Go Global: Academic Opportunities Abroad

If you’ve ever wondered what work or school would be like in another country, then we have good news: you have options. Study abroad programs are not the only way you could have international experiences. There’s an entire network of opportunities called prestigious scholarships and fellowships that could be right for you.

Prestigious scholarships and fellowships are funded opportunities for students and young professionals to engage in academic and professional development programs in different areas around the world. There are scholarships that allow students to earn higher degrees, to teach English, to work with and shadow international companies, and even to pursue independent projects. These are often great options for young professionals looking to travel and gain useful experiences that could accelerate their future success, all while gaining access to a new level of career networking.

However, it's important to note that every prestigious opportunity is entirely different. If you’re interested in a prestigious scholarship or fellowship, carefully review the terms and stipulations of each one, including the nature of the work you’d be doing (academic, professional, or otherwise), application requirements, how much funding you would receive, location options, the time commitment, and other important details.

General Advice 

• Prestigious scholarships are called prestigious for a reason. They typically have higher academic standards for their applicants and require a lot of work during the application process, which can be extremely daunting. However, being selected is by no means an impossible feat. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you’re interested in applying.
• See if your university has a designated prestigious scholarship advisor. Many universities have one or more people dedicated to advising students with these applications. If your school doesn’t, you could ask a professor, mentor, or reach out to an advisor at another school and ask if they’re willing to help.
• Do your research. Because all these opportunities are so different, it’s important to be thorough and see which scholarships are right for you before you begin applying.
• Start early. These applications require a lot of work and have a lot of moving parts. You’ll likely have to write multiple short essays, and it’s a good idea to give yourself plenty of time to receive feedback and complete multiple drafts. You’ll also need to give your recommenders time to draft your recommendations.
• Get organized. As we said before, there are typically a lot of different requirements, essays, and deadlines for these opportunities. Organize your deadlines and your materials early on so that you don’t get overwhelmed or fall behind.
• Be authentic. When you’re writing your essays, there is no special writing formula or theme that selection committees are looking for. Your chances of being selected increase drastically by finding your authentic writing voice and telling your unique stories.
• Don’t get discouraged, and don’t give up. Applying for these opportunities is not easy – application cycles often take between 6 months and one year, and you may have to apply for a few years to be selected. However, it’s important to stay motivated and not give up on your goals. Every time you apply, you gain knowledge and experience as an applicant. With resilience and determination, you could be selected for a life-changing opportunity.