Benin Study Abroad Scholarships
Study in Benin - Healthcare, Anthropology, Language Studies
Not many people may have heard of tiny Benin in Western Africa, but there are certainly students and scholars who choose to conduct studies and research there. Benin is poor, but then again, many African countries are. There are healthcare shortages and crises—HIV/AIDS and malaria is a constant problem. Many of these countries have only had their independence from colonial rule for a few decades; consequently their political regimes barely resemble anything civil.
Students engaged in anthropological and economic development projects will be right at home in Benin. There are few formal study abroad programs slated for Benin, and few for students below a graduate or post-graduate level. Look for scholarships and fellowships instead that target dissertation, thesis or independent study.
Government Scholarships
The Fulbright Scholarships are some of the most hotly contested for their generosity and prestige. Besides these attributes the Fulbrights often fund scholarly travel where others do not, such as Benin. Fulbright Scholars to Benin, of which there are a handful each year, must be fluent in French. The organization provides travel and healthcare warnings and recommends in-country universities where participants might focus their studies/research. Fulbrighters to Benin are welcome to study an array of disciplines.
The West African Research Association (WARA) is funded by the U.S. State Department. The goal of the organization is to provide scholarly collaborative programs including fellowship opportunities:
- WARA Pre-Doctoral Fellowships cover the cost of travel plus $3,000 to those applicants chosen to conduct research in Benin or another West African country. Candidates may be in the later stages of graduate work with a predetermined dissertation topic on which to work. Fellowships cover a summer term abroad.
- WARA Post-Doctoral Fellowships are similar, except that they are specifically designed for scholars no longer working on dissertation projects. Awards are the same and the term is summer, as well.
College Scholarships
The University of Wisconsin-Madison annually awards generous Scott-Kloeck Jensen Fellowships to a number of deserving graduate students in the Global Studies Program. Eligible applicants must be pursuing pre-dissertation projects focused on "social justice issues." The award is named in memory of an influential faculty member whose work in developing countries in Africa led him to conclude that international study should be an integral part of every student’s life. Awards are typically limited to travel expenses. Recipients often are vying for sponsorship to developing areas in Africa, including Benin.
Private Funding
The Rotary is one of the most recognized names in charitable organizations. The Rotary Foundation is internationally recognized for its good deeds promulgated by the organization as well as the swarms of Ambassadorial Scholars it sends world wide each and every year. Applicants for one of the hundreds of Ambassadorial Scholarships must be academically motivated, but they must also present a true Rotary spirit. Preference is given to those who most interested in service learning or participating in curriculum related to sustainable development. Not all countries are eligible locations for Rotary scholars, but Benin is. Ambassadorial Scholars study for an academic year abroad and are expected to share their experiences upon their return. Awards are around $26,000.
