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The Cultural Envoy Scholarship

International Academic Services is pleased to announce the receipt of a $150,000 grant from the IFSA Foundation to be awarded as scholarships to students who are planning to study abroad.

The deadline for fall 2009 awards has been extended to November 7th, 2008.

Information and Expectations

The job of a Cultural Envoy spans 3 semesters:

  • the semester before you study abroad
  • the semester (or year) you are studying in a foreign country
  • and your first semester back at Mary Washington

During the semester before their departure, accepted Cultural Envoys will be preparing and taking an active role in Mary Washington’s international community.  You will be expected to do the following:

  • attend International Academic Services social events
    • BBQ, International Pot Luck Dinner, Ropes Course, etc.
  • attend the International Friends Program events
    • Ice Skating, Hiking, International Student Goodbye Party, etc.
  • help with IAS recruitment events
  • research and learn about your host country
  • engage in a service project with international relevance
    • examples include working at ESL classes, volunteering with the Fredericksburg Refugee Service Center, working for IAS, hosting a speaker’s bureau

While you are studying abroad you will be expected to continue your service to the international community.  You will set up a service project of your choice before you leave UMW.  This project should help you as an individual as well as the community in which you are studying.  Some ideas are:

  • working in the equivalent of an International Academic Services office
  • setting up an international social group
  • helping with English language classes

When you return to UMW you will be expected to bring your new knowledge and experience to the campus community.  Returned Cultural Envoys will now be envoys from their host country as well as the US.  There are a few things that Envoys need to do in order to be active members of UMW’s international community:

  • host an information session where you talk about your country and experience
    • this can be on your own, in groups, as a Residence Hall program, campus-wide, or in the Fredericksburg community
  • write an article about your time abroad for use on the IAS website or in the Periscope
  • participate in IAS and IFP social events
  • continue with your service project, influenced by your experience abroad
  • assist IAS with presentations or recruitment events as needed
  • be willing and available to answer any questions from future study abroad participants about your study abroad program or host country

UMW Cultural Envoys are expected to be representatives of UMW and the values our community upholds.  As such, Envoys will be expected to maintain good academic and social standing on campus and while abroad.

Application Requirements

Applications for the Cultural Envoy scholarship need to be submitted TWO SEMESTERS before your intended semester abroad.  Deadlines are typically in mid-October for the following Fall and mid-March for the following Spring.  See IAS to find out the specific deadline date for your particular year of application.   

A completed application should be turned in to International Academic Services in George Washington Hall 209. 

Applications need to include all of the following:

  • a brief but inclusive cover letter
  • your resume
  • type-written answers to the following three questions, which should help direct Envoys’ future projects:
    • 1) What qualities represent a good Cultural Envoy and how do you exemplify these qualities?
    • 2) Why do you think students do not choose to study abroad and what can a study abroad office do to overcome these issues?
    • 3) How can technology be used to foster study abroad programs?

Recipients are generally limited to participants on approved UMW study abroad programs.  Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis with certain conditions. 

Students will be selected based on academic merit, on- and off-campus involvement, and interest and enthusiasm in the program and study abroad in general. Financial need might be considered as necessary.  All academic majors can apply.