover 100% of the course fees for postgraduate taught course for one year (replacing any Departmental or Loughborough University scholarships or bursaries that may already have been awarded).

Eligibility criteria:

Currently domiciled (permanently living) in Africa;

Evidence of exceptional academic achievement (normally a 1st Class Honours Degree);

Commitment to return to their home country on completion of postgraduate programme;

Evidence of the ability and commitment to making a significant contribution to their home country on their return;

Full understanding of the costs involved in coming to study and live in the UK;

Evidence of strong motivation and initiative to secure funds to cover the remainder of the costs involved.

Applications will be initially shortlisted and the final decision on the awards will be made by a selection panel of staff of the university.

For 2011 entry the scholarship application procedure is an open competition. Students may only apply for the scholarship after an offer for a place has been made. Students who are in possession of an offer (conditional or unconditional) of a place on a postgraduate taught course can apply for the scholarship using the application form which can be downloaded.

Applicants are advised to spend considerable effort ensuring that this application reaches the selectors in a form that is clear, well presented and which reflects your abilities and motivation. The final closing date for applications is 30th April 2011, and applicants must not apply late. All those applying will be notified of the outcome of their application by email by the end of May at the latest.

For more information: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/admin/ar/funding/pg/international/ludta/index.htm

UEA Scholarships for International students at University of East Anglia, UK 2011

2011-04-06T22:59:00.005-05:00

Scholarship for all courses offered at the University of East Anglia, UK for Bachelors, Masters and PhD international students.

Each year, the University of East Anglia in UK awards over £1,000,000 of scholarships to support international students in their studies. The scholarship awards are made available by individual Schools of Study in the University. All international students (outside the European Union) are considered for a scholarship of between 10% and 50% of tuition fees. Applicants need to make a separate application in order to be considered for a University of East Anglia scholarship. Please indicate on your application for admission that you wish to be considered for a scholarship.

Application Deadline: April or May each year Note: It is important to make an application as early as possible because they are considered as they are received. So apply early to make sure of the best chance of success.

Course of Study:
Scholarships are available from all Schools of Study and across most courses of study. Students of outstanding academic ability will also be considered for Faculty Scholarship Awards made by the Dean of Faculty, usually in April or May each year. These are highly competitive and prestigious award. Notification If you are granted a scholarship, you will be informed at the time you receive your offer of a place at UEA.

Selection Criteria:
Scholarships are awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are normally for the duration of the period of study - three years for Bachelor and PhD degrees and one year for Masters Programs.

For more information:
University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
Telephone: +44 (0) 1603 456161

For more details about the scholarship and how to apply visit International Scholarship at the University of East Anglia: http://www.uea.ac.uk/international

Scholarship Spotlight: 2011 Undergraduate Scholarship for International Students at Ozyegin University in Turkey

2011-04-06T22:24:00.008-05:00

University: Ozyegin University, Turkey

Level: Undergraduate Scholarship

Subject Areas: Arts in Business Administration, Electrical – Electronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Hotel Management

Scholarship Application Deadline: August 15, 2011

Scholarship Description: A)International applicants who have successfully completed secondary education or are in their last year of secondary education. B) Applications cannot be accepted from those who:

1) hold Turkish nationality

2) are a citizen of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

3) hold dual nationality, one of which is Turkish or that of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus

4) starting from the year 2011, have followed and completed their secondary education either in Turkey or in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and gave up Turkish nationality or that of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus while holding dual nationality

5) have been dismissed from a higher education program in Turkey for disciplinary reasons

Scholarships are being offered to qualified accepted international students, in the form of tuition waivers, from 25% up to 100% level.

There are additional scholarships available based on International Baccalaureate, ABITUR, Matura and French Baccalaureate diplomas, completion of AP program and performance in International Science Olympiads.

Students will also have the opportunity to improve their scholarship status after admission to OzU by demonstrating high academic performance in classes (academic merit scholarships).

Further Scholarship Information and Application

Dickinson State University Global Awareness Scholarship; renewable $5,000 - $6,000

2011-04-06T21:08:00.017-05:00

Sponsored By: Dickinson State University, Dickinson, North Dakota

Program Description: The Global Awareness Scholarship provides substantial tuition assistance for international students who desire to study at a progressive, student-centered American university. Eligible students may receive up to 53% of the annual out-of-state tuition rate.

Website: www.dickinsonstate.edu/international.asp
Areas of Study: *All
Levels of Study: Undergraduate Open to Students from Any Region

Award Information:
Award Types: Tuition Reduction Avg.
Award Amount: $5,886
Number of Awards: Varies
Award Coverage: Tuition
Award Duration: Renewable up to 4 years
Award Deadline: Rolling Award
Notification Month: Rolling

Eligibility Requirements:
Requirements 1: Must complete secondary school or equivalent.
Requirements 2: Must submit TOEFL score of 525 PBT / 71 IBT or equivalent.
Requirements 3: Must be admitted to Dickinson State University as a degree-seeking student.
Requirements 4: Must have a desire to study at a progressive U.S. institution.

Application Information:
Contact: Dickinson State University
Ronnie Walker Director of Multicultural Affairs
291 Campus Drive Dickinson, ND 58601

Phone #: +1 (701) 483-2598
Fax #: +1 (701) 483-2831

Instructions: Students must complete the admission process and complete the scholarship application form. Visit the Dickinson website or contact them for more information.

Khan Academy

2011-03-16T23:54:00.002-05:00

Do you need help with difficult courses?

The Khan Academy is an organization on a mission. They are a not-for-profit organization with the goal of changing education for the better by providing a free world-class education to anyone anywhere.

All of the site's resources are available to anyone. The Khan Academy's materials and resources are available completely free of charge.

There are over 2,100 videos, covering K-12 math, science topics, algebra, biology, calculus, chemistry, physics, and includes the humanities with playlists on finance and history as well. Each video is a digestible chunk, approximately 10 minutes long, and especially purposed for viewing on the computer.

Khan Academy is a great resource for students and teachers!

Link: http://www.khanacademy.org/

Korean Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) offers Scholarships for International students for Undergraduate, Masters, PhD studies

2011-03-16T21:39:00.003-05:00

University: Korean Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST)

Level: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD

Subjects:
Science, Technology, Engineering, Humanities, Social Science, Business

Scholarship Application Deadline:
Undergraduate program: March 2, 2011. 10 a.m.~ April 15, 2011. 5 p.m.
Graduate program: Apr 1st, 2011, 10:00 a.m.~ May 2nd, 2011, 5:00 p.m.

Scholarship Description:
Korean Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) one of the top / leading university in South Korea, has announced Undergraduate International Student Admissions for the session September / Fall 2011. KAIST under graduate scholarship is very competitive. Once the students are selected by KAIST, his/her tuition fee is waived and he/she will get a scholarship based on KAIST policy.

Application For Undergraduate:
Eligibility

Applicants of non-Korean nationality

Application for Master’s / Master’s Doctorate Integrated Program
Eligibility

Students of foreign nationalities (Non-Korean)
Applicants who have obtained or will obtain undergraduate degree/diploma by August 31, 2011.
For Additional Eligibility for Application for MBA Programs, Global Information & Telecommunication Technology Program, Graduate School of Medical Science & Engineering, and Graduate school of Innovation & Technology Management, please refer to the KAIST web site below.

Application for Doctorate Program Admissions
Eligibility

International applicants for our graduate programs must be foreign. (Non-Korean)
Applicants who have obtained or will obtain Bachelor’s and Master’s degree/diploma by August 31, 2011.
For Additional Eligibility for Application for Global Information & Telecommunication Technology Program, Graduate School of Medical Science & Engineering, and Graduate school of Innovation & Technology Management

Further Information and Application: http://admission.kaist.ac.kr/03_international/01_freshmen/01_freshmen_sub1_tab2.html#step4
Address:
Team of Graduate and International Admissions
Rm# 506 Creative Learning Bldg.(E11)
291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea

University of Iowa Scholarships for International First-Year Students, 2011-12

2011-03-09T22:47:00.005-06:00

The University of Iowa offers several scholarships to outstanding international first-year students. Financial assistance in the form of grants, loans, or need-based aid is not available for international students.

UI Presidential Scholarship
Requires an ACT composite score of 30 or above (or a combined SAT critical reading and math score of 1330 or above) AND a cumulative high school grade-point average (GPA) of 3.80 or above on a 4.00 scale.

Presidential Scholars for Fall 2011

Value: $52,000 ($13,000 a year for up to four years) through a combination of a $10,000 Presidential Scholarship and a$3,000 Old Gold Scholarship
20 awards
We are no longer accepting applications for the Presidential and Old Gold scholarships for Fall 2011. The deadline has passed.
Contact Admissions for more details.

Old Gold Scholarship

For up to 350 applicants in the University of Iowa Presidential Scholarship competition.
Requires an ACT composite score of 30 or above (or a combined SAT critical reading and math score of 1330 or above) AND a cumulative high school grade-point average (GPA) of 3.80 or above on a 4.00 scale. (Same requirements as the Presidential Scholarship.)
Value: $12,000 ($3,000 a yearfor up to four years)
Up to 350 awards
We are no longer accepting applications for the Presidential and Old Gold scholarships for Fall 2011. The deadline has passed.
Contact Admissions for more details.

Dean Gerhard Loewenberg Scholarship

For the top-ranking alternate in the Presidential Scholarship competition who is majoring in College of Liberal Arts and Sciences programs only (see Presidential Scholarship details higher on this page).
Value: $1,000 - $2,500
One-time award for first-year students
One award
Contact the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for more details.

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Excellence Award

For selected Old Gold Scholars with majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (see Old Gold Scholarship details higher on this page).
Value: $1,000 - $2,000
One-time award for first-year students only
Up to five awards per year
Contact Admissions for more details.

University of Iowa National Scholars Award

For entering nonresident and international first-year students who have a Regent Admission Index score of 290 or above. If your high school does not rank, an ACT composite score of 26 or above (or a combined SAT critical reading and math score of 1170 or above) AND a cumulative high school GPA of 3.60 or above on a 4.00 scale are required.
Value: $16,960 ($4,240 a year for up to four years)
If tuition increases, the scholarship will increase by the same percent.
Eligible students are considered automatically upon admission.
Contact Admissions for more details.

Source of information:

http://www.uiowa.edu/admissions/undergrad/scholarships/intl-first-year.htm

Scholarships and Assistantships for International Students at Georgia College, USA

2011-03-09T22:18:00.003-06:00

College: Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA

Scholarship Amount: $17,500 - $18,000 yearly at the undergrad level

Description: Approximately 15 International Student Scholarships for the Fall 2011 semester. International Graduate Assistantships are also available, which can significantly reduce the cost of tuition while studying in the United States. The international admission and scholarship application deadline for the Fall 2011 semester is April 1st, 2011.

Contact:
Georgia College
231 W. Hancock St.
Milledgeville, GA 31061
1-800-342-0471 ; (478)445-5004
Email: admissions@gcsu.edu

Further information can be found online at: http://www.gcsu.edu/academics/majorsandminors.htm

Templeton Press: New Threats to Freedom Contests, Long Form; $1,000 - $5,000 Scholarships.

2011-02-22T22:44:00.002-06:00

Prizes:
First place $5,000 scholarship
Second place $3,000 scholarship
Third place $1,000 scholarship

Exceptional essays will also be considered for inclusion in the paperback edition of New Threats to Freedom (May 2011).

Deadline:
Entries must be received by 11:59 pm on March 31, 2011.

Objective:
Write a compelling counter argument to one of these three essays that appear in New Threats to Freedom edited by Adam Bellow (Templeton Press, 2010):
The New Behaviorists, Christine Rosen
Participatory Culture and the Assault on Democracy, Lee Siegel
The Illusion of Innocence, Shelby Steele

Judging:
Judges will look for clarity, accuracy, accessibility, and overall quality of the argument. Sources should be referenced and cited appropriately, using footnotes or in-text citations. Entries will be judged blindly.

Eligibility:
Entrants must be enrolled part- or full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university in the United States or its territories. Entrants who intend to be enrolled by Fall 2011 (e.g. high school seniors or prospective graduate students) will also be considered.

Rules:
Written entries should be between 2,000 and 3,000 words. All entries should be submitted by e-mail to tpinfo@templetonpress.org. Be sure to include your contact information, including name, e-mail address, college or university affiliation, and graduation year. All entries become the property of Templeton Press and select essays will be published on the New Threats to Freedom website.

For more information: http://newthreatstofreedom.com/contests/

Templeton Press: New Threats to Freedom Contest, Student Short Form; $5,000 Scholarship.

2011-02-22T22:31:00.002-06:00

Student Short Form Contest

Prizes: $5,000 scholarship

Deadline: Entries must be received by 11:59 pm on March 31, 2011.

Objective:
Create a written or video response to one of these three videos that discuss topics in the book, New Threats to Freedom edited by Adam Bellow (Templeton Press, 2010):
Greg Lukianoff on campus censorship
Max Borders on our compulsive urge to regulate
Michael Goodwin on the loss of the freedom to fail

If you have fresh insights into these issues, we want you to make your voice heard.

Judging:
It doesn’t matter whether you agree with the original video or not, entries will be judged on the creativity and the quality of the ideas presented. Make us think about these issues in a new way.

Eligibility:
Entrants must be enrolled part- or full-time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university in the United States or its territories. Entrants who intend to be enrolled by Fall 2011 (e.g. high school seniors or prospective graduate students) will also be considered.

Rules:
Written entries should be between 300 and 500 words. Entrants must identify the video that they are referencing. Entries must be published somewhere in the public eye: this can be a blog, a school newspaper, or any other print or online publication.

Video entries should be between three to five minutes in length. All entries must identify which video they are referencing. Entries must be published to one of the major video hosting sites such as Youtube, Dailymotion, or Vimeo.

To submit entries, contestants must either send:
A link (if the entry appears online) to tpinfo@templetonpress.org.
A clipping (if it appears in print) to

New Threats to Freedom Contests
Templeton Press
300 Conshohocken State Road
Suite550
West Conshohocken, PA 19428

Be sure to include your contact information, including name, e-mail address, college or university affiliation, and graduation year.

For more information: http://newthreatstofreedom.com/contests/

IES Summer Abroad Need Based Financial Aid – up to $1,000

2011-02-15T21:44:00.002-06:00

IES Abroad Summer Need-Based Scholarships

Amount: Up to $1,000

Application Deadline: April 1st

Eligibility requirements:

Attend a college or university that is a Member or Associate Member of the IES Abroad consortium that transfers at least 75% of home school aid to IES Abroad.
Apply to and attend an IES Abroad Summer program.
Provide proof of financial need through your home campus financial aid office.

Criteria reviewed to determine award:
Level of financial need shown on home campus financial aid office forms.
IES Abroad program location.
IES Abroad membership status of home campus.

How to Apply:
Apply to an IES Abroad Summer Program
Apply online or download an application (if you have not done so already).
Submit a completed IES Abroad Summer Need-based Application
Download and mail or fax the IES Abroad Summer Need-Based Aid Application.

For more information:
https://www.iesabroad.org/IES/About_IES/contactUs.html

University of Nottingham, UK: Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship 2011 for Applicants from Developing Countries

2011-01-31T22:27:00.005-06:00

Scholarship Description:
Launched in 2001, Developing Solutions is The University of Nottingham’s flagship scholarship programme for students pursuing master studies. It is targeted at students from developing countries and uses a variety of internal and external sources to offer one of the most attractive scholarship packages in the country.

The scholarships are aimed at Masters level courses in the broad areas of environment, food, health, science and technology – those most likely to enhance progress in developing countries.

Through Developing Solutions, the University offers a range of full and partial scholarships, from 50 per cent up to 100 per cent of the tuition fee, as well as stipend awards

There are 105 scholarships; 30 awards of 100 per cent of the tuition fee and 75 awards of 50 per cent of the tuition fee.

One full tuition fee scholarship is also available for a student from Africa for the MSc in Crop Improvement in the School of Biosciences.

Deadline: April 6, 2011

Eligibility requirements:

are a national of (or permanently domiciled in) Africa, India or one of the countries of the Commonwealth listed below* AND

are classed as an overseas student for fee purposes AND

already hold an offer to start a full-time Masters degree programme (including MRes) at Nottingham in 2011

To qualify for this scholarship you must:

be classed as an overseas student for fees purposes, and

hold an offer to start a full-time Masters degree programme (including MRes)

Eligible courses:
All courses in the Department of Engineering, the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences and the Faculty of Science. Additionally some courses in the School of Geography, the Institute for Science & Society, the Institute of Work, Health & Organisations and courses allied to Operations Management in the Business School.

*Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Malaysia, Maldives, Montserrat, Nauru, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn, St Helena, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tristan da Cunha, Turks and Caicos, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Western Samoa

Further Details:
http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/internationaloffice/developing-solutions/index.aspx

Scholarship Spotlight: Scholarship for African Students pursuing Postgraduate Program in UK

2011-01-31T21:51:00.004-06:00

Scholarship: Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust Scholarship

University: University of Birmingham, UK

Study Subject: Many

Scholarship Description:
For over a century the University of Birmingham has been recognized as one of the world’s leading universities for the quality of our teaching and research. They attract students of the highest caliber from around the world and have been welcoming international students to the University for over 100 years.

Applicants should have an excellent academic background obtaining a good 2:1 equivalent bachelors degree as a minimum.

Applicants should also demonstrate excellence in an area of their life. This might be outstanding academic achievement, exceptional achievement in extracurricular activities (such as sport, music, managing events or societies) or significant achievement gained either in their working life or through volunteering and service to others.

Applicants must also outline the contribution they will make to the University of Birmingham as a student and what they expect to gain from studying there.

There will be up to four scholarships each worth £10,000 towards the cost of tuition fees. These awards are available to students who are both nationals of and domiciled within a country in Africa.

Eligibility :
In order to be eligible for consideration, candidates must:

be overseas for fee purposesbe both a national of and domiciled within a country in Africa

have applied for a one year full time masters course and have been issued with a student id number

Any application received without an id number will not be considered

Must not be in receipt of a full fee scholarship from any other source

Have made adequate financial provision to study in the UK.

For information on living costs please see: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/students/support/cost/living.aspx

Scholarship Application Deadline: May 27th 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application:
http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/international/students/finance/scholarships/anfct.aspx

Scholarship Spotlight: Westminster College, Utah (U.S.) offers Scholarships for International Students

2011-01-31T20:52:00.001-06:00

Westminster College offers the following scholarships and programs to international students, including first-time freshmen and transfer students:

Exemplary Achievement Award:
Deadline: February 11, 2011
$25,000 a year award available to both first-year and transfer students. Special consideration is given to students who’ve surmounted personal hardships, disability or other disadvantages. The application is available at: http://bit.ly/ebh9yZ

Merit Scholarships:
Rolling Deadline; Priority Deadline is April 15, 2011
All undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for a Merit Scholarship once they are admitted. Scholarships for transfer students range from $5,000 to $10,000, and scholarships for first-time students range from $6,000 to $14,000.

Westminster College is a small liberal-arts school in Salt Lake City, Utah. With a close-knit community and hands-on learning style, Westminster offers a unique environment for learning. Westminster supports international students with the WESLI institute, providing advanced academic-English courses and a semester to adjust to life in the USA.

For more information about international admissions: http://bit.ly/gZZAWS
If you have questions, contact admissions:
Email: atlkowallis@westminstercollege.edu
Phone: 1-800-748-4753.

Monsanto Offers Agriculture Scholarships for International Students 2011

2011-01-25T04:13:00.003-06:00

Monsanto offers a variety of scholarships to recognize, reward and encourage students to continue their education in agriculture-related fields. Monsanto is an agricultural company, which applies innovation and technology to help farmers around the world produce more while conserving more. The organization helps farmers grow yield sustainably so they can be successful, produce healthier foods, better animal feeds and more fiber, while also reducing agriculture's impact on our environment. Driven by the desire to actively support expanding development of future industry leaders, Monsanto seeks out exceptional students who have long-term career interests in agriculture.

The following are the two major Monsanto sponsored scholarships:

Monsanto Commitment to Agriculture Scholarship
Amount: $1,500
Number of scholarships: 100
Eligibility: Must be a high school senior from a farm family with above-average academic record, and plan to enroll as a full-time student in an agriculture-related academic major at an accredited school.

DEKALB® Ag Youth Scholarship
Amount: $2,500
Number of scholarships: 10
Eligibility: Available to both high school and collegiate students who are pursuing agricultural-related degrees and demonstrate strong leadership skills and community involvement.

Application Deadline:
February 15, 2011

How to apply:
To Apply for either scholarship, applicants must submit application for the 2011 Scholarship Application on the National FFA Organization's website. https://scholarshipapp.ffa.org/OnlineApps/welcome.aspx
FFA membership is not required to be eligible for both scholarship programs.

For more information about Monsanto scholarships visit: Monsanto Agriculture Scholarship Page: http://www.monsanto.com/ourcommitments/Pages/agriculture-scholarships.aspx

Scholarship Spotlight: The John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health – Full Scholarships Available

2011-01-22T22:03:00.004-06:00

About the Global Health Scholarships:
Baltimore, Maryland: In an effort to further the educational component of our mission, the Center for Global Health supports students who exhibit outstanding academic records and a strong desire to pursue global health careers. Each year, eight or nine scholarships are awarded to incoming MPH, MHS, and MS students in the Bloomberg School of Public Health. The scholarships are awarded through a competitive process and are open to all domestic and international students. The scholarship covers full tuition for the 11-month MPH program and for one year of a two-year MHS or MS program.

Applying for a Global Health Scholarship:
There is not a separate application for the Global Health Scholarship. Instead, all admitted students into the Bloomberg School of Public Health are considered for the award. You can only be awarded the scholarship as a new student; returning students are not eligible. If you wish, you may mention your desire for the scholarship in your admissions essay.

To learn more about applying to the Bloomberg School of Public Health:
http://www.jhsph.edu/resources/prospective_students/

Scholarship Spotlight: Chinese Government Scholarship Program 2011-12 for International Students; partial to full scholarships

2011-01-22T21:00:00.000-06:00

Scholarship Details:
Chinese Government Scholarship program is established by the Ministry of Education of P.R. China (hereinafter referred to as MOE) in accordance with educational exchange agreements or understandings reached between Chinese government and governments of other countries, organizations, education institutions and relevant international organizations to provide both full scholarships and partial scholarships to international students and scholars. MOE entrusts China Scholarship Council (hereinafter referred to as CSC) to manage the recruitment and carry out the routine management of Chinese Government Scholarship Programs.

Criteria & Eligibility:
1. Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens and in good health.
2. Education background and age limit:
- Applicants for undergraduate program must have senior high school diploma with good academic performance and be under the age of 25.
- Applicants for master’s degree program must have bachelor’s degree and be under the age of 35.
- Applicants for doctoral degree program must have master’s degree and be under the age of 40.
- Applicants for Chinese training program must have senior high school diploma and be under the age of 35, Chinese language is the only subject available.
- Applicants for general scholar program must have completed at least two years of undergraduate study and be under the age of 45, all subjects besides Chinese language are available.
- Applicants for senior scholar program must have master’s degree or above, or hold academic titles of associate professor or above, and be under the age of 50.

Application Details:
Applicants shall apply to Chinese diplomatic missions or dispatching authorities between January and April every year. Applicants may contact the above authorities for deadlines for application.

Application Deadline: April 30th, 2011

For further information:
http://en.csc.edu.cn/Laihua/4acd2f2e7d2d454ab1af1233ad4fc7b5.shtml

Scholarship Spotlight: Australia’s Endeavour Awards: competitive, merit-based scholarships

2011-01-16T01:02:00.009-06:00

Awards Description:
The Endeavour Awards is the Australian Government`s internationally competitive, merit-based scholarship program providing opportunities for citizens of the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Europe and Americas to undertake study, research and professional development in Australia. Awards are also available for Australians to undertake study, research and professional development abroad.

The Endeavour Awards aim to:

Develop on-going educational, research and professional linkages between individuals, organizations and countries;

Provide opportunities for high achieving individuals from Australia and overseas to increase their skills and enhance their global awareness;

Contribute to Australia`s position as a high quality education and training provider, and a leader in research and innovation;

Increase the productivity of Australians through an international study, research or professional development experience.

The Endeavour Awards are a part of the Australia Awards initiative which was announced by the Government in November 2009. The Australia Awards have been established to maximize the benefit to Australia of its extensive scholarship programs, and to support enduring ties between Australia and our neighbors.

Participating Countries (International Applicants): Both developed and developing countries

Summary of Endeavour Awards:
Endeavour Postgraduate Awards: Up to $228,500 (PhD) and $118,500 (Masters)
Endeavour Research Fellowships: Up to $23,500
Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Research Fellowships: Up to $23,500
Endeavour Research Fellowships for Indigenous Australians: Up to $23,500
Endeavour Europe Awards: Up to $38,500
Endeavour Vocational Education and Training (VET) Awards: Up to $119,500
Endeavour Executive Awards: Up to $18,500

Preparing your Application:
Applications should be submitted through Endeavour Online, the online system which allows applicants to enter their personal details and information on their proposed program, and to upload the required supporting documentation.

The online application form is only accessible between 1 December and 31 January. Please refer to section 1.8 for additional information regarding accessing the online application system.

Applicants who do not have internet access may request a hard-copy application form by emailing endeavour.awards@deewr.gov.au indicating in their email the reasons why they are unable to apply online. Hardcopy applications must be received by the closing date. Late applications will not be considered.

Applications must satisfy the Eligibility Requirements in order to be considered by the Endeavour Awards selection panel.

Applicants should be aware that applications not received by the closing date will not be considered. Only applications that are submitted by the closing date will be assessed and applicants notified by email of the outcome of their applications.

Online application system:
The online application system, Endeavour Online, allows applicants to enter their personal details and information on their proposed program, and to upload the required supporting documentation directly onto the Endeavour Online system.

To apply online, applicants will need to go to the Endeavour Online system at: https://endeavouradmin.deewr.gov.au/es/esapplication/Security/Login.aspx. First-time users will need to register with the Endeavour Online system to create a user ID (the applicant`s nominated email address and password). Once registered, applicants may create a new application or continue working on an existing application.

New applications will be allocated a unique application number. This application number should be referred to in any correspondence with DEEWR.

A Step by Step Guide to using the Endeavour Online Application System may be found at: http://www.endeavour.deewr.gov.au/apply_now/apply_now.htm .

For more information: http://www.deewr.gov.au/International/EndeavourAwards/Documents/ApplicantGuidelines.pdf

If you require more information regarding the Endeavour Awards, please visit the Endeavour Awards website at: http://www.deewr.gov.au/International/EndeavourAwards/Pages/Home.aspx or contact the Endeavour Awards Management Team at: endeavour.awards@deewr.gov.au.

Scholarship Spotlight: International Student Merit Scholarships – Ryerson University, Canada 2011/2012

2011-01-16T00:45:00.001-06:00

Scholarship Description:
7 International Student Merit Scholarships, valued at $5,000 each, will be awarded across all programs on a grades-competitive basis starting at 85% or equivalent (final admission average). International students who have attended a post-secondary institution (university or college) are not eligible for International Student Merit Scholarships .International students must have a valid Canadian Study Permit by the time they register in courses at Ryerson and must maintain their International Student (Study Permit) status for the entirety of their first year of studies (fall and winter semesters) in order to receive and retain their scholarship. A scholarship application is required. International Secondary School Student Merit Scholarships will be awarded to the overall best-qualified applicants. Decisions of the selection committee are final.

Eligibility requirements:
International applicants entering year one of a full-time, four-year undergraduate degree program at Ryerson in Fall 2011. Applicants must meet the following criteria and will be considered on a competitive basis. Enrolling in a post-secondary institution for the first time and have completed an application to Ryerson, via the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC) by March 1, 2011.Currently enrolled (full-time) in the final year of an out-of-country secondary school (or equivalent) and entering Canada with Study Permit authorization. Applicants must achieve first-class standing in the country-specific equivalent of the Ontario Grade 12U program.

Application form:
http://www.ryerson.ca/currentstudents/awards/pdfs/schol_ent_international.pdf

How to apply:
http://www.ryerson.ca/currentstudents/awards/pdfs/schol_ent_international.pdf

Deadline:
The last date to apply is March 1, 2011.

For more information: http://www.ryerson.ca/currentstudents/awards/pdfs/schol_ent_international.pdf

Scholarship Spotlight: Barcelona Graduate School of Economics offers partially and fully-funded scholarships.

2011-01-15T23:39:00.004-06:00

Scholarship description:
Thanks to the participation of a number of companies and institutions, the Barcelona GSE is able to offer a number of scholarships based on academic merit. These financial awards help the School attract the best and brightest international students and are highly competitive. A small number of teaching assistantships are also available to students in the Economics and Finance programs.

How to Apply:
There is no extra application for these scholarships. The student will find the relevant section in the application form.

Students are reminded that only complete applications will be considered. In the online application form candidates must provide the following attachments:

academic transcript
statement of purpose
curriculum vitae
proof of knowledge of English

Two letters of reference must be sent to references@barcelonagse.eu. Click here for more information on the application process. Please note that the selection process for all scholarships is handled entirely by the Admissions Committee of the Barcelona GSE.

Scholarship Spotlight: Lingnan University, Hong Kong; Liberal Arts Scholarship, $15,000

2010-12-30T00:37:00.003-06:00

University:Lingnan University, Hong Kong

Level: Undergraduate; Arts, Business and Social Sciences

Scholarship Description:
To attract overseas students to our University so as to create a vibrant international environment on campus, the University offers scholarships to support outstanding overseas students to pursue undergraduate studies at our University.

Overseas Student Scholarships of HK$120,000 (i.e. about US$15,385) each per academic year will be awarded to successful applicants, covering tuition fee, hostel and other academic and living expenses. Each scholarship is offered on an annual renewable basis and is tenable for a period of up to 3 years, subject to continued outstanding academic performance.

Requirements:
Non-local applicants (other than Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland citizens) should have attained at a recognized post-secondary institution outside Hong Kong an equivalent qualification to the Admission Requirements of the University, including a degree, an associate degree or a diploma awarded by a recognized post-secondary institution; OR an International Baccalaureate Diploma; OR satisfactory completion of the first year in a four-year undergraduate curriculum or the first year of an associate degree program of a recognized institution; OR satisfactory completion of two years of full-time study in a post-Form Five institution, e.g. a technical institute; OR other equivalent qualifications which the University will consider on a case-by-case basis.

Non-local applicants may be required to achieve a minimum of Grade C in English in the GCE O-Level or GCSE Examination or an equivalent public examination; or a TOEFL score of 213 in the computer-based test, or 550 in the paper-based test, or 79 in the internet-based test; or an IELTS overall band score of 5.5.

Scholarship Application Deadline: March 31, 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application:
http://www.ln.edu.hk/admissions/da/intl/scholarships/background.php

Please click here ( pdf size 1.98 MB) to download a leaflet on the Scholarships.

ESMT, Germany, Offers Exciting MBA Scholarship/Fellowship Opportunities for MBA, Executive MBA Programs (Full Tuition)

2010-12-28T18:20:00.004-06:00

Supported by 25 corporate founders, European School of Management and Technology is able to offer substantial scholarships to support students. ESMT offers a number of merit-based scholarships for applicants.

Scholarships are allocated on the basis of intellectual excellence, evidence of personal and professional achievement and evidence of strong leadership potential as well as superior interpersonal skills. The scholarships are restricted to self-funded candidates and will be accounted for against the applicant’s program fees. Applicants must meet ESMT’s general admission requirements.

Following are a few of the scholarship opportunities:

Tagesspiegel Diversity Scholarship
Global Women’s Scholarship
ESMT Americas Scholarship
ESMT Central and Eastern Europe Scholarship
ESMT Africa Scholarship
ESMT Middle East and Central Asia Scholarship
ESMT Asia Scholarship
ESMT Academic Excellence Scholarship
ESMT Academic Excellence Scholarship for Women
QS ESMT Diversity Scholarships
Talentia Scholarships
Kofi Annan Business School Foundation

Full-time MBA Application:
Apply online (MBA)

Further Information:
Info Downloads
Info Events

Full-time MBA assistance:
Stephanie Kluth
Head of Admissions Office
Phone: +49 (0) 30 212 31-1400
Fax: +49 (0) 30 212 31-1409
mba@esmt.org

ESMT Offers Exciting MBA Scholarship/Fellowship Opportunities: Kofi Annan Fellowship, full tuition and fees.

2010-12-27T13:32:00.000-06:00

Description:
The Kofi Annan Business School Foundation provides fellowships for talented and motivated students from developing countries that allow them to obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Europe at one of the academic partners of the Kofi Annan Business School Foundation. Partner schools are ESMT, Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School (Belgium), and Hogeschool Utrecht (Netherlands).

Program: Full-time MBA

Scholarships available: up to three

Eligibility:
Applicants must be resident in one of the UN’s Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), or Palestine.
Please use these links to find a list of countries qualifying:
Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs)

Value:
Full tuition and fees of € 38,000 and a monthly stipend for living expenses

Conditions:
Fellows are expected to commit to returning to their home country or region to participate in the development of the local or regional economy.

For more information:
Download brochure
Website: http://www.esmt.org/info/scholarships

Collegiate Inventors Competition for 2011: US/Canada, Undergraduate prize $10,000, Graduate prize $15,000

2010-12-21T23:47:00.004-06:00

Objective
Introduced in 1990, the Collegiate Inventors Competition has recognized, rewarded, and encouraged hundreds of students to share their inventive ideas with the world. The Competition promotes exploration in invention, science, engineering, technology, and other creative endeavors and provides a window on the technologies from which society will benefit in the future.

Eligibility
Students must be enrolled (or have been enrolled) full-time in any U.S. or Canadian college or university at least part of the 12-month period prior to the date the entry is submitted. In the case of a team (maximum of four students), at least one member of the team must meet the full-time eligibility criteria. The other team members must have been enrolled on a part-time basis (at a minimum) sometime during the 24-month period prior to the date the entry is submitted.

Requirements
The entry must be the original idea and work product of a student or team of students with his or her university advisor and must not have been (1) made available to the public as a commercial product or process, (2) described in extensive detail in a publication more than one year prior to the date of submission, or (3) issued a patent more than one year prior to the date of submission. On rare occasion, exceptions may be made to allow the submission of significant recent improvements to matter patented or published more than one year prior to submission of the application. The entry submitted must be written in English.

The invention, a reduced-to-practice idea or working prototype, must be the work of a student or team of students with his or her university advisor. If it is a machine, it must be operable. If it is a chemical, it must be complete with evidence of successful application of the idea. If it is a new plant, color photographs or slides must be included in the submission. If a new or original ornamental design for an article of manufacture is submitted, the entire design must be included in the application. In addition, the invention should be capable of being reproduced.

Do not send your invention. Finalists will be notified and given instructions to send any necessary documentation. A university transcript must be provided at that time to verify student status.

Award
Each year up to 12 finalists in Graduate and Undergraduate Divisions receive an all-expenses paid trip to present their work to a panel of expert judges. The top Graduate prize is $15,000, the top Undergraduate Prize is $10,000. Other prizes will be awarded to select finalists. Academic advisors of each winning entry also receive a cash award.

Deadline
The 2011 dates for the Collegiate Inventors Competition have not yet been determined.

Website
http://www.invent.org/collegiate/

Scholarship Spotlight: University of Dayton International Merit Scholarships

2010-12-14T22:58:00.002-06:00

University: University of Dayton, OH

Scholarship Amount: $5,000-$25,000

Program Description:
University of Dayton offers international merit scholarships which range between $5,000 and $25,000 per year to first-year and transfer undergraduate applicants.

Website: http://admission.udayton.edu/International_Students
Areas of Study: *All
Levels of Study: Undergraduate
Open to Students from Any Region

Eligibility Requirements:
Requirements 1: The University of Dayton does not require international applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores for admission or a limited scholarship review. However, applicants are welcome to submit ACT or SAT scores, as good scores may increase scholarship awards.

Contact Information:
University of Dayton
Admissions Office
300 College Park
Dayton, OH 45469-1300

Phone #: +1 (800) 837-7433
E-Mail: admission@udayton.edu

Contact or visit the website for more information.

Scholarship Spotlight: University of Toledo International Rocket Scholarship

2010-12-14T22:43:00.001-06:00

University: University of Toledo; Toledo, Ohio

Average Scholarship: $9,120; covers non-resident portion of tuition

Deadline: MayAward Notification Month: July

Program Description:
Students that are eligible for the International Rocket Award will be invited to compete for this limited and competitive scholarship. Students selected will receive one half of the out-of-state surcharge, that when put together with the International Rocket Award will cover the entire out-of-state surcharge.

Areas of Study: *All
Levels of Study: Undergraduate
Open to Students from Any Region

Eligibility Requirements:
Requirements 1: Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Requirements 2: Minimum of a 500 PBT / 173 CBT / 61 IBT on international TOEFL, or 6.0 on the IELTS.

For further information, contact:
The University of Toledo
Mark Schroeder
Undergraduate Admission
2801 W. Bancroft St
Mail Stop #300
Toledo, OH, 43606

Phone: +1 (419) 530-1213
Fax: +1 (419) 530-5745
E-Mail: mark.schroeder5@utoledo.edu

Visit the website to apply online: http://www.utoledo.edu

Scholarship Spotlight: Pacific Lutheran University International Student Scholarships, up to full tuition waver

2010-12-01T08:49:00.002-06:00

University: Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington, USA

Scholarship Description:
Renewable International student scholarships. Amount varies in between $1,000 and full tuition waiver ($29,200 for 2010-2011) per year. Deadline for some scholarships is December 15. Some scholarships require a separate application.

Areas of Study: Many - check out the website
Levels of Study: Undergraduate and Graduate

Open to Students from:
Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America, Oceania, Egypt, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda

Scholarship Information:
Avg. Award Amount: Varies (up to $29,200 for 2010-2011)
Number of Awards: Unlimited
Award Coverage: Tuition and fees.
Award Duration: Up to 4 years

Eligibility Requirements:
Requirements 1: Must be enrolled at Pacific Lutheran University.

Website: www.plu.edu/admission/international/apply

Contact Information:
Pacific Lutheran University
Hiro Kuroiwa-Lewis
Director of International Recruitment
Office of Admission
Tacoma, WA 98447-0003

Phone: +1 (253) 535-8177
Fax: +1 (253) 536-5136
E-Mail: kuroiwalewis@plu.edu

Scholarship Spotlight: Tulane University Financial Assistance for International Students

2010-11-30T13:04:00.001-06:00

University: Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Scholarship Information:
Undergraduate scholarship
Open to students from any region
Areas of study: All

Avg. Award Amount: $15,000
Number of Awards: 54

Award Coverage: Partial tuition or housing waiver.
Award Duration: 4 years
Award Deadline: March 1

Eligibility Requirements:

Requirements 1: Standardized test scores for SAT1 and TOEFL or IELTS if English is a non-native language.
Requirements 2: Must submit a certified and translated copy of the candidate's secondary school academic record and government examination certificates.
Requirements 3: Certification of Finances Form must be completed and turned in.

Need-based Scholarship funds:
Students may also be considered for Tulane institutional need-based scholarship funds. Tulane requires that all need-based scholarship recipients, including international students, must maintain full-time enrollment (12 credit hours or more) each semester in a full-time division (Newcomb- Tulane College, School of Architecture, School of Science and Engineering, School of Liberal Arts, Freeman School of Business.) For 2010-2011, full-time division entering undergraduate international students may receive up to a maximum of $18,000 in Tulane Need-Based Scholarship annually depending on their family's level of financial need. Students who reside in a country other than the United States or students whose family income is paid in the currency of another country must complete the College Board 2010-2011 International Student Financial Aid Application if they wish to be considered for Tulane need-based scholarship funds. Incoming students should mail the completed form directly to the Tulane University Office of Financial Aid.

Contact Information:
Tulane University
Office of Undergraduate Admission
6823 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118

Phone: +1 (800) 873-9283
E-Mail: undergrad.admission@tulane.edu

Admissions, International Students: http://tulane.edu/admission/admission-for-international-students.cfm

Tulane Website: http://tulane.edu/

Scholarship Spotlight: Florida Institute of Technology Undergraduate Merit-based Scholarships and Need-based Aid

2010-11-29T23:57:00.004-06:00

University: Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida

Merit-based scholarships:

Applications received on or before January 15 for will receive priority consideration. Academic scholarships are available through the Office of Admission. Scholarships are awarded to students with very strong secondary school grades. Scholarships may be available to qualified students regardless of country of citizenship. Scholarships range from $5,000 to $12,000 per year and are awarded automatically at the time of admission. No additional scholarship application is needed. These scholarships are only awarded to students with no prior community college or university course work.

Those students having attended, or who are currently attending, a community college or university may be eligible for a Transfer Scholarship of $8,000 per year ($4,000 per semester) until graduation. If the student attends a community college in the United States and has earned a membership to the community college honor society Phi Theta Kappa, they can combine an additional award with their transfer scholarship for a total of $12,500 per year.

Need-based aid:

Florida Tech offers limited financial aid (up to $10,000) to international students on the basis of need. This award may be combined with a Merit scholarship. To apply for need based aid, file the application for admission and Request for Financial Support form before January 15 for priority consideration. A limited number of part-time jobs may be available on campus, but they are very competitive.

Eligibility Requirements:
Open to Students from Any Region
Students must fully complete the "Request for Financial Support" found at the website:
www.fit.edu/ugrad/international/financial_assistance.php

Instructions:
Apply for admission. The awarding process is automatic if the Request for Financial Support form is submitted. Priority is given to students who apply before February 1 for the upcoming Fall term and before November 1 for the upcoming Spring term.

Areas of Study:
Accounting; Aerospace
Astronomy; Aviation/Aerospace
Behavioral Sciences; Biochemistry
Biology; Biotechnology
Business and Management
Chemistry
Communications and Journalism
Computer and Information Sciences
Computer Science; Engineering
Ecology; Environmental Studies
Information Technology
International Management
Life Sciences; Management
Marine Engineering; Marketing
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Mathematics
Medicine; Molecular Biology
Natural Resources and Conservation
Natural Sciences
Ocean and Resource Management; Oceanography
Optics; Physical Sciences; Physics
Psychology; Science

Contact Information:
Florida Institute of Technology
Judi Marino
Director of International Student Enrollment
150 W University Blvd.
Melbourne, FL
32901

Phone: +1 (321) 674 8030
Fax: +1 (321) 674 8004
E-Mail: admission@fit.edu

Scholarship Spotlight: Scholarship for African Students and Commonwealth Countries 2011- 2012 at U of Nottingham

2010-11-23T22:51:00.003-06:00

University: University of Nottingham, UK

Eligibility:
To apply for any of the scholarships, you should be classed as an overseas student for fee purposes AND already hold an offer to start a full-time Masters degree programme (including MRes) at University of Nottingham in 2011.

Application Deadline:
The closing date for applications is 6th April 2011 for all awards. Applicants will be notified of the outcome within 6 weeks of the closing date.

Developing Solutions Masters Scholarship:

105 scholarships - 30 full tuition fee and 75 of 50% towards tuition fee

Eligible Countries:
You can apply for this scholarship if you are a national of (or permanently domiciled in) Africa, India or one of the countries of the Commonwealth listed below:

*Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Malaysia, Maldives, Montserrat, Nauru, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn, St Helena, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tristan da Cunha, Turks and Caicos, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Western Samoa

Courses of Study:
Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences and Faculty of Science, plus some courses in the School of Geography, Institute for Science & Society, Institute of Work, Health & Organisations, and courses allied to Operations Management in the Business School. See Scholarship Webpage

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme:

6 FULL Scholarships -tuition fees, airfare, maintenance award and additional allowances.
The University of Nottingham offers this scholarship in partnership with the UK Department for International Development (DFID) and the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)
You can apply for this scholarship if you are a national of (or permanently domiciled in)one of the eligible countries for the Scheme.

Field of Study: Faculty of Medicine and Health Science

Nominations for this scholarship will be chosen from the 'Developing Solutions' Scholarship applications - therefore you should apply only once on the Developing Solutions Scholarship application form

The Duke of Portland Developing Solutions Scholarship:

A Full Tuition Fee Scholarship is available for a student from Africa for the MSc in Crop Improvement
School of Biosciences
You can apply for this scholarship if you are a national of (or permanently domiciled in) Africa

Field of Study: full-time Masters degree programme for the MSc in Crop Improvement.

Contact Information:
International Office
C Floor, International House
Jubilee Campus, Wollaton Road
Nottingham NG8 1BB, UK
telephone: +44 (0) 115 951 5247
fax: +44 (0) 115 951 5155

For more scholarship for international students visit: www.nottingham.ac.uk

Scholarship Spotlight: Concordia College, Minnesota; International Undergrad Scholarships

2010-11-21T19:22:00.003-06:00

University: Concordia College, Moorhead, MN

Amount of scholarship: up to $16,000

Description:
International student scholarships, based on academic ability and family need, to qualified international students. In addition, students can work on campus and earn about $2,500 per year. Open to students from any region. All areas of study. Undergraduate scholarship.

Scholarship Information:

Avg. Award Amount: Up to $16,000
Number of Awards: Approx. 100
Award Coverage: Average award covers about 50% of tuition.
Award Duration: Varies
Award Deadline: June
Award Notification Month: With admission

Eligibility Requirements:

Requirements 1: Must meet all requirements for admission. Award amount is based on academic ability and on family need.
Requirements 2: Scholarships are available only to students enrolled at Concordia College.

Contact Information:
Concordia College
Don Buegel
Director of International Student Recruiting and Support
901 8th Street S
Moorhead, MN
56562

Phone: +1 (218) 299-3004
Fax: +1 (218) 299-4720
E-Mail: buegel@cord.edu

Website: www.concordiacollege.edu

Instructions:
Please complete International Student Financial Aid and Certification form as part of the application. Visit the Concordia website for more application information.

Scholarship Spotlight: College of Saint Rose, Graduate International Scholarships

2010-11-20T21:44:00.004-06:00

University: College of Saint Rose, Albany, New York

Amount of scholarship: half tuition

Deadline: May 1 for fall; October 15 for spring

Program Description:
This scholarship is a partial-tuition award to support the master's degree studies of outstanding international students at The College of Saint Rose. There are no limitations on the areas of study this award may cover. Open to students from any region.

Scholarship Information:

Avg. Award Amount: Half tuition
Number of Awards: 3-4
Award Duration: Maximum of 2 years
Award Deadline: May 1 for fall; October 15 for spring
Award Notification Month: July 1, December 1

Eligibility Requirements:

Requirements 1: Must have unconditional admission to a graduate program at The College of Saint Rose.
Requirements 2: Must register for full-time study (minimum of 9 credits) per semester.
Requirements 3: Must maintain a 3.3 GPA throughout graduate studies.

Contact Information:
The College of Saint Rose
Colleen Flynn Thapalia
Director, Graduate Admissions
432 Western Avenue
Albany, NY
12203

Phone #: +1 (518) 454-5143
Fax #: +1 (518) 458-5479
E-Mail: grad@strose.edu

For more information:
Website: www.strose.edu/grad

Complete application for International Scholarship is available at the website. Applicants to graduate study may submit application for admission and scholarship application at the same time.

Scholarship Spotlight: Berkeley College, New York; International Student Scholarships

2010-11-17T03:12:00.005-06:00

University: Berkeley College, New York, NY

Amount of scholarship: Partial tuition (10-25%)

Deadline: Same as general application

Program Description:
Upon application to Berkeley College, International Student Scholarship Applications are also reviewed for study at the school to pursue a full-time degree program. Selection is based on merit and financial need.

Areas of Study:
Accounting
Business and Management
Fashion Marketing & Management
Information Technology
International Management
Management
Marketing

Award Information:
Award Types: Scholarship
Avg. Award Amount: Varies
Number of Awards: Varies
Award Coverage: Partial tuition (10-25%).
Award Duration: Academic year, renewable for additional years
Award Deadline: Same as general application

Eligibility Requirements:

Open to Students from Any Region
Requirements 1: Must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Requirements 2: Must have minimum TOEFL score of 173 CBT.
Requirements 3: Students will continue to receive the scholarship throughout their study as long as they maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Application Information:
Contact: Berkeley College
Nori Jaffer
Director of International Student Services
International Division
12 East 41 St., 14th FL
New York, NY
10017

Phone #: +1 (212) 687-3730
Fax #: +1 (212) 986-7827
E-Mail: international@berkeleycollege.edu

Website: www.berkeleycollege.edu

Scholarship Spotlight: Hamline University International Undergraduate Scholarships

2010-11-16T00:40:00.001-06:00

University: Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota

Amount of scholarship: up to $18,000, plus $2,500 per year on-campus work award

Eligibility Requirements:

The scholarships and the On-Campus Work Awards are determined by the admission committee based on academic performance (transcripts), English proficiency test score (TOEFL, IELTS), recommendation letters, and personal essay.
Requirements 2: No additional application is necessary. All international students applying to Hamline for undergraduate admission are reviewed for eligibility at the time of application.

For more information:

Contact:
Hamline University
Director
International Admission
1536 Hewitt Avenue
St. Paul, MN
55104

Phone: +1 (651) 523-2062
Fax: +1 (651) 523-2458
E-Mail: i-contact@hamline.edu
Website: www.hamline.edu

International Summer Research Program in Life Sciences and Technology 2011; EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland

2010-11-14T09:34:00.004-06:00

University: Swiss Federal Institute of Technology/ Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL),

Amount of Scholarship:
3200 CHF is provided for all successful candidates – full tuition, travel, housing, excursions, and social events.

Scholarship Deadline: February 15th 2011

Scholarship Description:
The Summer Research Program in Life Sciences and Technology at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), will offer an intensive research training opportunity to 25 undergraduate students interested in research careers in life sciences. This program will run from July 4th to August 26th 2011.

Eligibility/Requirements:

Must be enrolled in a degree program in basic, engineering, or life sciences and planning on pursuing a career in the life sciences.
Must be in good standing with a GPA equivalent to a "B" grade or higher and should have completed at least 2 years of undergraduate coursework by the summer of 2011.

Applicants must submit a complete on-line application, including the following:

Completed application form including a personal statement (maximum 1000 words) describing the student's academic background, scientific interests, any previous research experience and what he/she hopes to accomplish from attending the summer research program.
Official copy of the student's university academic transcript.
Two letters of recommendation from faculty or instructors who are familiar with the student and are in a position to assess the student's capabilities and potential for a career in science.

Selection Criteria:
The summer research fellowships will be awarded on a competitive basis taking into consideration several criteria including the student’s academic record, personal statements and letters of recommendation.

Additional Requirements:
The intensive nature of the program requires full-time commitment (~40 hours/week) from the participants. All the participants are required to attend and participate in all scheduled events and activities related to the program. Therefore, participants may not attend another summer school or commit to other activities during the duration of this program that could interfere with their work schedule.

Benefits to the Students:
The participants will:

Gain hands-on research experience and training with exposure to cutting-edge research.
Experience what it is like to be a member of a research community working at the forefront of science, medicine and biotechnology.
Have the opportunity to apply what was learned in the classroom to understanding and solving actual research problems in the laboratory.
Acquire a better understanding of the scientific process and the application of the knowledge gained from basic science research and state-of-the-art techniques to solve complex problems in biology and medicine.
Improve their critical thinking skills, including learning how to evaluate scientific information, design experiments, formulate ideas and test hypotheses.
Explore career opportunities in academia by experiencing the excitement, frustration, and challenges of scientific research and gain an insight into what a career in the science entails.
Prepare for future independent research projects and advanced research in graduate school.

Contact Information:

Contact Email: summer.sv@epfl.ch

Program Coordinator:
Alice Emery-GoodmanOffice (FSV):SV 3813Tel: +41 21 693 07 94Fax: +41 21 693 18 75alice.goodman@epfl.ch

For more information and application: http://sv.epfl.ch/summer-research
(Pictures, FAQ, Application, Detailed information)

International College of Hotel Management, Australia: Undergraduate Scholarships 2011-2012

2010-11-13T23:16:00.004-06:00

University: The International College of Hotel Management

Amount of Scholarship:
A$15,000 to be paid in the following manner:
Year 1 A$4,000; Year 2 A$4,000
Year 3 A$4,000; Year 4 A$3,000

Deadline:
April 1, 2011 for Round 1: July 2011 or January 2012;
September 2, 2011 for Round 2: January 2012 or July 2012

Eligibility or Requirements:

Open to all international students studying outside Australia, international students undertaking an English course in Australia, and international students who have completed less than two years high school in Australia. International students who finish high school in Australia including the last two years must apply for the Australian Entry Scholarships.
Minimum age requirement of 18 years old at the time of commencement with ICHM.Maximum age 24 at time of application.
Will complete/graduate in 2011 or prior to the July 2012 intake, or have already completed/graduated their final year of high school studies. Results must meet ICHM Academic Entry Requirements (refer to ICHM Prospectus or website).
For students whose mother tongue is other than English, IELTS 6.0/TOEFL 550. (Paper based; computer & internet also acceptable)
Open only to new students seeking entry into Year 1.
If you do not have a copy of our prospectus to assist with the preparation of your scholarship application, it can be viewed on ICHM website www.ichm.edu.au or contact the Admissions Office and a copy will be forwarded to you by post.
Other general information is available on the ICHM website or by contacting the ICHM Admissions Office.

How to apply:
Your completed application must contain:

Scholarship application form.
This form is in two parts.- Cover page providing your personal contact details - Your response to 4 short-answer questions found on the reverse of the cover page.
Brief CV (not more than one page in length)
Most recent copies of your school reports from the last two years.
ICHM application form (unless an application to attend ICHM has already been forwarded).
Evidence of English language ability (e.g. IELT S/TOE FL)
The ICHM Application form can be found on the ICHM website.
All sections must be completed and submitted along with the Scholarship form and details.

Scholarship Application Fee: A$50.

For more information:

Email: admissions@ichm.edu.au
Fax: (+61 8228 3684
Post:ICHM Admissions Office
124 Hutt Street
Adelaide SA 5000
AUSTRALIA

Source:http://www.ichm.edu.au/

Scholarship Spotlight: University of Leeds Offers Postgraduate Scholarships

2010-11-08T21:28:00.003-06:00

Amount: Partial to full scholarships, plus other allowances.

Deadline: Aim to submit your application at an early stage

Description: The University offers a wide range of Taught and Research Postgraduate Scholarships for study at Leeds for international students from partial fee awards to full scholarships covering fees and maintenance grants and other allowances. Scholarships are very competitive and it is important to make enquiries and apply to all possible sources of funding at an early stage.

Important Requirements: To be eligible to apply for a postgraduate scholarship you MUST first submit a study application form (taught or research) and be in receipt of a University BANNER ID number. Your application will be rejected if you do not have a valid University Banner ID number.

The links below also provide important information regarding programs, research opportunities, admissions policy and process, and documentation needed.

Taught Postgraduate Applicants can apply online at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/students/apply.htm

Research Applicants can apply online at http://www.leeds.ac.uk/students/apply_research.htm

You should:

Read the information carefully and check the eligibility criteria for different Scholarships;
Aim to submit your application at an early stage;
If applying for Master’s by Research scholarship search under both taught and postgraduate categories

International applicants can use the services of our overseas representatives to make an application to the University; for a list countries and representative information visit: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/international/agentscontacts.htm

For more information: http://scholarships.leeds.ac.uk/

Scholarship Spotlight: University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria

2010-11-03T23:51:00.004-05:00

Brief Description:
University of Ilorin, Ilorin, offers scholarship opportunities for International Students in any field of their interest. The offer is opened to both undergraduate and graduate up to Master level. International Students within and outside Africa.

Scholarship deadline: Applications must be submitted on or before September 27th each year.

Amount of Scholarship:

Tuition fees will be covered;
Subsistence allowance;
Miscellaneous allowance;
Free accommodation;
Transportation allowance to and from Ilorin (once per session);
Complimentary access to the facilities of the University Health Services.

Requirements/criteria:

Undergraduate:
Applicant must meet the admission requirements of the University i.e. 5 credits ‘O’ level or its equivalent for candidate seeking admission to the first year of the first degree programmes and two ‘A’ level plus 3 ‘O’ level credits (or its equivalent) for candidates seeking admission into the second year of the programme.

Graduate:
Applicants must meet admission requirements of Master programme of the University i.e. Second Class Honours, (Upper Division) or the equivalent in the bachelor degree.

Additional Requirements

Evidence of medical fitness and
Submit evidence of proficiency in English Language.

Application Instruction:

Candidates should visit the University of Ilorin website for more information, or download the application form: http://www.unilorin.edu.ng/CIE_Website/schlarship.pdf, complete it and forward three copies to:

The Director
Centre for International Education
University of Ilorin
P. M. B. 1515
Ilorin, Nigeria.

Candidates may also forward their application electronically to cie@unilorin.edu.ng provided that all relevant documents are attached.

For more details, please contact
cie@unilorin.edu.ng
+2348054469959
+2358036020659

Scholarship Spotlight: Jack R. Howard International Fellowships

2010-10-22T18:47:00.001-05:00

Jack R. Howard International Fellowships
Columbia University

An endowment at Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism honors the journalistic legacy of Jack R. Howard with fellowships to international journalists pursuing a master's degree. In Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Arab World, and the Far East, free press is just being born, and that makes it possible for the fellows to return home and be true journalistic pioneers in their countries. They serve as role models, mentors and educators to their colleagues. The Howard Fellows bring a richness of experience and a unique perspective to the journalism school and contribute tremendously to the overall experience of the entire student body.

The fellowships provide full room, board, tuition, and travel for the 10-month program, and fellows participate in special lecture and discussion programs on journalistic norms, cultural values, and the challenges they will face in their professional futures. There is a strong press freedom component built into the program, and fellows are introduced to a broad variety of institutions in New York, ranging from the Committee to Protect Journalists to U.N. and foundation officials with interests in their regions.

For information about the fellowships, contact Sree Sreenivasan, dean of student affairs, Graduate School of Journalism, Columbia University, at ss221@columbia.edu.

Scholarships for International Students and GlobalCampus Team Up to Help Students

2010-10-17T20:17:00.003-05:00

Social networks can be very powerful for meeting new people, forming new relationships, and collaborating with like-minded individuals or groups. One group that I found and “liked” on Facebook, is GlobalCampus.

GlobalCampus is a social network connecting students with universities and institutions across the world. On GlobalCampus students get approached by institutions looking for their talent and notified of funding opportunities they qualify for. So students can simultaneously access a global range of opportunities without searching hundreds of websites, and universities can attract talent from around the globe without visiting every school. Signing-up to GlobalCampus is completely free! For more information, check them out at their website: http://globalcampus.com/ or their Facebook Page: http://on.fb.me/adNNQT

Recently, my friends at GlobalCampus and I have been talking about the difficulties international students face when communicating with professional people – when writing letters to scholarship providers, or simply when posting questions on websites or sending email messages.

SIS and GlobalCampus have teamed up in a joint effort to share information that will help international students learn a few of the basics in communication and effective professional letter writing – that is why “How to Communicate With Scholarship Providers, and Write Effective Professional Letters” was created and shared with you in both channels. Read it on the SIS blog site: http://bit.ly/aurSe7. We look forward to future collaboration to continue serving international students!

How to Communicate With Scholarship Providers, and Write Effective Professional Letters

2010-10-09T23:40:00.015-05:00

“hey u got a scholarship 4 me?” Not likely! If you want to be taken seriously by scholarship committees, you must communicate in an effective, professional manner. Even if you are simply sending an inquiry by email, or posting to a website or social network, the basics are essential – proper grammar, capitalization, punctuation and complete sentences.

With a few general rules, some good tips from scholarship committees, and help from family, friends, or teachers, you can learn to write effective professional letters – and increase your chances of winning a scholarship!

Before you write the letter:

Take the time to think about your skills and strengths, other than what might be included in a resume. Write them down, describe them, and list examples. Here are qualities committees may look for, beyond financial need:

Knowledge of chosen field, carefulness of work
Motivation, enthusiasm, seriousness of purpose
Creativity, originality, ingenuity of problem solving
Ability to plan and carry out research, organization
Ability to express thought in speech and writing
Maturity, emotional stability, ability to withstand stress and face challenges
Leadership skills
Self-reliance, initiative, independence, adaptability
Responsibility
Ability to work well with others
Growth potential, desire to achieve, dedication to goals

First and foremost, make sure you are eligible for the scholarship, meet the necessary criteria, and can meet the deadline for submitting all necessary paperwork.

Do your research. Locate the details that will help you write an effective, personalized letter. What is the scholarship for? Who is funding the scholarship? Determine what the scholarship committee is looking for in an applicant so you can include it in the cover letter. For example, if the committee values community service, then you might want to include any volunteer services or activities you’ve been involved in.

Find out if the scholarship committee consists of the board of an organization, a group of people or educators, or a single person. Find out the specific person to whom you can address the scholarship cover letter. Search the scholarship documents, web site or call the committee and ask to whom you can address the cover letter to make it more personal.

Find samples of scholarship letters in books or on the web – but just for ideas, inspiration, and structure. Do not simply change the wording to reflect your own information – it will be easily recognizable as a standard, sample letter. You want your letter to be unique, and your own.

Writing the letter:

Format:

Any formal business letter format is acceptable.
Make sure to use an easy-to-read font when typing your letter.
In the top, right hand corner put your name and contact details.
One line below and left aligned, type the name and address of the person (or organization) you are addressing.
One or two lines below, either left or right aligned, add the date. The following formats are acceptable: October 10, 2010; or Paris, 10th October 2010. The place of writing can also be included, but is not necessary.
Two lines below, begin the letter with Dear and then the title of the person as applicable (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr., or Professor), then the surname, making sure it is spelled correctly. If you do not have the name of the person to whom you are writing, “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom it May Concern” are acceptable.
Two lines below, add the content of your letter.
Two lines below the last paragraph, add the closing, such as “Sincerely”.
Four lines below the closing, add your name in type, and your hand-written signature above.

In General:

If both a cover letter and essay are required, then the cover letter should be a small, tight introduction to the personal essay. If a cover letter, personal essay, and resume are required then the cover letter introduces you, the purpose for sending the packet of information you’re sending, and gives a brief overview of what to expect in the resume.

If you cannot include your resume with the cover letter or essay, which is rare, you may need to include important information from your resume in the letter. If this is the case, divide the information into specific areas, like you would in a resume – such as education, awards, work experience, and goals. Be sure to include areas such as volunteer work or other information that fit with the goals of the scholarship.

Make an outline of your letter. This will help maintain your focus as you write. You'll need to open with a greeting, transition to your main point, then to your next point and then provide a conclusion.

Choice of words is important. Achieve a balance between bragging and modesty. Avoid exaggerations and clichés but do not down play your worth.

Be personable – be yourself. Remember that real people read your letter. Be respectful and courteous but use normal language, not flowery, overly formal wording that you would never use when speaking.

Once you've written your letter, go back and do an initial edit. Read it and find the spots that sound awkward, don't make sense or don't fit. Spend some time editing, improving the language and flow, and correcting your spelling, grammar and punctuation. Avoid wordiness. Be clear and concise.

Take a break even if it is just an hour or two, and focus on something else. Read and edit your letter again after your break. It can often be difficult to proof-read your own material; have a friend, family member, or teacher read it through – they may see some places that need to be polished.

It is simple errors with grammar, punctuation, and spelling that will remove you from the competition much more quickly than, for example, listing too few club activities. Make sure your letter is professional and compelling!

Content:

Start with a strong organizing thesis statement or umbrella statement at the beginning in order to introduce the key points that make you a good applicant for the scholarship.

Focus on a few main points. Stress the qualities and areas of expertise that make you a good candidate for the scholarship. To do this, refer to the qualifications listed with the scholarship. So, for example, if the committee considers financial need when deciding upon the candidates, make a point of your financial need but not in a tacky way, or in a self-pitying manner. Instead, refer to the financial need in a way that indicates the good that would come of receiving the scholarship.

Write the body of the cover letter with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity the scholarship will give you. Then make a case of how this scholarship will enable you to help your fellow man and the community as a whole.

Use specific examples to support what you say about yourself. For example, don't just say, "I am a leader," and expect the reader to believe you. Provide at least one specific example from your life that demonstrates your leadership skills. This is your evidence, and it gives your entire letter credibility.

If you can, connect your goals to the ideals and purpose of the scholarship committee or organization.

Close the scholarship cover letter with a forward looking and enthusiastic statement that thanks the committee, organization or person for their time and consideration in reviewing your scholarship application. It's always useful to add a sentence praising the work or the mission of the funding organization as well.

Bottom Line:

Effective, professional communication skills are not simply an asset – they are a necessity!

Fellowship Spotlight: AAUW International Fellowships; $18,000 - $30,000

2010-10-05T23:22:00.002-05:00

Fellowships for 2011-2012 Academic Year:
Master's/Professional Fellowship: $18,000
Doctorate Fellowship: $20,000
Postdoctoral Fellowship: $30,000

Applications available: Aug. 1–Dec. 1, 2010

Application deadline: Dec. 1, 2010

Criteria/eligibility:
Fellowship year: July 1, 2011–June 30, 2012
International Fellowships are awarded for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not United States citizens or permanent residents. Both graduate and postgraduate study at accredited institutions are supported. Several fellowships are available for study outside of the U.S.

For more information:
Questions about applications must be directed to the Iowa City office. Please do not contact the AAUW office in Washington, D.C., or local branches for application information.

Please call 319/337-1716 ext. 60,
e-mail aauw@act.org,
or write to the customer service center at

AAUW
Dept. 60301
ACT Drive
Iowa City, IA 52243-4030

Request a Brochure: http://www.act.org/aauw/brochurerequest.html

Order copies of the AAUW fellowships brochure that includes general descriptions for each fellowship program at http://www.act.org/aauw/brochurerequest.html.

Scholarship Spotlight: Kathleen S. Anderson Award for Shorebird Research

2010-10-05T11:36:00.002-05:00

Amount of grant: $ 1,000

Deadline: December 1st of each year

Description and eligibility:
The purpose of this award is to encourage significant avian research in areas of interest to Kathleen Anderson and Manomet, and to help promising biologists in their work. Requests for support of ecological and behavioral studies of birds, especially research furthering bird conservation, will be considered (e.g. endangered or endemic species, population viability, effects of land uses, habitat requirements, migration ecology, feeding ecology, species interactions, etc.).

Proposed projects must take place in the Americas. We encourage proposals from citizens/residents of countries south of the U.S. A total of $1000 will be awarded annually, either to one person or divided among two recipients.

Any person, of any age, beginning a career in biology is eligible. Enrollment in an academic program is desirable, but not required.
Grade level: undergraduate

Field of study: Veterinary and Animal Sciences; Biology

For more information: http://www.shorebirdworld.org/template.php?c=9&g=5#kathleen

Scholarship Spotlight: Microsoft Technical Scholarships

2010-10-03T11:23:00.003-05:00

Scholarships: General Scholarships, Woman’s Scholarships, Minority Scholarships, and Scholarships for Students with Disabilities.

Deadline: February 1, 2011

Eligibility: To be eligible, you must be enrolled full time in a Bachelor’s degree program at a 4-year college or university in the United States, Canada, or Mexico at the time you submit the application. Plus, you must be making satisfactory progress toward an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical discipline such as electrical engineering, math, or physics—and that you demonstrate an interest in computer science. Because the scholarship is merit based, you must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average out of a possible 4.0, or a 4.0 cumulative grade point average out of a possible 5.0. International students are eligible.

How to Apply: You must include the following five items in your application:

Resume
Transcript
Answers to essay questions
Letter of referral
Printed Confirmation Page from Online Application to the Microsoft Internship Program
Application Deadline: 1 Feb 2011

Microsoft selects final candidates based on the following criteria:

Eligibility
Quality of application
Displayed interest in the software industry
Commitment to leadership
Financial need

For more information: https://careers.microsoft.com/careers/en/us/collegescholarship.aspx

English Language Tests: TOEFL and IELTS

2010-09-11T23:18:00.001-05:00

Universities, businesses, and scholarship programs quite often require a trusted and valid indicator of a person’s ability to communicate in English. There are two popular tests that fit into this category: TOEFL and IELTS.

TOEFL, the ‘Test of English as a Foreign Language’, evaluates the ability of an individual to use and understand English in an academic setting. It is the most widely respected English-language test in the world, recognized by more than 7,500 colleges, universities and agencies in more than 130 countries. Check out their website for more information, including videos, tips, and practice! http://www.toeflgoanywhere.org/

IELTS, the ‘International English Language Testing System’, is an international standardized test of English language proficiency. It is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Education Pty Ltd. IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and South African academic institutions, over 2,000 academic institutions in the United States, and various professional organizations. It is also a requirement for immigration to Australia and Canada. For more information, check out their website: http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx

How to Avoid Scholarship Scams

2010-08-15T21:36:00.008-05:00

How do you know what scholarships are legitimate and what scholarships are scams? If they sound too good to be true, they usually are; learn how to recognize and protect yourself from the most common scams. If a scholarship has an application fee or other required fees, it isn't worth your time and money to apply. Best bet – don’t pay for any scholarship information. Scholarship information is free and available to everyone.

Here’s one really easy way to check the scholarship or grant to see if it is legitimate:Google it; use a search engine of your choice, and look up the scholarship name or URL, plus the word scam. You might find out it is listed as a scam; or you might get a lot of results and discussion that question whether a scholarship is a scam or not - so it’s probably best to skip over applying for it and move on to the next scholarship opportunity.

The Federal Trade Commission in the US cautions students to look for these tell-tale lines:

"The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back."
"You can't get this information anywhere else."
"I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship."
"We'll do all the work."
"The scholarship will cost some money."
"You've been selected by a 'national foundation' to receive a scholarship" or "You're a finalist" in a contest you never entered.

Other Tips for Avoiding Scholarship Scams:

Don't believe a promise of guaranteed scholarships. No one can guarantee that you will win a scholarship or grant.
You shouldn’t pay money to be matched with scholarships that suit you the best. Anyone can find out information about any scholarship by searching the Internet. Don’t pay anyone to do this for you.
Beware scholarship services that charge fees or claim that you can't get this information anywhere else. There are many free lists of scholarships available. Check with your school, library and trusted online scholarship sites before you decide to pay someone to do the work you can do yourself.
Don't pay an advance fee. Don't pay anyone who claims to be "holding" a scholarship for you or informs you the scholarship will cost some money. Free money shouldn't cost a thing. Ignore any news that you're a finalist in any contest that requires you to pay a fee for further consideration, or taxes on the winning scholarship.
Don’t pay to have someone apply for scholarships for you. This just does not work. In order to be eligible for scholarships, you have to submit your own applications and write your own essays. You can’t get around this, even by paying money. Scholarship committees can easily identify “canned” essays and letters.
Ignore the myth of unclaimed funds and the companies that advertise huge amounts of unclaimed money.
Don't be fooled by official-sounding names and logos. Make sure the foundation, organization or program is legitimate. Remember – just Google it!
If you feel as though the scholarship application and accompanying materials were never proofread, that’s a red flag. Multiple spelling and grammatical errors show a lack of professionalism that is essential to a scholarship foundation’s success.
If the only address you can find for a scholarship is a P.O. Box address, do not apply! This is definitely a scam as well. Also be wary of residential addresses as the company headquarters. If you can’t find a phone number for the scholarship sponsor, move on to another scholarship opportunity.
Do not give out your social security number, credit card, bank or checking account numbers to anyone claiming they need it for you to be eligible for access to "exclusive" scholarship information, or to deposit your winnings. Get information in writing first. It may be a set-up for an unauthorized withdrawal.

Nothing is more effective than your own dedicated work at finding and applying for scholarships and grants! Get the information you need to help you in this process.

Preparing for Scholarships: The All-Important Essay and Possible Interview

2010-08-10T23:21:00.002-05:00

Social network profiles. Please know that your social or web profile WILL be investigated as part of the scholarship process; make sure your profile is professional, and a good representation of who you are! Facebook, Twitter, Blog, LinkedIn – all of your personal branding profiles should be updated and appropriate for your current scholarship, internship, or job activities. If you don’t have, or don’t know the specifics of “personal branding”, read the series of posts in the SIS blog listed in the archives on the right, or search for ‘personal branding’. Remember – you can also use the social networks to find scholarships as well!

The personal statement or essay. The application essay can be just as important as your GPA and extracurricular activities in helping you win a scholarship - probably the most important aspect of winning a merit scholarship. This is where your application needs to stand out! Create an essay outline, and have a ‘basic’ essay written, using all your skills to create a portrait of yourself as a worthy recipient. Then read all information that comes with the scholarship application to determine the criteria for awarding the scholarships; emphasize these points in your essay. Make sure your essay fits the theme, and answers the question concisely. Use very specific examples from your life experience. Be specific, but show passion in your writing! (Word of warning – avoid the sob story; they rarely, if ever, win scholarships. Remember that every applicant has faced difficulties. What's different and individual to you is how you've overcome those obstacles. This is more significant and memorable than merely listing your misfortunes. Scholarship committees are not as interested in problems as they are in solutions.) The judges will be reading essay after essay on the same topic, so make your essay unique and engaging, with positive energy! Read, and reread your essay – refining, simplifying, and polishing. Show that you have thought deeply and broadly about what you have learned in your academic career and what you hope to learn next. Correctness and style are vital, and neatness counts. It’s important to adhere to the length requirements of the essay so you aren’t disqualified. Have someone read your essay, preferably someone with professional experience – a teacher, professor, writing tutors, or visit the college writing center if there is one available. Search the Web for articles on how to write scholarship essays. This is so very important – do your best work!

Interviews. Before you submit your applications, realize that you may need to be interviewed by the scholarship committee at some point in the process. There are academic scholarships or merit scholarships, especially those with high payouts that require a sit-down, face-to-face interview with the finalists in order to determine who is the most deserving of the award. Be prepared! Make sure if you get called in for an interview that you practice your scholarship interview skills and that you are comfortable with the topic of your essay. Review your application and keep a copy for yourself. That way, there are no big surprises when you go into the meeting room. If you need help with interviewing skills, visit the career services office at your university. Above all, be confident, be positive, and be yourself! (And don’t forget to smile!)

Textbook Alternatives

2010-08-04T18:36:00.003-05:00

Textbooks. Just the word can conjure up pictures of dollar signs added to an already expensive tuition each semester. Now you have alternatives to purchasing new textbooks that can run in the triple digits, and cost over a thousand dollars a year! To check out the increased options and what works best for you, open a tabbed web browser like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari. This will make it easier to keep track of and compare textbook options. You might also use a spreadsheet or a table in a word document to keep track of the list of books you need for each course, along with other needed information, such as the link to the store or website, price, tax, shipping & handling, and the time it takes for shipping the books. (Be aware of shipping & handling costs, as well as shipping time!). Before you start, make sure you know the name, edition, author, and ISBN number of the books you are searching for! It is now required to give students this information in the US. To find this information, check with the campus bookstore (online if they have that option); ask the professor personally or send an email; check syllabi or course websites.

Used Books. Certainly nothing new, but you might find new places to purchase them.

Students. Ask students who took the course last semester – quite often they ask the professor if the same book will be used again the following semester, and have one for sale. Also check to see if your campus has a student-run textbook selling system in place, such as a website or bulletin board.
Websites. Amazon.com or eBay is a good place to purchase used books. You can also use Google or Bing to search for books by typing in the name of the book and edition, and see what other options come up. (Make sure you don’t purchase the “international” edition!
Book companies and vendors. There are companies that buy and sell used textbooks, and sometimes you’ll find good deals there. A few to try: Abebooks.com; CampusBooks,com; Textbooks.com; Half.com; CheapestTextbooks.com; … do a search and you’ll find many more. Keep in mind that book companies also buy back used textbooks, often paying for shipping, at prices better than the local campus bookstore can offer.
Another way to save money on textbooks is to use a price comparison service such as http://www.bookdealfinder.com/
If your books just aren’t worth selling back, consider donating them to organizations such as Books for Africa. Better yet, hold a book drive on your campus to send used books and funds to people who need them (Books for Africa, Room to Read, Worldfund, Invisible Children, and more) – check out Better World Books; TextbookRecycling.com; and other book companies for more information. Not only will the textbooks go to a good cause, they will not end up in a landfill. AND – you can earn money for your campus organization! (Win-Win!!)

E-Books. Again, this is not exactly new, but there are new players and better options. Many of the book publishers have online versions of the textbooks they sell – at a reduced price; so check out the book publisher’s website for details. There are a number of sites that offer the classic texts, novels, and books free:

Google Books: http://www.google.com/ig;
Many Books: http://www.manybooks.net/;
Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org/;

do a search for “free eBooks” and you will find others as well.

A number of vendors have great new devices available called e-readers. They are small, slim (sometimes 3G wireless) reading devices that let you download ebooks in 60 seconds! No monthly fees, no service plans, no hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots. (I have a Kindle, and that means reading my web email, posting to Twitter, catching up on Facebook, and surfing the Web in the car!! And, of course, reading books!) Check them out.

If you’ve never read an eBook – download a free one today and check out the tools available. You can highlight, take clippings, bookmark, and (what I like best) SEARCH! When you study, wouldn’t it be great to search your textbook like you search websites for specific terms?

Be sure to check out the eBook vendors carefully – some eBooks are only available for a specific period of time; some are only accessible on the computer you use to download the book; as well as other limitations.

Renting/Lending Textbooks. Now this is an old idea with a new twist! There are now a large number of universities, book companies, and publishing companies that have textbook rental options. The prices are usually much cheaper than the new retail price of the book. Check with your university bookstore to see if they are planning a rental option for students; some are working directly with book publishers and vendors. If not, there are websites that have online textbook rental options for students, although shipping & handling, along with shipping times, might make this a less desirable option than renting through a university program. There is a company, called Cengage Learning that makes the first couple of chapters of the rented text available online to students, so last-minute ordering isn’t such a problem. They also announced that they would start renting books to students this year, at 40 percent to 70 percent of the sale price. They also give you the option of renting selected chapters of books!

There are now a number of Internet textbook-rental companies, here’s two to get you started looking for the best deals: BookRenter.com, and Chegg (chegg.com) that billed itself as “the Netflix for college textbooks.” Both advertise books at 65 – 85% off the regular price of textbooks. This is another option definitely worth looking into!

But don’t delay – order your textbooks as soon as possible so you have them in time for classes! (Ok – that’s the professor in me speaking!) Good luck with your textbook search, and good luck in your courses this semester!

Pacific University, Oregon, offers Scholarships to International Students - Up to $9,000 Per Year

2010-08-02T22:50:00.000-05:00

Pacific University is one of the best traditional universities in America. according to US News & World Report. Pacific University is in the top 13% of the 1400 American universities included in this category. Pacific can give you "Conditional Admission" if you meet the academic requirements of the university, but don't have enough English yet. They offer small classes with over 50 areas of study and several powerful ESL programs. Average university academic class size is 19 and average ESL class size is 12.

Pacific is a private university offering large scholarships for international students. After scholarships, the tuition cost is about the same as a public university. This means you can get a high-quality private university education at about the same cost of a public university. Their Career Center can help you find internshiips before graduation and full-time paying jobs after graduation (limited to 1 year by US immigration). You can apply for part-time jobs on campus. This will help you save a little money. It will also help you improve your English and meet people. (They cannot guarantee you a job, but they can help you apply.)

You can begin taking classes for university credit, together with ESL classes, with only iBT 53 (475 TOEFL or 5.0 IELTS). This is through our ELI Transition program. Pacific has a very strong ESL program, started in 1982, to help you reach our TOEFL requirement quickly.

There is a strong feeling of community at Pacific. They have many programs to help you get connected to other students, get connected to your professors and get connected to the community.

*Undergraduate Scholarships*
Pacific offers automatic scholarships to all international undergraduate students based on your high school or college scores at the time of admission.

The scholarship ranges from US$ 6,000 to US$ 9,000 per year.

Your scholarship award is per year for four years. You do not need to apply separately for these scholarships. They are automatically awarded to all admitted students. They will show the scholarship amount on your acceptance letter and I-20. While studying at Pacific, you must have a Pacific GPA of at least 2.0 (average score) to keep your scholarship. These scholarships are only for undergraduate students (both Freshman and Transfer Students). They do not apply to graduate level students.

Contact Pacific at intladmissions@pacificu.edu.

John Harn
International Admissions
Visit their International Admission Website
http://www.pacificu.edu/admissions/undergrad/international/

Scholarship Posted, Deadline is Next Week - Would You Be Ready??

2010-07-29T16:56:00.004-05:00

If I posted a link to a great scholarship opportunity (in the Facebook Page, or Twitter) with a deadline of ‘next week’ – would you be able to apply? Here’s what you need to have organized and available in order to be ready to apply for scholarships, grants, internships, or job opportunities:

Resume. Some scholarship applications will ask for your resume or CV. If you worked previously, list your experiences, but if you don’t have work experience – don’t worry. Use your resume/CV to point out any awards and honors you’ve received, community service you’ve been involved with, and activities you’ve participated in. List all relevant activities and honors, but be selective. If you have more activities than can fit in the space provided do not include the ones that are not significant.

Read the criteria for selection carefully to understand what the reviewers of the scholarship are looking for. For example, if the scholarship looks for applicants who can show leadership experience, or an outstanding extracurricular record, include your volunteer and community service activities, emphasizing those in which you took a leadership role. Most importantly, your activities should represent your varied talents and passions outside the class room. The reviewers are trying to get a sense of who you are and what you believe in. Make sure your activities reflect that.

Make your resume and application stand out from the crowd! If you need help developing a professional resume, find examples on the Web, or better – contact your advisor, or the career services department of your school or university. If you don’t have extracurricular activities or volunteer work to list – now is the time to get involved. (Who knows – the life you change doing volunteer work may be your own!)

Letters of recommendation, or professional references. Good references are essential to creating a winning scholarship application. Prepare a document that lists at least three professional references. These references should include one or two professors who know you, preferably both in and outside of the classroom. Choose professors that have had you in upper level courses, and that know your academic goals. You might also ask a coach or academic advisor, the employer that you worked for, or the manager you worked under. Choose people who are relevant to the sponsor's goals. For example, ask a science teacher to write a letter of recommendation for a science scholarship, not your Art teacher. (Never ask a family member to provide a recommendation or letter of reference.) In each case, you want these people to speak highly of you – to speak to others about your abilities and worthiness for the scholarship.

Make sure you speak to your recommenders, making sure they want to speak on your behalf. Give your recommender a written description of the scholarship and a copy of your personal statement or essay that you write for the scholarship application. It’s a good idea to keep them informed about what you are doing academically, personally, and professionally – sending them an updated resume and transcript will help them with the process of writing the letter, or speaking for you during an interview. You should also give them appropriately addressed envelopes with postage, if necessary.

Please, be sure to also give your recommenders plenty of time to write the letter! Ask him or her at least four weeks in advance to write the letter. Gently remind them ten days before the deadline, asking them whether they have sent in the recommendation or need more information from you. Do not ask to see a copy of the letter, even if they offer to give you a copy. If the recommender provides you with a copy of the letter, the selection committee may suspect that the letter isn't as candid as it might have been otherwise. Send the writer a thank you note after the letter has been mailed. Let them know how much you appreciate what they are doing for you; you will likely ask them to write additional letters for you. Once they've written one letter on your behalf, the second letter is much easier. If you send them a thank you, it will give them a good impression and make them more willing to spend time writing you additional letters in the future.

Transcripts. You should have copies of your transcripts available in case you need to send an unofficial copy along with the application. This is also good to have when filling out the application in case you need detailed information about courses and grades, and to send to the people writing letters of recommendation for you. If the application requires official transcripts from all the schools you have attended, request this information as soon as possible. You can do this by e-mail, fax, or call in your requests, but mail a letter as a backup. Some schools charge a nominal fee for official transcripts. After a few weeks have passed, call the schools to make sure that the transcripts have been sent to the proper address.

Scores of internationally valid exams (GRE for aptitude and TOEFL/IELTS for English). This may not be necessary, but just in case, you should have the proper documentation, or copies of appropriate exam scores.

Picture. Have multiple copies of a picture of yourself. A school picture or passport picture is perfect. Anything smaller than a wallet size head shot, will do.

Scholarship Spotlight: Scholarships at Georgia College and State University in US

2010-07-28T23:57:00.005-05:00

Amount: International Student Scholarships and Assistantships at Georgia College and State University - up to $19,000 per academic year for undergraduates

Deadline: Application for Spring 2011 semester: September 1st, 2010

Description: Georgia College & State University is proud to announce International Student Scholarships for the Spring 2011 semester. Each of these awards is approximately $19,000/year at the undergraduate level. The university offers challenging undergraduate and graduate programs in the Schools of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Business, Education and Health Sciences!

Information:
To find out more about the academic opportunities available at Georgia College & State University, visit the degree programs website: http://www.gcsu.edu/academics/majorsandminors.htm

International Student Scholarships
http://www.gcsu.edu/international/tuition/ugrad.htm
International Graduate Assistantships (can significantly reduce the cost of tuition)
http://www.gcsu.edu/international/tuition/grad.htm

Contact:
Jason Wynn
International Admissions Counselor
International Education Center
Georgia College & State University
Phone: (+1) 478-445-4789
Fax: (+1) 478-445-2623
www.gcsu.edu/international

Finding Scholarships: Get Organized!

2010-07-20T23:14:00.003-05:00

Get organized. If you start off organized, you are less likely to miss important application deadlines or forget to ask for a letter of recommendation. Put each application's materials in a separate file folder – whether it’s a physical folder or a computer folder, or both. Create a checklist listing all the required materials, as well as the following:

Scholarship name and description; phone number if available
Date application must be received by scholarship committee
Date you requested the application
Date you received the application
Date application and supporting materials were mailed
Date you called the Scholarship Agency to verify they received your application package

Keep a copy of your entire application materials, so you can resend it in case it is lost in the mail. Keep a master checklist of all the scholarships to which you are applying, so you can check off the completion of each application. You will also find it helpful to refer to old applications when applying for other scholarships!

Do not miss deadlines. If you miss a deadline, your application is disqualified, regardless of your excuse. Scholarship sponsors never provide extensions. So when you receive the application materials, take note of the deadline and whether it is a postmark or receipt deadline. If the deadline is based on the date your application is received by the sponsor, be sure to mail the application at least one week before the deadline date. If possible, set your own personal deadline at least two weeks prior to that date, so that your application materials are ready well in advance of the official deadline. You might consider including a self-addressed stamped postcard with your application so the sponsor can drop it in the mail to let you know that your application has been received and whether you are missing any supporting materials. You could also send the application by certified mail, return receipt requested.

Organize the application materials. If an application consists of several loose pages, label each page with your name, and possibly also a purpose and page number. This will help prevent parts of your application from getting lost or out of order. If not specified, send your application materials in a large manila envelope, to prevent unnecessary folding of your papers. Make sure you have sufficient postage.

Application Proficiency. Proofread the entire application several times before submitting. After you have carefully edited and revised your application, ask someone you trust to read it again. A second reader could be a parent, teacher, or advisor. Remember: typos cost you points and could cost you the scholarship. Applications with blanks or unanswered questions are viewed as incomplete and are subject to immediate disqualification. Do not handwrite your application. You want to create a professional impression. With few exceptions, all scholarship applications must be typed. All college work is typed unless you are in a math lab; basic computer literacy is considered the norm and not the exception. Read all application instructions carefully and do exactly what the application asks you to do. Do not attach unsolicited documents to your application. The application will ask you to provide specific supporting documents, but if you include anything they do not require it will go against you. Also pay careful attention to word limits. If, for example, the instructions for an essay specify a word limit of 450-600 words, then stay within that limit. Exceeding the word limit is viewed as demonstrating an inability to follow instructions.

A readable, clean, complete, well-written application is impressive. Unreadable, smeary, incomplete, or poorly written applications are eliminated.

Finally, Before mailing your application, double-check:
Have you neatly organized and included all required documents?
Do all official documents contain dates and signatures?
Have you provided correctly-spelled names and mailing addresses?
Have you corrected all spelling and typing errors?
Have you filled in all required fields in the application?

Remember - believe in yourself and in your chances to win scholarships. Hard work and time spent on the scholarship process will pay off eventually. Keep your chin up and think about how great the reward will be if you can win even one of the scholarships you're trying for!

Next post: Resumes, References, and Transcripts!

Get Organized, Get Ready - Find the Funding You Need!

2010-07-11T01:09:00.004-05:00

Now is the time to get ready for finding, applying for, and winning scholarships! This process can be time consuming and takes dedication and motivation. But being organized and prepared will help you. In the next set of posts, you will find tips and advice that will also help you. The following information was taken from Scholarship Experts, and is generic in nature; it is intended to get you motivated and ready for the detailed information to come!

Be proactive
No one is going to track you down to give you a scholarship; you must do the legwork yourself. So when you find awards with eligibility criteria that you can meet, contact the provider and request a scholarship application packet. Whether you have to request the application via email, phone or by sending in a self-addressed stamped envelope, DO IT. There's just no other way to get the ball rolling than to take the initiative and be assertive in requesting information.

Be timely
Most scholarship providers set deadlines, and you must adhere to them. Make sure you submit all required all materials well before the deadline. If the scholarship deadline is approaching and you have not yet received the application packet that you requested earlier, follow up with the provider and request the application packet again. You do not want to miss a deadline, as few scholarship providers will consider late applications.

Be organized
Good organizational skills can pay off: literally!

Keep your scholarship applications ordered by deadline date.

Give yourself plenty of time to complete and send them in well before the due date.

Keep letters of recommendation and transcripts on hand so you don't have to obtain new ones every time they are required for an application.

Make copies of your completed scholarship applications before sending them in, and file them in folders labeled with the deadline date and the mailing address and phone number of the scholarship provider.

Call before the deadline to see if your application was received in good order. If it got lost in the mail (glitches happen), you still have an extra copy you can send in.

Be persistent
The scholarship search process doesn't happen overnight. You must be diligent about looking for new scholarships to apply for. Plan to spend several hours each month reviewing the programs with deadlines approaching, preparing application packets, and getting your applications in the mail on time. Then the cycle should begin again:

Find scholarships that you're eligible for

Obtain application information

Apply in an organized, timely manner.

Be positive
Finally, believe in yourself and in your chances to win scholarships. Hard work and time spent on the scholarship process will pay off eventually. Keep your chin up and think about how great the reward will be if you can win even one of the scholarships you're trying for! After all, your education depends on it!

Social Networks – How They Can Impact Your Scholarship, Internship, or Job Opportunities.

2010-07-07T14:39:00.004-05:00

The Good News.

Technology has had a huge effect on recruitment - for candidates, recruitment professionals and employers alike. What this means for organizations is that finding talent through the internet is becoming progressively more important. Not only are employers and their agencies increasingly adopting online-only recruitment policies, but more and more are using social networking platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Linkedin to hunt for candidates. According to a study by CareerBuilder.com, one of the largest online job sites in the US, nearly one in two hiring managers uses social media to recruit or screen candidates for jobs today.

Social media has entered the mainstream as a recruitment strategy; and many highly-recognized firms are connecting with applicants through their own profiles or pages on these sites. As an example, check out Ernst & Young Careers page in Facebook. They have a team dedicated to recruiting on Facebook, where applicants can ask questions, find information regarding contests, jobs, internships, links to related information, and discussion boards; and there are many, many more companies creating profiles every day.

Online networks can become a lifeline if you are looking for an internship or job. US unemployment hit a new 14-year high last October and according to online job advertising firm Monster, recruitment activity on the Web plunged to its lowest level in nearly three years. The economic crisis hitting firms across the globe has created a spike in usage of professional networks such as LinkedIn, the top professional Web network. Professional networking should be a top priority during unstable economic times.

While making it well worth your time and effort to have a presence online, it’s really only effective if you take the time to develop your profile. Virtually anything in a profile shows up on a search, so you should list your educational background, awards, current and previous employment, current responsibilities, user groups, professional associations you belong to, expertise, and other information companies might seek. Tap into social media sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to create or expand positive online content about you.

The Bad News.

What you put on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, or other social networks (or what your friends put there) could have a negative impact on your scholarship. According to Social Media and College Admissions, 25% of admissions offices are searching social networking sites and using search engines (Google and Yahoo) to conduct background checks on potential students before awarding scholarships. Facebook and MySpace are the most commonly searched sites. The presence of admissions offices on social networking sites are expected to increase.

Recent surveys find that a growing number of job searches are being derailed by "digital dirt." The Internet is rampant with inaccuracies, posturing, gossip, material presented out of context, as well as inappropriate information and pictures. All of which can wreak havoc on someone's digital footprint. Social networking Web sites can be filled with unintended or embarrassing anecdotes, and general Web searches sometimes reveal inconsistencies or resume inflation. This can, and has, eliminated candidates for internships and jobs.

There are a number of methods being used to collect information and create a virtual profile of you, such as searching and utilizing government records, free people searches, search engines, social network search engines, and paid searches. A number of companies (and college admissions offices) are also using facial recognition software to identify pictures that are not tagged. Think you’re safe by setting your profile to private? Or using an alias? Your personal information is still accessible to parents, professors, police, or employers. Even if your profile is private, there's little to stop your online contacts from copying and sharing your information or pictures with others, and tagging them. Removing possible incriminating pictures or information when it’s time to look for that scholarship or job may be more difficult than you think – information that you have “deleted” can still be found on numerous servers. So it's a good rule of thumb to avoid posting pictures or confessions that would humiliate you or a friend if they reached the wider world, because they very well could.

What you should do.

My suggestion – Google yourself (use other search engines as well); do an image search; log in to your social network and do a search. Do this regularly. (For more detailed information on searches, and tips for managing your digital footprint see What the Web knows about you.)

Create a profile on a professional network, and link to professors, colleagues, and friends. Create or expand positive, professional (neutral) online content on your social network sites, and encourage others to create positive and neutral information about you. Search for companies with an online presence in Facebook and “like” them, follow them in Twitter, and join appropriate groups in LinkedIn. Make yourself highly visible, with a positive and professional image. And finally, make sure your social networking profiles are complete and rich with search-engine friendly keywords. Having search-engine friendly keywords that describe your skills and experience helps employers find you before they've posted a job ad. A good social online profile is better than no profile!

Scholarship Spotlight: International Student Ambassador Scholarships

2010-06-30T00:17:00.003-05:00

University: Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, USA

Amount of scholarship: $4,000 to $7,000 / year
Gold $7,000 per year Renewable
Cardinal $5,000 per year Renewable
Leadership Up to $4,000/year Renewable

Description:
International Student Ambassador Scholarships are awarded to students with exceptional leadership qualities and a desire to positively represent both their home country and Iowa State University to prospective students.

Deadline:
October 1 (spring entry)
April 1 (fall & summer entry)

Requirements / Criteria:
* Apply for admission. (You cannot be considered for this scholarship unless you are admitted to Iowa State University.)
* Submit a one-page essay describing experiences you have had in leadership, community service and/or volunteerism, and why you are interested in assisting Iowa State University with international recruitment activities.
* 1 letter of recommendation
* Send essay and letter via email to agogerty@iastate. edu with the subject line Attention: International Scholarship Selection Committee
* There is no GPA or SAT requirement; however, higher academic backgrounds may result in higher scholarship awards

Additional Information:
www.facebook.com/IowaStateU www.youtube.com/iowastateu http://twitter.com/iowaStateUNews

Contact:
www.admissions.iastate.edu/intl/ambassador_scholarships.php
Ann Gogerty, Global Recruitment Coordinator; agogerty@iastate.edu

Scholarship Spotlight: C3 Doctoral Scholarships for International Students, UT-Sydney

2010-06-27T00:30:00.004-05:00

University: University of Technology, Sydney

Amount of scholarship: $22,500 per-annum for the duration of three years; $5,000 travel funds for research, laptop

Deadline: September 1, 2010

Details:
C3 or The Plant Functional Biology and Climate Change Cluster is offering scholarship stipends valued at $22500 per-annum for the duration of three years. In addition, successful candidates will receive $5,000 travel funds for research and collaboration support, laptop and workspace in state-of-art research facilities. Research areas include ocean acidification and coral bio-energetic; Antarctic sea-ice algal communities; biological invasions and climate change synergies; food web modelling; surface-atmosphere exchange modelling for terrestrial ecosystems; and remote sensing to terrestrial ecosystems.

To Apply:
To apply for a research scholarship, you need to submit an application for admission to a higher degree by research. For more details see http://www.science.uts.edu.au/for/future/research.html

Contact:
Name: Rochelle Seneviratne
Phone: +61 2 9514 2490
Email: science.research@uts.edu.au

Website:
http://www.science.uts.edu.au/for/future/research.html

Scholarship Spotlight: Anglia Ruskin University (UK) Scholarships for International Students

2010-06-10T00:26:00.005-05:00

Scholarships Available:

The International Merit Scholarship:
The International Merit Scholarship scheme provides awards of either £500 or £1000 to well-qualified students applying for any full-time Bachelors or Masters course. In some countries Anglia Ruskin offer a laptop alternative that will be handed over to the applicant on registration at Anglia Ruskin University.

Awards are made on the basis of academic merit and level of competence in English language. Once you apply for a course at Anglia Ruskin you will be automatically considered for a scholarship, and details of any award given will be included in your Offer letter.

International Alumni Scholarship Scheme:

This scholarship of £1,000, deducted from the tuition fee, is available to all Anglia Ruskin University undergraduate students who progress to an Anglia Ruskin postgraduate course and all Anglia Ruskin University alumni who wish to return to university to undertake a postgraduate course of study.

Transfer Scholarship Scheme:

Students transferring from partner institutions which have a specific cooperation agreement with Anglia Ruskin University may receive a £1000 transfer scholarship as a reduction on their tuition fees.

Other Scholarships:

For details of other scholarships which may be available for international students outside of Anglia Ruskin, you should refer to the British Council website.

If you are not already a student in Anglia Ruskin University, please register through the website at http://bit.ly/c7NExN

Additional Information:

For more information about Anglia Ruskin University Scholarships for international students, please check this link: http://bit.ly/8ZJ3KK

Contact:

Call: 0845 271 3333
International: +44 1245 493131
Email: answers@anglia.ac.uk

Scholarship Spotlight: Kofi Annan Scholarship, International Student Scholarship Awards for undergraduate study at Macalester College

2010-05-08T21:05:00.002-05:00

Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota

Amount of scholarship: $1,000 - $35,000

Programs:
American Studies, Anthropology, Art, Asian Languages & Cultures, Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Computer Science, Economics, English, Environmental Studies, French & Francophone Studies, Geography, Geology, German Studies, Hispanic & Latin American Studies, History, Humanities, Media & Cultural Studies, International Studies, Linguistics, Mathematics, Music, Neuroscience Studies, Philosophy, Physics & Astronomy, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Russian Studies, Sociology, Theater and Women's & Gender Studies

Requirements:
Candidates who wish to be considered for Kofi Annan International Scholarship must apply for admission and financial aid to Macalester. Applicants may apply online or by post. Application forms and admission instructions as well as on-line access are available at: http://www.macalester.edu/admissions/apply/index.html

Additional Information:
Applicants who are unable to obtain an application from the web may request one by writing to the Admissions Office, Macalester College, 1600 Grand Avenue, St Paul, MN 55105 USA

Contact:
Detailed information on academic departments and about Macalester and its programs can be found at: http://www.macalester.edu/admissions/academics/

University of Nebraska, Omaha: Scholarships available for International Students

2010-05-04T23:14:00.003-05:00

Program Description: The University of Nebraska at Omaha offers a number of competitive scholarships for international students entering at either the undergraduate or graduate level.

Amount of scholarship: $3,000-$6,000

Deadline: None

Requirements / eligibility:
1: Must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
2: Must meet admissions requirements.
3: Must be a J-1 or F-1 visa holder or applicant.

Additional Information:
Website: http://world.unomaha.edu/
Instructions: Apply online at world.unomaha.edu. Click on "Admissions," then "Scholarships and Funding."

Contact:
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Julie D. Soper
International Admissions Advisor
6001 Dodge Street, ASH 241
Omaha, NE
68182

Phone #: +1 (402) 554-2293
Fax #: +1 (402) 554-2949
E-Mail: world@unomaha.edu

Scholarship Spotlight: Asia-Pacific Service to Social Sciences Award

2010-04-17T21:58:00.003-05:00

Description: 2 awards of $1000(AUD) each, awarded to a Golden Key International Honour Society member at an Australian, New Zealand or Malaysian chapter.

Amount of scholarship: $1,000

Deadline: June 27, 2010

Requirements:
1. Application Form – download: http://bit.ly/aYUFQR
2. Attach the following required documentation:

A submission of no more than two pages describing how you have contributed academically to your field of study. This could include published articles, outstanding research, academic prizes etc.
A letter of recommendation from your lecturer would be required, as well as any group or organization you are involved with in this area of study.
An academic transcript (copies accepted).

Contact Information:
PO Box 302
GLEBE NSW 2037
Australia

URL: http://bit.ly/aYUFQR

Scholarship Spotlight: National Potato Council Scholarship

2010-04-14T20:39:00.004-05:00

Description: Each year, the National Potato Council awards a scholarship to honor graduate students pursuing advanced studies in Agribusiness that supports of the Potato Industry. This year’s scholarship will be awarded in August 2010 to be applied toward the 2010-2011 academic year.

Amount of scholarship: $5,000

Deadline: June 15, 2010

Requirements / eligibility:

Explain in 200 words or less how your goals and ambitions qualify you for this scholarship.
Specify your graduate program and demonstrate how it will benefit the U.S. potato industry.
Include transcripts of your undergraduate and graduate work, if any, with cumulative grade point average.
Include a resume if available.
If applicable, attach a list of activities which demonstrate citizenship, service to society and leadership qualities.
Please note level of participation and/or offices held.
Attach a list of the names and contact information for two adults that may be contacted as references should you become a finalist.

Contact Information:
National Potato Council
1300 L Street, NW, Suite 910
Washington, DC 20005
United States

URL: http://www.nationalpotatocouncil.org/NPC/programs_scholarshipprogram.cfm

Program Spotlight: The ExxonMobil Middle East and North Africa Scholars Program

2010-04-10T23:29:00.002-05:00

Description:
The program is funded by ExxonMobil and administered by the Institute of International Education (IIE). Through this unique scholarship opportunity, ExxonMobil aims to contribute to the Middle East and North Africa region by helping to develop highly skilled and culturally adept individuals. The program also seeks to build relationships with academic leaders by offering a Faculty Sponsor Program to the home academic departments of successful scholars. Some students may qualify for the opportunity to apply their skills through internships with ExxonMobil.

Amount of scholarship:
Recipients will receive full tuition, housing and living expenses, medical insurance, textbook and computer allowance. The award also includes transportation to the U.S. at the inception and conclusion of the program, visa and academic support, and an intensive orientation program.

Deadline: October 1, 2010

Requirements / Criteria:
Citizens of Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia or the UAE who have a Bachelor's degree in Geoscience, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Math or Geography. Candidates must have lived in the Middle East/North Africa for 15 years & be fluent in Arabic.

Application:
Applicants must fill out an online application. The application includes: essays, 9 application pages with itemized sections, 1 signature page, letter of reference forms and the submission of university transcripts and TOEFL & GRE score reports.

Additional Information:

For full details: Institute of International Education: http://bit.ly/cm9V0X
E-mail exxonmobilscholars@iie.org with any questions or problems.

Scholarship Spotlight: The Graça Machel Scholarship Programme (Women only)

2010-04-06T19:47:00.002-05:00

Scholarship Sponsor: Canon Collins Trust

Amount of scholarship: All scholarships are for postgraduate study, either for one academic year if based in the UK or for two years if based in South Africa. The scholarship includes payment of maintenance, travel, health insurance and tuition fees.

Deadline:
August 11th 2010 for study in South Africa (courses starting in February)
December 10th 2010 for study in the UK (courses starting in September/October)

Requirements / eligibility: Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to women on the basis of academic/professional merit, financial need, intended academic programme, leadership potential and commitment to work for constructive change in Africa.

Subject Areas:
Health
Education
Science & Technology
Economics & Finance
Development

Additional Information:
The key aim of the Graça Machel Scholarship Programme is to help provide the human resources necessary for economic, social and cultural development in the southern African region and to develop an educated and skilled workforce that can benefit the wider community. Scholarships that target women have long been recognized as an effective approach in addressing gender equality and eradicating poverty. By providing opportunities to study at postgraduate level, these scholarships aim to empower women and to equip them to take up leadership positions in order to have a direct impact in the communities, nations and region in which they live.

The Graça Machel Scholarships Programme will provide a minimum of 60 postgraduate scholarships to female students from Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland and South Africa in both South Africa and the UK. The majority of the scholarships will be for study in South Africa.

For more information, including application: http://bit.ly/cE2dzD

Contact:
Canon Collins Trust
22 The Ivories, Northampton Street, London N1 2HY, UK.

Award Spotlight: Stella Blum Research Grant

2010-03-30T23:19:00.002-05:00

(To find scholarships, awards, or grants, join national or student organizations in your area or discipline – many of them offer scholarships for members!)

Sponsoring Agency: Costume Society of America

Description: For members of the Costume Society of America with research projects in the field of North American Costume

Amount of scholarship: $ 3,000

Deadline: 1st May

Requirements / eligibility:

Host Institution: Unrestricted/ other
For study in: Unrestricted/ Worldwide
Grade Level: Undergraduate
Field of study: Unrestricted/ Worldwide

Contact Information:
Costume Society of America
55 Edgewater Drive, PO Box 73
Earleville, MD 21919
United States

Contact Name/Title: Ms. Kaye K. Boyer, Manager

Phone: 1-800-CSA-9447

Fax: 410-275-8936

URL: http://www.costumesocietyamerica.com/awards.htm

Fellowship Spotlight: The SOM Prize and Travel Fellowship for Architecture, Design and Urban Design

2010-03-23T21:00:00.003-05:00

Sponsoring Agency: Skidmore, Owings and Merrill Foundation

Description: The SOM Prize in architecture, design and urban design is a $50,000 research and travel fellowship that enables one outstanding student to do in-depth research, collaborate with other designers, and pursue independent study outside the realm of established patterns. In addition to the grand SOM Prize, the Foundation also awards a $20,000 travel fellowship to the second strongest candidate.

Amount of scholarship: $50,000 Top Prize; $20,000 Travel fellowship

Deadline:

Intent to apply: April 19, 2010
Portfolio submissions: July 19, 2010
Winners announced : August 6, 2010

Requirements / eligibility:

Candidates must have graduated or be graduating between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010 with a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited U.S. school of architecture, urban design or design. Attendance at a U.S. school and graduation a must; U.S. citizenship not required.
Candidates should be academically accomplished, demonstrate the highest design aspirations, and intend to enter the professional practice of architecture, design or urban design.

Contact Information:
Skidmore, Owings and Merrill Foundation
224 South Michigan Ave, Suite 1000
Chicago, IL 60604
United States

Contact Name/ Title: Lisa Westerfield, Administrative Director

Phone: 312.427.4202

Fax: 312-360-4545
URL: http://www.somfoundation.som.com/content.cfm/foundation_home

Scholarship Spotlight: United Agribusiness League Scholarship Program

2010-03-18T20:09:00.003-05:00

Sponsoring Agency: United Agribusiness League

Description: Scholarship for use in any year; not renewable.

Amount of scholarship: up to $25,000

Deadline: March 31, 2010

Requirements / eligibility:

Applicants must be affiliated with UAL or UABT, either through a member or an employee of a member
This scholarship is open to any major of study
Must be presently enrolled anytime during the 2010/2011 scholastic year at an accredited college or university
A minimum 2.5 GPA is required to be eligible for a scholarship
Three letters of recommendation: one from a teacher, one from an employer and one from a volunteer organization (If you do not work or volunteer, substitute 2 teacher letters)
A two-page essay is required; typewritten and double-spaced with a one-page bibliography. The topic for the 2010 essay can be found in the "Scholarship Checklist" section
A one-page typed resume of any work, educational, community or extracurricular activities.

Contact Information:
UAL/UABT Scholarship Program
United Agribusiness League
54 Corporate Park
Irvine, CA 92606-5105
United States

Phone: 800.223.4590

Fax: (949) 975-1671

URL: http://ual.org/scholarship.html

Questions?
Please contact the Scholarship Coordinator at (800) 223-4590 or by e-mail: scholarship@ual.org.

Scholarship Spotlight: AU-SU Dual Degree Program Scholarship Grant

2010-03-16T10:19:00.002-05:00

Sponsoring Agency: Canada Student Services Corporation

Description: CSSC is proud to provide full and part scholarships for students wishing to enroll in the joint international business administration program offered by Canada's Athabasca University and China's Soochow University.

Amount of scholarship: $2,100-$4,200

Deadline: Submit application prior to start of each semester

Requirements / eligibility:

For study in Asia
Grade level: undergraduate
For study in Asia, China
Field of study: Business Management/ Finance

Contact Information:
110-6545 Bonsor Avenue
Burnaby, BC V5H1H3
Canada

Contact Name/ Title:
Ken Hoang- Program Coordinator

Phone: 604-438-7538
Fax: 604-438-6717
URL: http://bit.ly/aQjZBa

Scholarship Spotlight: The Siam Cement Group Foundation

2010-03-10T23:23:00.004-06:00

Scholarship: The Siam Cement Group Foundation

Program: Master of Arts Program in International Development Studies (MAIDS) at Chulalongkorn University for the upcoming 2010-2011 academic year.

Amount of scholarship: 2 Full scholarships

Deadline: Deadline: March 31, 2010

Requirements/eligibility:
Scholarships are open to government workers, non-profit sector employees, students and other individuals with a background in development from each of the following Southeast Asian countries:

Thailand
Indonesia

Additional information:

Contact:
M.A. in International Development Studies
Faculty of Political Science,
Chulalongkorn University
Henry-Dunant Road, Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330 , Thailand
Tel: (+66) 2-218-7313
Fax: (+66) 2-252-6277
E-mail: maids@chula.ac.th

Scholarship Spotlight: Richard Gilder Graduate School at the American Museum of Natural History

2010-03-06T22:38:00.003-06:00

Scholarship: Lerner-Gray Fund for Marine Research Application

Amount of scholarship: from $ 250 to $ 2,500

Deadline: March 15, 2010

Requirements / eligibility:

Support is limited to projects dealing with systematic, evolution, ecology, and field-oriented behavioral studies of marine animals. Awards are not made to support research in botany and biochemistry
Two letters of recommendation using forms downloaded from the website
Curriculum Vitae
Budget
Project Description and literature cited page
Completion of online information

Application Guidelines:

Complete online information and this form.
Applicants are allowed a maximum of two awards in different years (not consecutive).

Applications lacking any information requested will not be reviewed.

Additional Information:

Note that you may have a tax liability on this award if you are not a US Citizen and if your
work will take place in the USA. If you are a US Citizen there is no tax. If you are a foreign
national and your work will NOT take place in the USA, there is no tax.

Applications are only accepted online: https://myrggs.amnh.org/Applicant/ApplyOnline_Login.aspx

Contact:
Questions, e-mail:
http://rggs.amnh.org/pages/academics_and_research/fellowship_and_grant_opportunities#grants

Scholarship Spotlight: The Alexander Bell Association

2010-02-27T13:57:00.004-06:00

Scholarship: The Alexander Bell Association for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Amount of scholarship: from $1,000 to $10,000

Deadline: March 1, 2010

Requirements/eligibility:

Spoken communication must be the student’s primary mode of communication.
Hearing loss must have been diagnosed prior to age seven (during the language-learning years).
Hearing loss must be bilateral and in the moderate to profound range. Applicants must have an unaided Pure-Tone Average (PTA) of 60dB or greater in the better hearing ear in the speech frequencies of 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz. Applicants with cochlear implants meet this eligibility requirement. Unilateral (one-sided) hearing loss does not qualify.

Formula for calculating the PTA: On the unaided audiogram, look at the results for the better hearing ear at 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz and add those three numbers together, then divide that total by three. The result is the Pure Tone Average. To be eligible for this award, the applicant’s PTA must be 60 or greater.
Applicant must be enrolled in or have applied to a mainstream and accredited college/university as a full-time student.
Applicants in the United States must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 on a 4.0 non-weighted scale. This is a cumulative GPA for grades 9-11 and the first semester of grade 12. For college freshman, this is cumulative GPA for grades 9-12 and first semester of college. For college sophomores or higher, it is the cumulative GPA on your college transcript for all semesters completed.

Additional Information:
Scholarship awards are based on a combination of academic achievement and personal accomplishments. Past scholarship recipients have demonstrated academic excellence*, exceptional personal qualities, and potential for ongoing contributions to society. Involvement in high school/college or community activities is a plus. Financial need has a limited impact on award selection.

For more information and application form:
https://nc.agbell.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=493

Contact:
Questions, e-mail: financialaid@agbell.org

Scholarship Spotlight: Masters Scholarships for Africa, India and Commonwealth Countries

2010-01-24T20:03:00.005-06:00

Scholarship Spotlight: Masters Scholarships for Africa, India and Commonwealth Countries

University: The University of Nottingham; United Kingdom

Amount of scholarship: 30 Full Tuition Fee Scholarships; 75 Tuition Fee Scholarships of 50%

Deadline: April 30, 2010

Requirements / Criteria:

You are from Africa, India or one of the Commonwealth countries listed below* AND
you are classed as an overseas student for fee purposes AND
you already hold an offer to start a full-time Masters degree program (including MRes) at Nottingham in 2010 – (Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences and Faculty of Science, plus some courses in the School of Geography, Institute for Science & Society, Institute of Work, Health & Organisations, and courses allied to Operations Management in the Business School)

1 FULL Tuition Fee Scholarship is also available for a student fromAfrica for the MSc in Crop Improvement School of Biosciences

6 FULL Scholarships (tuition fees, airfare, maintenance award and additional allowances) to new students registering on Masters programs in the Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences in September 2010.

Additional Information:
Application forms are available at: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/international/_online_forms/scholarships/application_page.php

For information on other sources of funding visit their scholarship funding database at http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/prospectuses/postgrad/introduction/funding/postscholarship.php

Contact:
Any questions, email:
scholarship-assistant@nottingham.ac.uk

International Office: http://www.nottingham.ac.uk/InternationalOffice/contact-us/contacts.aspx

International Support Services:
t: +44 (0) 115 951 5247
f: +44 (0) 115 951 5155
e: international-support@nottingham.ac.uk

*) Commonwealth Countries: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Falkland Islands, Fiji, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Kiribati, Malaysia, Maldives, Montserrat, Nauru, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn, St Helena, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tristan da Cunha, Turks and Caicos, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Western Samoa

Scholarship Spotlight: J. W. Saxe Memorial Fund

2010-01-07T23:51:00.004-06:00

J.W. Saxe Memorial Fund

Amount of the Scholarship: $2,000

A prize of two thousand dollars will be awarded to one or more college or university students involved in public service. The award is meant to enable the student to gain practical experience in public service by taking a no-pay or low-pay job or internship during a summer or other term. Preference will be given applicants who have already found such a position, but who require additional funds.

Criteria:

Undergraduate or graduate student in an accredited college or university.
Seeking support for an internship in public service, not general support.
Demonstrated public service activity -- past, present and/or future.
Financial need will be taken into consideration.

Deadline: March 15

Additional Information:
http://www.jwsaxefund.org/index.php
http://www.jwsaxefund.org/apply.php

Contact:
J. W. Saxe Memorial Fund
1524 31st Street N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20007-3074
Email: Ruth Saxe, President
ruthsaxe@aol.com
Email: Elinor Sachse, VP and Secretary
sachsedc@verizon.net

Textbook Options! (How to save money!)

2010-01-04T21:00:00.003-06:00

Textbooks. Just the word can conjure up pictures of dollar signs added to an already expensive tuition each semester. Now you have alternatives to purchasing new textbooks that can run in the triple digits, and cost over a thousand dollars a year! To check out the increased options and what works best for you, open a tabbed web browser like Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, or Apple Safari. This will make it easier to keep track of and compare options. You might also use a spreadsheet or a table in a word document to keep track of the list of books you need for each course, along other needed information, such as the link to the store or website, price, tax, shipping & handling, and the time it takes for shipping the books. (Be aware of shipping & handling costs, as well as shipping time!). Before you start, make sure you know the name, edition, author, and ISBN number of the books you are searching for. To find this information, check with the campus bookstore (online if they have that option); ask the professor personally or send an email; check syllabi or course websites.

Used Books. Certainly nothing new, but you might find new places to purchase them.

Students. Ask students who took the course last semester – quite often they ask the professor if the same book will be used again the following semester, and have one for sale. Also check to see if your campus has a student-run textbook selling system in place, such as a website or bulletin board.
Websites. Amazon.com is a good place to purchase used books. You can also use Google or Bing to search for books by typing in the name of the book and edition, and see what other options come up.
Book companies and vendors. There are companies that buy and sell used textbooks, and sometimes you’ll find good deals there. A few to try: Better World Books; TextbookRecycling.com; CampusBooks,com; Textbooks.com; Half.com; CheapestTextbooks.com; … do a search and you’ll find many more. Keep in mind that book companies also buy back used textbooks, often paying for shipping, at prices better than the local campus bookstore can offer.
If your books just aren’t worth selling back, consider donating them to organizations such as Books for Africa. Better yet, hold a book drive on your campus to send used books and funds to people who need them (Books for Africa, Room to Read, Worldfund, Invisible Children, and more) – check out Better World Books; TextbookRecycling.com; and other book companies for more information. Not only will the textbooks go to a good cause, they will not end up in a landfill. AND – you can earn money for your campus organization! (Win-Win!!)

E-Books. Again, this is not exactly new, but there are new players and better options. Many of the book publishers have online versions of the textbooks they sell – at a reduced price; so check out the book publisher’s website for details. There are a number of sites that offer the classic texts, novels, and books free:

Google Books: http://www.google.com/ig;
Many Books: http://www.ManyBooks.net;
Project Gutenberg: http://www.gutenberg.org;

do a search for “free eBooks” and you will find others as well.

Amazon has two great new devices called the Kindle and Kindle DX. They are small, slim 3G wireless reading devices that let you download ebooks in 60 seconds! No monthly fees, no service plans, no hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots. (I have a Kindle, and that means reading my web email, posting to Twitter, catching up on Facebook, and surfing the Web in the car!! And, of course, reading books!) Check them out at Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com), click on Kindle for more information. It’s rumored that Amanzon and several major textbook companies are working together for better pricing on the Kindle and textbooks. I know there are a number of universities looking into this option for students.

Barnes and Noble also has eBooks available, some free, and a free downloadable eReader – software that lets you read ebooks on your iPhone, Blackberry, or your desktop (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ebooks) click on the link ‘download eReader’).

If you’ve never read an eBook – download a free one today and check out the tools available. You can highlight, take clippings, bookmark, and (what I like best) SEARCH! When you study, wouldn’t it be great to search your textbook like you search websites for specific terms?

Renting/Lending Textbooks. Now this is an old idea with a new twist! There are now a large number of universities, book companies, and publishing companies that have textbook rental options. The prices are usually much cheaper than the new retail price of the book. Check with your university bookstore to see if they are planning a rental option for students; some are working directly with book publishers and vendors. If not, there are websites that have online textbook rental options for students, although shipping & handling, along with shipping times, might make this a less desirable option than renting through a university program. There is a company, called Cengage Learning that makes the first couple of chapters of the rented text available online to students, so last-minute ordering isn’t such a problem. They also announced that they would start renting books to students this year, at 40 percent to 70 percent of the sale price. They also give you the option of renting selected chapters of books!

There are a couple of new Internet textbook-rental companies, BookRenter (http://www.bookrenter.com), and Chegg (http://www.chegg.com) that billed itself as “the Netflix for college textbooks.” Both advertise books at 65 – 85% off the regular price of textbooks. This is another option definitely worth looking into!

But don’t delay – order your textbooks as soon as possible so you have them in time for classes! (Ok – that’s the professor in me speaking!) Good luck with your textbook search, and good luck in your courses this semester!

Scholarship Spotlight: Microsoft Scholarships

2009-12-28T09:14:00.006-06:00

Amount of the Scholarship: Depends on the scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

Criteria:

Displayed interest in the software industry
Commitment to leadership
Financial need
Full time student
Satisfactory progress toward an undergraduate degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related technical discipline such as electrical engineering, math, or physics—and that you demonstrate an interest in computer science.
Maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average out of a possible 4.0
Quality of application

Additional Information: https://careers.microsoft.com/careers/en/us/collegescholarship.aspx
http://www.microsoft.com/college/ss_overview.mspx/
http://www.microsoft.com/college/ss_reqs.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/college/ss_howtoapply.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/

Contact:
1 Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052
Phone: (425) 882-8080
Email: scholars@microsoft.com.