Rotary Foundation Committee  
   
 

      

Rotary's educational programs promote international understanding by bringing together people from different countries and cultures. Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships is the world’s largest privately funded scholarship program. While students in Rotary's peace programs learn conflict resolution skills.

World Peace  Fellowships

The Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution program supports the mission of The Rotary Foundation to further world understanding and peace.

The purpose of the Rotary Centers program is to:

  • Support and advance research, teaching, publication, and practical field experience on issues of peace, goodwill, causes of  conflict, and world understanding
  • Inspire people to work for a culture of peace and tolerance while enhancing their capacity, knowledge, and skill by generating interaction between practitioners and academics
  • Provide advanced international education opportunities in the area of peace and conflict resolution
  • Provide a means for The Rotary Foundation and Rotarians to increase their effectiveness in promoting greater tolerance and cooperation among peoples, leading to world understanding and peace.

Candidates should consider these objectives carefully before applying and should be prepared to explain in their written statement and interviews how they would support these program objectives. In particular, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to community or international humanitarian service and working for peace. 

Applicants can choose from two Rotary World Peace Fellowship options as follows:

1. Master’s Degree:

  • Five centers, six universities
  • 15- to 24-month course
  • Study time lines differ according to each university’s schedule
  • Up to 10 new fellows at each center each year, up to 50 fellows per year
  • Two- to three-month practical internship during summer break
  • Building the leaders of tomorrow

 2. Professional Development Certificate:

  • One center, one university
  • 3-month course
  • Two sessions per year, January-April and June-August
  • Up to 25 new fellows in each session, up to 50 fellows per year
  • Two to three weeks of field study incorporated into curriculum
  • Strengthening the leaders of today

The Rotary Centers program is intended for individuals who have chosen a career related to international relations, peace, and conflict resolution, who already have work experience in these areas, and who have real potential to positively impact our world. For example, individuals active in journalism, education, civil service, nongovernmental organizations, diplomacy, mediation work, and the military may be strong candidates for the Rotary World Peace Fellowships. Applicants are required to research individual university Web sites for specific admission requirements and current information about curriculum. A listing of Rotary centers and universities is in the application form. 

Rotary World Peace Fellowship applicants should have:

  • A strong commitment to international understanding and peace demonstrated through professional and academic achievements and personal and community service activities
  • A bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience as a minimum, with strong academic achievement
  • Minimum five years relevant work experience with current full-time employment in a mid- to upper-level position (professional development certificate)
  • Minimum three years combined paid or unpaid full-time relevant work experience (master’s degree)
  • Proficiency in a second language (master’s degree) or proficiency in English (professional development certificate)
  • Strong leadership skills

Individuals applying immediately after obtaining an undergraduate degree are generally not strong candidates for Rotary World Peace Fellowships. 

For additional information, contact World Peace Fellowships Chair Sally Lay or Vice Chair Donna Wellen.

Resources

Program Overview and Informational Video

World Peace Fellowships Brochure

Program Guide for Rotarians

Rotary World Peace Fellowship Application 2010

How to Apply

Application Time Line

Subscribe to Peace Net Newsletter

Copyright ©2008 Rotary International. All Rights Reserved.



Ambassadorial Scholarships

 

Ambassadorial Scholarships, The Rotary Foundation's oldest and best-known program, was founded in 1947. Since then, nearly 38,000 men and women from about 100 nations have studied abroad under its auspices. Today, it is the world's largest privately funded international scholarships program. Nearly 800 scholarships were awarded for study in 2005-06. Through grants totaling approximately $500 million, recipients from about 70 countries studied in more than 70 nations.

The purpose of the Ambassadorial Scholarships program is to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. The program sponsors scholarships for graduate students. While abroad, scholars serve as goodwill ambassadors to the host country and give presentations about their homelands to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to a greater understanding of their host country.  

Generous contributions from Rotarians worldwide represent a continued faith that today’s Ambassadorial Scholars will be tomorrow's community and world leaders.  

District 7610 will offer 2 Ambassadorial Scholarships for the 2010-2011 educational year. To apply or for information about the application process, contact Scholarships Chair Joseph Luquire. Please note that as a result of decisions made by the Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees at its April 2009 meeting, Cultural and Multi-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships and Grants to University Teachers are not longer offered by The Rotary Foundation. 

Resources

Application

How to Apply

Program Guide for Rotarians

Program Information and Links to Forms

Copyright ©2008 Rotary International. All Rights Reserved.