Iowa City Noon Rotary Club International Scholarships CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS

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1 Iowa City Noon Rotary Club International Scholarships CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF SCHOLARSHIP APPLICANTS The following criteria are believed to be pertinent to the mission of the Rotary scholarship program. Scholarship Committee members may, however, wish to add other criteria and/or to assign different weight to the criteria. 1. Academic Accomplishments. The scholarship award is intended for outstanding students. High school and college grades, honors awards, papers and performances would be included in this rating. 2. Non-academic Accomplishments. It is assumed that outstanding student characteristics include non-school accomplishments, e.g., arts, sports, community service or employment. Evidence of maturity, social interaction skills, tolerance and independence are especially pertinent. 3. English Language Skill. The application and interview session provide the basis for judgment. The relevance of this criterion relates to the candidate s obligation to communicate with local and overseas Rotary clubs. 4. Foreign Language Skill (host country language). This criterion is directly related to gaining an understanding of the host culture and conveying knowledge and understanding of the U.S. Actual conversational language facility should be stressed (in contrast to length of time studied). 5. Coherence of Foreign Study Plan. It is assumed that visiting students will benefit most if the academic aspect of the foreign visit is consistent with his/her educational and career objectives. 6. Intellectual and Social Maturity. Living and studying in a foreign country inevitably presents circumstances that are challenging and a test of his/her patience and tolerance. Especially in a program whose central propose is to contribute to international understanding, it is important that the candidates selected be able to deal well with these aspects of the foreign experience. 7. Interaction with Host Culture/People. By its stated purpose, the scholarship program implies that the student be willing, able and interested in involvement and interaction with host country institutions and people. The intent of this program goes well beyond academic gain for the visiting student.

2 Iowa City Noon Rotary Club International Scholarship INFORMATION SHEET International Scholarships to be awarded in April 2014 for the Academic Year Purpose It is the purpose of these scholarships to contribute to international understanding through study and travel abroad by outstanding students. The students selected should have not only sufficient maturity to gain an understanding of the culture in which the students will be living but also the ability to convey knowledge and understanding of the United States to the individuals with whom they come in contact. The scholarships are limited to those nations that have Rotary Clubs. Amount of Award Two scholarship awards both for $2500 will be offered for study abroad. Each student will be expected to make all arrangements for acceptance at the school abroad, for tuition, transportation and housing. Eligibility for Award These scholarships will be awarded to currently registered college or university students who have demonstrated academic competence and overall achievement. Students must meet these criteria: 1) must be a sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student at the time of application, 2) graduated from a Johnson County high school, 3) one or more parent s legal residence is within the area served by the Iowa City Noon Rotary Club, and 4) have adequate language facility for the country to be visited. There will be no discrimination in the selection of the recipients in respect to sex, race, religion, creed, color, or Rotary membership of relatives. Responsibilities of Recipients Applicants must submit recommendations and current transcripts. Upon review, the most qualified applicants will be chosen for interviews. The students will be required to attend a college or university for at least six months overseas. Preference will be given to those applicants who plan to study for an academic year. Recipients must utilize the award in the school year. The recipients will inform the Iowa City Noon Rotary Club of their residence abroad and will regularly communicate with the Club. Also, they will become acquainted with a Rotary Club abroad and will communicate with that club. The students of legal age, or parent if not, must release the Iowa City Noon Rotary Club from responsibility beyond providing the cash stipend. Upon completion of the overseas program, the recipients will make a report to the Club, through the committee, and an oral report to the Club (and possibly other clubs in the region) in the form of a Rotary luncheon program following the return to the United States. Application for Award Application forms may be obtained from Gene Wandling, 2225 MacBride Drive, Iowa City, IA (Ph ). Applications may also be obtained on the Iowa City Noon Rotary Club website ( Completed forms should be submitted to Gene Wandling, 2225 MacBride Drive, Iowa City, IA (Ph ), no later than April 15, 2014.

3 Iowa City Noon Rotary Club International Scholarship APPLICATION International Scholarships to be awarded in April 2014 for the Academic Year Completed Application must be returned to Gene Wandling, 2225 MacBride Drive, Iowa City, IA (Ph ) and postmarked no later than April 15, Name Age Complete Address Telephone No. Date of Birth Month Day Year Place of Birth City State Parent or Guardian Information: Name Address Occupation Schools You Attended: High School(s) College(s) Major(s) Degree Expected and Date Current Classification College Sophomore Class rank or in present school College Junior accumulated grade (check one) College Senior point average Graduate Student Scholastic honors, if any, received (briefly describe the qualification for each): What are your school interests and activities? -1-

4 What are your hobbies or accomplishments? (art, sports, music, computers, etc.) What are your future plans and ambitions? (education, career, etc.) How will this study abroad experience further impact your academic / professional/ personal growth? If you have studied a foreign language, what is your degree of proficiency? List in order of their importance, in your opinion, the four major issues confronting the USA today: Why do you want to go to another country for a year s study? Have you made current plans for overseas study? -2-

5 What university will you likely attend abroad? What is the status of that application? How do you intend to fund the remainder of your study abroad expenses? What do you specifically hope to accomplish as an exchange student abroad and after you return? How did you first learn of these scholarships? Are you willing to assume the responsibilities of the program, endeavoring to further international understanding and be an effective youth ambassador for your country? Yes No Will you be willing to speak before groups (Rotary, etc.) and tell the story of your country? Yes No Two letters of recommendation and transcript of grades should be submitted with this application. I understand that the Iowa City Noon Rotary Club has no responsibility beyond providing the cash stipend. Signed -3-