Gambia Study Abroad Scholarships
Little Slice of Western Africa
The long history of Western Africa is underscored with British/French colonial rule, some of which is still rather recent. In places, in fact, British elite still effect big business transactions under cover and with hefty purses. Gambia is akin to a dieter’s slice of Africa, sectioned out of Senegal, her closest surrounding neighbor. One of the biggest geographical spectacles, The Gambia River, runs right through her middle.
Study abroad programs in Gambia are scarce, in and of themselves. For the most part the population that may benefit is that seeking more general study abroad funding, especially in graduate and post-graduate studies.
Government Scholarships
The West African Research Association (WARA) was established to provide U.S. and West African scholars and students with programs and facilities in which to collaborate. Part of the WARA mission is to fund research by select scholars:
- Graduate students who are still well out from their dissertation, but who already have formulated a project proposal may apply for WARA Pre-Doctoral Fellowship. WARA Fellows may be approved for study in Gambia or another West African country for a summer term. Travel expenses are covered and recipients are given another $3,000 to cover expenses.
- Post-graduate scholars, whose dissertation projects are long over, may qualify for the WARA Post-Doctoral Fellowships. Applicants must once again be able to contain their research within the scope of a summer term. Awards cover travel and $3,000 for additional expenses.
The Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Awards are not to be confused with the Fulbright Scholarships. The Fulbright-Hays Awards are given to outstanding scholars with a finely tuned dissertation proposal that is focused on specific language or culture study, such as that of Gambia. Applicants must apply for a Fulbright-Hays directly through their college or university.
College Scholarships
Juniata College in Pennsylvania has recently added a new study abroad program that significantly beefs up it already interesting coffer of destinations. Senegal and The Gambia program is designed to provide Juniata students with a once in a lifetime three weeks in an environment very unlike their own. Between courses in Gambian history and lectures on the culture and politics, participants are engaged in excursions to ancient sites, beaches, and open-air markets. Participants may be eligible for the following Juniata scholarships:
- Eagles Abroad International Scholarships go to new students who are already intent on a study abroad experience at Juniata. Applicants most preferred are those pursuing "international studies" or a language. Awards cover all the expenses of a travel abroad program.
- History students may apply for the Philbrook W. Smith History Scholarship. Preference is given to those with a demonstrated financial need.
