Attend College in Laos with Scholarships
Extremes in Economics and Living Conditions
Just beyond the borders of Laos’ major cities, the rest of the country lives in minimally modernized conditions. Cosmopolitan areas are springing alive with big business much of it from compatible Asian countries and other foreign investors. For this reason, Laos offers an experience in extreme international economics for business students and other related majors. Students interested in anthropology, Lao language, and Asian religion will also benefit from a program in Laos.
Government Scholarships
Over 700 scholarships are handed out each year to deserving undergraduates across the country who are taking off to far-flung destinations. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students whose financial and social backgrounds may otherwise exclude them from participating in study abroad programs. Students who wish to study in Laos and who are Pell Grant recipients are encouraged to apply. Students with multiple challenges are given preference. The Gilman program is providing tomorrow’s leaders with multi-cultural educational experiences not previously available. Awards are up to $5,000.
The David L. Boren Scholarships, brainchild of the National Security Education Program, are designed to build a talented base of future security and government professionals with niche knowledge of critical need areas of the world. Students interested in a career with a national security agency and pursuing study abroad in Laos may qualify as an undergraduate or graduate Boren Scholar. Up to $26,000 is possible.
Private Funds
The Freeman Awards for Study in Asia are given to students who wish to study abroad in an Asian country, such as Laos. In the past many Asian countries have been beyond the reach of U.S. students and costly. The Freeman Foundation, which funds the award is making it possible for students to experience Asian culture as a means to expanding international and cultural understanding. Applicants may apply for an award to cover a summer, semester or a year of study in Laos. Scholarships are up to $7,000. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic standing, financial need and relative lack of exposure to Asian cultures.
The Asian Cultural Council is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to securing and providing funds for Asians and Americans to pursue artistic or research-related projects in America or an Asian country, including Laos.
- The Asian Art and Religion Fellowships fund the travel and research of notable American scholars whose research is related to Asian religion and its application to art, or vice versa.
- The Humanities Fellowship Program awards generous funds to those student/scholars who wish to go to Laos for any of the humanities disciplines.
- The Mekong Region Fellowship Program is designed to fund the research or creative projects of Laotian students. Applicants may be interested in traveling to the U.S. for their project or working in Laos.
The Henry Luce Foundation was established by the founder of Time Inc. This philanthropic organization funds various educational scholarships and fellowships, including the Luce Scholars Program. Luce Scholars receive fellowships to study in Asia, including Laos. A unique requirement of the fellowship is that qualified applicants must not be studying Asian culture per se. The ideal candidate will have relatively little experience in the Asian region, but require language and/or a related discipline for career purposes. Because these awards are competitive, candidates must possess a strong academic record. Luce Scholars must have at least have a four-year undergraduate degree to apply.
Students specializing in the Lao language may be eligible to receive a Blakemore Freeman Fellowship for Advanced Asian Language Study. These highly competitive scholarships are given to applicants whose educational or professional situation requires advanced experience with the language and travel to Laos or any one of the other Asian countries. Only students who already have a four-year degree will be considered. Fellowships fund tuition costs, travel and a monthly allowance.
College Scholarships
The Political and Economic Development in Southeast Asia program sponsored by James Madison College at Michigan State University is open to students anywhere. The summer program offers students from multi-disciplines an opportunity to explore the socio-political transformations taking place in Laos and Thailand, countries closely connected geographically and economically. MSU students have a number of options for scholarships:
- James Madison College awards scholarships from $500 to $1,000 to students with solid academic records and a demonstrated financial need for the funds.
- Students who are pursuing a major in the Eli Broad Business School may apply for a scholarship directly through the Center for International Business Education and Research. Applicants are reviewed on the basis of academic standing, department major, financial need and a written essay supporting their choice of abroad location. Awards vary.
