The Rotary Foundation's oldest and best-known program is Ambassadorial Scholarships. Since 1947 nearly 37,000 men and women from 100 nations have studied abroad under its auspices. Today it is the world's largest privately funded international scholarships program. More than 1,000 scholarships were awarded for study in 2003-04. Through grants totaling approximately US$428 million, recipients from some 70 countries studied in more than 70 nations.

The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries. The program sponsors several types of scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students as well as for qualified professionals pursuing vocational studies. While abroad, scholars serve as ambassadors of goodwill to the people of 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 greater understanding of their host countries.

Generous contributions from Rotarians worldwide represent continued faith that the students who are Ambassadorial Scholars today will be tomorrow's community and world leaders.

The scholarships, which are designed to further international understanding and goodwill, provide for study abroad in one of more than 164 countries where Rotary clubs are located.  Rotary District 7930 anticipates offering one scholarship of up to $26,000 to a qualified individual.

In addition to completing a year of university study abroad, Ambassadorial scholars, through appearances before Rotary clubs, schools, civic organizations and other forums, represent their homelands and work to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and cultures.

Applicants must have completed at least two years of university or college work at the time the scholarship period begins in 2011, must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and must have been brought up and/or have gone to high school in Boston, MA.

Applicants must be good students with at least a B average in college and possess other qualities, which would enable them to be effective "ambassadors". There are no gender or age restrictions on scholarship awards. Rotarians and their immediate families are ineligible for this program.

The Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship program is the world's largest privately sponsored international scholarship program. Focused on humanitarian service, personal diplomacy and academic excellence, the program has sponsored more than 30,000 scholars abroad since it began in 1947.

For more information and to request an application, please visit the Rotary International website at www.rotary.org, and then navigate to Rotary Foundation, Educational Programs, Ambassadorial Scholarships, Materials for Download.  

Applicants should be aware that the process begins about one year in advance of traveling abroad.  

NOTE that prior to submitting an application, each applicant must talk directly with Dr. Ranna Parekh.  She can be reached by email: rannaparekh@yahoo.com or phone: 617-669-9808

Application Deadline: 6 copies of the final applications WITH ALL supporting materials are due by May 1, 2010 and should be sent to The Rotary Club of Boston, 64 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116.

Successful applicants must be available for an interview - date to be determined. 

The Rotary District's final candidates for the scholarship will be chosen shortly thereafter and sent to Rotary International for final approval.  Ambassadorial Scholarship awards will be announced in December 2010 for study year 2011-12

Please go to the Rotary Foundation website for more details -> Link