Scholarship Programs for Macedonia
See the World Through a Different Lens
Diminutive Macedonia is sandwiched right in there with Greece, Albania, and Serbia—or right in the heart of Eastern Europe and at the doorway to the Mediterranean. This region is marked not only for more contemporary socio-political happenings, but also for its richness of ancient history, like Byzantine history and the Holy Roman Empire. Great Greek and Roman myths sprang from this territory and so too philosophers and scholars like Sophocles and Plato.
Students heading to Macedonia may be focused on traditional language and culture studies, but there are many more who have realized the value of this experiential classroom.
Government Scholarships
Win one of the popular government-funded scholarships and you stand to make headlines all over your campus and even further. Students who are awarded NSEP, Gilman and Fulbright Scholarships not only represent the talented and the motivated of their classes, but they are a feather in the cap for their institution, as well: “Look, we have a Fulbright Scholar!”
For more obscure destinations like Macedonia, programs like the Fulbright Scholars program provide top-notch funding and many scholarships that send U.S. students all over the globe. Fulbrighters must bring top academics to the bargaining table, though, in concert with a well-stated program proposal for study abroad. Awards vary, from amounts that cover all travel expenses, to those that cover the whole shebang. Over the last few years, three fellowships have been awarded to students who want to study in Macedonia. The Fulbright program states that it prefers those with program proposals “that address issues of particular concern to Macedonia, such as economic development.” But others are approved as well, particularly if they are well drawn up.
You almost have to envy those undergraduate students with little money for tuition, because they are privy to some of the most popular and generous scholarships around. The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships provide once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to students traditionally excluded from international studies. Hundreds of Gilman Scholars travel abroad each year to all kinds of countries, including Macedonia. Applicants must be Pell Grant recipients to be considered. The program also encourages students attending community colleges to not be shy when applying. Up to $7,000 is possible per award.
Let’s not forget the David L. Boren Scholarships. These awards are given to undergraduate and graduate students who are most interested in an intensive academic year in Macedonia or any of hundreds of other non-traditional countries. Candidates may apply for programs that immerse them in language and culture or for those that train them in a field of engineering, science, math or education and business, in particular. This is a scholarship for service program—you get a year of funding in return for a year of your time working with the federal government, ideally utilizing your new country-specific knowledge. Awards are between $20,000 and $25,000.
Private Funding
International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) is just one of a handful of well known internationally funded organizations. IREX has its hands in education as well as the public and private sectors. The organization focuses on building collaborative and diverse communications between scholars, students and professionals. Title VIII provisions help fund a number of scholarships and fellowships for advanced level students who wish to research or study in Macedonia:
- Short Term Travel Fellowships award up to $5,000 intended to support only a couple of months in the country. Applicants are typically doctoral or post-doctoral candidates with country-specific research to conduct.
- Individual Advanced Research Opportunities Fellowships are awarded in a range of categories: Masters, Pre-doctoral, Professional, and Post-doctoral. Length of study may be up to an academic year. Fellowships include all travel expenses, living expenses and a monthly stipend.
American Councils for International Education is also driven by the Title VIII initiative. Title VIII made it mandatory for government to help fund and encourage educational programs and exchanges between scholars and professionals in Eastern Europe and the United States. The organization is active in providing quite a number of generous scholarships:
- Title VIII Southeastern Europe Language Program features fully funded summer, semester or yearlong programs in a number of Eastern European countries, including Macedonia. Programs are focused on teaching graduate students the Macedonian language. The program does not require students to be language majors, but takes scholars of all disciplines. Awards cover travel, housing, tuition and monthly stipend.
- Title VIII Southeastern Europe Research Program provides funding for up to nine months or an academic year in Macedonia or a number of other countries in the region. Eligible candidates must have a reasonable research project that requires time in Macedonia. This particular program also makes allowances for a multi-country project. Awards cover travel, applicable tuition, housing and monthly stipend and even medical insurance.
College Scholarships
While Macedonia may not be the focal point of many abroad programs, you might find it bundled with a number of other countries. Rutgers University summer program in Greece provides a number of weeks in Macedonia. This particular study abroad experience designs a curriculum in “classics and ancient history.” Participants study the ancient philosophers and scholars of this colorful region, in relation to their beliefs and the historical events of their time. Rutgers offers well-endowed study abroad scholarships, among them:
- Bridgpin Scholarships are funded directly from the Study Abroad Committee. Applications are reviewed for both academics, financial situation and the merit of the required short essay.
- Marlene Piskorik Thuwissen Memorial Scholarships are given to eligible applicants heading off to a study abroad program in Europe. Because there are specific awards for countries such as France and Germany, applicants for less-traveled destinations might consider this.
- Rutgers College Merit Awards recognize top academic study abroad participants.
