Swanson Fellowship

National deadline:  Applications reviewed twice annually, March 1 and October 1

Eligibility requirements:

• participation in an SIT Study Abroad program
• qualities resembling those of Alice Swanson which, in her family's words, include intelligence and passion for learning; great warmth and friendliness; a smiling, welcoming personality; sharp intellectual rigor and fine writing; an adventurous desire to experience untraditional locations.
• experiences and future plans that give evidence of an active interest in world affairs and have a clear purpose for how the project abroad experience relates to your future goals.
• no age limitation or requirement.

Award summary and conditions:  This $100,000 fellowship fund established by the family of SIT Study Abroad Nicaragua ’06 alumna Alice Rowan Swanson, is a living tribute to Alice’s life, her passion for bridging cultures and helping others and the role that SIT Study Abroad played in her life. An Amherst ‘07 graduate, Alice was killed while riding her bike to work in 2008.

Alice’s family believes that Alice would have spent her life working for human rights abroad, particularly in developing countries. This fund will annually award fellowships to SIT program alumni who would like to return to the country of their program to pursue further development projects that benefit human rights in that region.

With rare exceptions, awards will not exceed $5,000.

Application process:  Electronic

Electronic applications sent to:  alumni@worldlearning.org

Application materials: Download from website:
•    Proposal
•    Budget
•    Short answers to two essay questions
•    Acceptance of conditions of award
•    SIT Study Abroad program details
•    Letter of recommendation from Academic Director

Faculty Representative:  Keith Raether

Contact information: http://ourworld.worldlearning.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=9943&JServSessionIda011=b4ctrwsm91.app216d