Ambassadorial Scholarships:
The Rotary Foundation's oldest and best-known program was founded in 1947. Since then, more than 40,000 men and women from about 100 nations have studied abroad under its auspices. Today it is one of the world's largest privately funded international scholarships programs. Nearly 700 scholarships are awarded for study. Through grants totaling approximately US$16.2 million, recipients from about 70 countries studied in more than 80 nations. The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. The program sponsors academic year scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies.
While abroad, scholars serve as goodwill ambassadors to the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to a greater understanding of their host country. Application is through private rotary clubs.
Peace Center Program:
Peace Fellows are leaders promoting national and international cooperation, peace, and the successful resolution of conflict throughout their lives, in their careers, and through service activities. Fellows can earn either a master’s degree in international relations, public administration, sustainable development, peace studies, conflict resolution, or a related field, or a professional development certificate in peace and conflict resolution. Centers are found in Bangkok, Thailand (professional development center), Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA, International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan, Universidad del Salvador, Buenos Aires, Argentina, University of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, and Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
Criteria for Application include:
- A strong commitment to international understanding and peace demonstrated through professional and academic achievements and personal and community service activities
- A bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience as a minimum, with strong academic achievement
- A minimum of three years’ combined paid or unpaid full-time relevant work experience (master’s degree) or five years’ relevant work experience with current full-time employment in a mid- to upper-level position (professional development certificate)
- Proficiency in a second language (master’s degree) or in English (professional development certificate)
- Strong leadership skills