Cambodian College Scholarships
Focal Point for Conflict Past and Present
Cambodia was caught in the figurative crossfire of the Vietnam War and today still show signs of the conflict. Students may find this Asian destination little traveled among Western students. Students who venture to Cambodia may find fulfilling cultural and language studies, arts and religion programs, and otherwise immerse themselves in contemporary socio-political issues still vibrating from past political upheavals.
Federal Scholarships are Not Shy of Dicey Destinations
While many non-traditional, even dicey areas of the world are slim-pickings as far as scholarships go, the federal government has not shied away from generously encouraging American students to go forth and study. Cambodia is considered by some to be one of the more non-traditional and volatile countries in Asia but there are two very popular scholarships that offer something for everyone:
- The National Security Education Program (NSEP) David L. Boren Scholarships offer students an unprecedented opportunity to pick and choose a country of their choice, such as Cambodia, outside the box of traditional exchange programs such as France, Germany, and Spain. In fact, the purpose is to educate a whole new front line in national security and government positions, people with intimate knowledge of language and cultures critical to national security. Students may apply for the undergraduate or graduate packages. Only top-notch students are considered. Maximum amount of awards is $26,000. The deal is a one-for-one: Uncle Sam funds a year in Cambodia, you work for a year after graduation. Preference is given to those considering long-term careers in government and security.
- Diversity is the goal behind the design of the ultra-competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships. Underprivileged and economically challenged whiz kids may now access big-time scholarships to study in innovative locations like Cambodia. Eligible candidates must be Pell Grant recipients and demonstrate superior academic motivation. Maximum amount of awards is $5,000.
Private Funding
The Freeman Study Abroad in Asia Scholarships are a well-known source of funding for students striking out to Asian destinations such as Cambodia. This program is privately stocked with funds to make sure Western students are encouraged to experience Asian studies and culture. Most of the programs are anything but cheap, so the Freeman Asia Scholarships are widely known and very competitive. Applicants must prove academic merit and financial need.
The Luce Scholars Program is funded and administered by the Henry Luce Foundation, a private philanthropic corporation committed to providing student scholars with necessary funding for international studies. The Luce Scholars Program specifically addresses the financial needs of graduate level students who are pursuing studies in Cambodia and other Asian countries. Scholarships are awarded to students who have almost no prior experience with Asian culture, as a means to encourage enlightenment. Scholarships cover the cost for housing and expenses.
The Asian Cultural Council is a nationally recognized organization devoted to funding the research of student scholars in Asian countries, including Cambodia. Fellows are handpicked from a wide range of disciplines depending on the specific fund:
- Asian Art and Religion Fellowships are intended to subsidize the research funding for students scholars requiring time in Cambodia or another area of Asia. Applicants must be concentrating heavily on local art or religious topics and the project must be well defined.
- The Humanities Fellowships are awarded to outstanding scholars from an array of disciplines.
Study Abroad Organizations
One of the newest programs offered by the School for International Training is the Cambodia: Reconstruction, Reconciliation, and Civil Society program. Participants are able to experience the Cambodian perspective in light of the devastating political upheaval beginning in the 1960s. SIT prides itself on providing some form of monetary aid to nearly all students, from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand depending on financial requirements. Scholarships available to participating students include:
- SIT Fund offers the widest array of scholarships to participants; the fund basically has something for everyone.
- Diversity Fund is intended to help financially disadvantaged students manage a program of international study.
- Sally Bragg Baker Memorial Scholarships are saved for outstanding female participants who embody the spirit of cross-cultural collaboration and promote peace.
- HBCU Fund provides scholarships for students at Historically Black Colleges who are participating in a SIT program.
