There are many opportunities open to Middlebury undergraduates or graduates to study in foreign countries or for seniors to obtain funding for graduate schools; there are also a few that will help support undergraduate study at Middlebury. Each year financial support in the form of grants, fellowships, and scholarships is awarded to American students to help meet the cost of such endeavors, and Middlebury students are eligible to apply for many of these awards. Careful advance planning and early application are important as awards are competitive.
The terms fellowship, scholarship, and grant all denote some form of award or gift to support a student's travel and/or advanced study. The funds are provided by foundations, private or civic organizations, corporations, educational institutions, and others. Decisions may be based on a candidate's academic record, financial need, ethnic group, geographic preference, or a combination of the above. Some awards require a return of service (such as teaching) or a return of payment; others are outright gifts. Certain awards may be held in conjunction with other grants, while others must be the sole means of support for the student.
Application procedures for awards vary. In some instances, the Middlebury representative (either an individual or a committee) of the sponsoring body must nominate candidates to a district or national selection committee. Other organizations will receive applications directly. Deadlines are not negotiable; therefore, candidates must ensure adequate preparation time for all application materials including transcripts, letters of recommendation or nomination, resumes, and the grant proposal. The process may take up to a year or more, so plan ahead.
For study abroad, having a very clear idea of what you wish to accomplish by studying/traveling overseas is a real asset. Clear goals will help you locate appropriate awards, write a concrete proposal, and identify those parts of your academic record and college activities that support your objectives. Once you find the most suitable awards, research each thoroughly -- attend informational meetings, learn about the particulars of the program and the selection process and, if possible, talk to past recipients.
There are a variety of resources which describe numerous competitive opportunities. Take time to visit the Student Fellowship Office in DKE for advice and assistance.
To the left is a compilation of awards offered through Middlebury College or available to candidates-at-large: you will see an undergraduate section followed by a post-graduate section; each section is also divided by whether the award is for study in the US or abroad. Each description provides available information on:
- the purpose of the award program
- the monetary value of the award
- the number of awards granted annually
- specified fields of study
- specific institutions (if any) at which the award may be applied
- eligibility requirements
- application process; deadlines
- contacts
- award URLs (links to their websites)
Please contact the College Fellowship Office for more information.
last edited 9/5/08