Scholarships for Croatia
Not to Mention Cuisine and Climate
While it’s not on the tip of everyone’s tongue, Croatia nevertheless is winning accolades for its Mediterranean beauty as well as its ability to satisfy even the most avid outdoorsperson. And “Mediterranean” may say it all as far as attitude, diversity, and style go, not to mention cuisine and climate. I mean it’s just a stone’s throw across the Adriatic from Italy with an unforgettable strand of Greek-like islands in between.
Once upon a time Croatia was a part of the Roman Empire, the reason this is such a great location for archaeologists and history buffs alike. There are ruins of ancient civilizations scattered everywhere. What lends Croatia part of its educational allure, however, is its Eastern European alter ego.
Federal Scholarships
Undergraduate students who have been traditionally left out of study aboard programs for social, ethnic or economic reasons have cause to celebrate. There are over 700 Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships handed out annually to disadvantaged and disenfranchised students all over the U.S. Of course a few requirements exist: you must be a Pell Grant recipient, which pretty much classifies you as economically disadvantaged, and you must have a good academic record, or good enough to compete with thousands of your peers. Beyond that you will look good if you are pursuing an innovative program in a non-traditional location like Croatia. Gilman Scholars win both generous scholarships and a ton of notoriety.
The David L. Boren Scholarships should not be overlooked for students going to Croatia. The fact that Croatia is part of the Eastern European region already suggests it is of interest to national security, the whole reason for the Boren Scholarships. If you are okay with the scholarship for service concept this is a great deal. This means that after you graduate you work a year for the Department of Defense or Homeland Security in return for the year’s worth of scholarship money they spent to get you trained. There are undergraduate and graduate packages available with award amounts up to $26,000.
Private Funds
The Harriet and Leon Pomerance Fellowship sponsored through the Archaeological Institute of America, provides $4,000 in fellowship dollars to student archaeologists. Applicants with an interest in Aegean civilization and who are heading to Croatia to complete required travel abroad studies, may apply. The organization prefers graduate or post-graduate students.
IREX, a world-renowned organization whose mission is to support the integration of free communication and sustainable development, offers Travel Fellowships to Croatia. Eligible applicants must be graduate or post-graduate students who are not shopping for a long-term fellowship, but can instead get by on a short-term plan and $5,000 for their research stint.
The American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) is a world leader in broadening the world of advanced learning. The ACLS funding programs for Southeast European Studies include:
- Dissertation Fellowships for Research give monetary sustenance to post-graduate students who require funding for dissertation research in Croatia and other related areas. Candidates may qualify for up to $17,000 in funding.
- Language Grants to Individuals for Summer Study offer up to $2,500 for students engaging in Croatian language studies. In order to use the funds for travel to Croatia, applicants must be participating in an advanced language program.
Study Abroad Organizations
Croatia is part of the larger segment of Eastern Europe known as the Balkans. Students may wish to explore the curriculum and scholarship opportunities available in the Balkans program at the School for International Training. The program includes a significant chunk of time in Croatia. Students are welcome from a wide array of disciplines, but the curriculum targets the issues facing particular populations within a developing social system. SIT students may apply for the following scholarships:
- Sally Bragg Baker Memorial Scholarship rewards an outstanding female participant who embodies the concepts of peace and harmony.
- Diversity Fund provides disadvantaged students with monetary assistance to participate, especially those who have never gone abroad.
- SIT Fund provides the widest range of scholarships.
- HBCU Fund is designed to assist students whose home institution is one of the Historically Black Colleges.
College Scholarships
The Maymester in Croatia sponsored by the University of Georgia explores the past and present of Croatia. The program invites undergrads and grads from various disciplines to examine the area in light of not so distant political struggles as well as the cultural and ethnic flavors that combine to create a unique Mediterranean-Eastern European fusion. Students taking part in the Croatia program may qualify for the one program scholarship offered. Awards are made on the basis of academic merit and financial need. Awards vary.
