Scholarships for the Czech Republic
Steeple-Counting in Prague
Students engaging in studies in the Czech Republic are often examining political and social contrasts of the last century. The country, once under stiff government control is now spreading its wings for a much more laissez faire style of business. While there, students have the wonderful opportunity to experience the beauty of Prague, one of the most visually stunning and steeple-struck, cities in Europe.
Why the Feds Pay You to Study in Prague
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships are one of the leading study abroad scholarships today. Established by the federal government’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs the program offers whopping scholarships and the once in a lifetime opportunity for a stint of study time in the Czech Republic. To qualify you must first be receiving the Pell Grants, an immediate measure your financial status. The more challenging your proposed program the better. And don’t forget about your academics: these are ultra-competitive and even though there are over 700 scholarships given, there are so many more applicants who just don’t see a cent and who are very good students. Minorities, disabled students and those attending non-liberal arts institutions like community colleges or two-year professional colleges are encouraged and preferred. These are all traditionally underrepresented populations in student international studies programs. The future of global leadership is being redesigned. Gilman Scholars may be awarded as much as $5,000.
Because of the Czech Republic’s position in Eastern Europe, the David L. Boren Scholarships are also relevant options. Also created by the federal government these programs are aimed at educating the next generation of high-level security leaders across a range of disciplines. Eligible applicants must be pursuing studies in an approved critical needs country like the Czech Republic where their program will allow them the opportunity to assimilate into everyday culture and language. Students may apply for undergraduate or graduate awards. This program is recruiting top scholars. Scholarships are up to $20,000. This is a 1-for-1 exchange: you receive a year of scholarship money and you agree to work a year for the Department of Defense or Homeland Security. Preference for the awards is given to candidates who are considering long-term careers in the defense industry.
Study Abroad Organizations
CIEE offers an abroad program in the Czech Republic. Students study in Prague and examine the socio-political vicissitudes that have brought the country to where it stands today. Scholarships are competitive for programs offered by CIEE, a leading study abroad provider:
- Robert Bailey Scholarships are designed to offer modest monetary support to minority students. Applicants must have both academic smarts as well as financial need. Awards are $500.
- CIEE International Studies Scholarships are the flagship awards. Awards vary depending on number given and student need. Selection is competitive and based on academics and financial need.
The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) is another leading provider of challenging and well-planned abroad programs. Their Czech Republic program in Prague promises students programs of study across a wide range of disciplines including history, arts and literature. Scholarships with AIFS include:
- AIFS International Scholarships are awarded to dozens of students on the basis of both merit and financial need. The awards are not huge, but certainly help with expenses. $500 awards meted out. Applicants are also expected to compete with an essay explaining their desire for studying in the Czech Republic.
- As if the Gilman Scholarships were not enough, AIFS also tops off the scholarship tank with a “bonus” scholarship. The Gilman Scholarship Bonus goes to those students who are Gilman Scholars and participating in the AIFS Czech Republic program. Bonus is $500.
Private Funds
The Czech Republic is one of the countries approved for scholarship assistance through Rotary International. Not all international students may qualify for these generous and popular awards. The Ambassadorial Scholarships are designed to reward students who not only display top academics, but who also are the quintessential “good citizen.” Applicants are encouraged to plan programs that target issues in peace or provide humanitarian assistance. At the conclusion of each student’s program recipients are required to make a presentation on their experiences in the Czech Republic to a local Rotary audience. Rotary Scholars are expected to adhere to high ideals.
