Philippines Scholarships
Land of Manila and Imelda Marcos
The Philippines have a modern political history punctuated with household names like Marcos and Aquino. And who can forget the media attention accorded Imelda Marcos’ shoe collection.
Short-lived and volatile would best describe almost any recent regime. Nonetheless the country has had its interests in all types of international business for years, some downright corrupt. Despite setbacks from poor leadership and odd revolutionary groups, the country is on the brink, according to many economists, of heading financially skyward. Students may be engaged in studies in the Philippines ranging from language and culture, to international finance and economics, even the arts.
Government Scholarships
Think you can’t afford to study abroad in the Philippines? Then take a good look at the Benjamin A.Gilman International Scholarships. Over 700 deserving and disadvantaged undergrads are rewarded with up to $5,000 to go and study abroad in locations as non-traditional as the Philippines. You could be among the next generation of top decision makers and your international experience will make you a more informed and globally dialed-in leader. At least that’s what the federal government is hoping. Applicants must be Pell Grant recipients and academically motivated to be considered.
The National Security Education Program was established to find innovative ways to build a next-gen national security intelligentsia. The best motivation in most cases is money. Enter the David L. Boren Scholarships. If you are planning an intensive and challenging year abroad especially in a country of critical interest, like the Philippines, then you may be eligible for as much as $26,000. However, the altruism comes with a price: Boren Scholars must be willing to work off their scholarships in government positions after graduation, or already be interested in a long-term career in a national security agency.
Private Funds
The Freeman Awards for Study in Asia have been instrumental in assisting hundreds of students with funding for studies in the Philippines and other Asian countries. The funding is provided from philanthropic sources to make sure U.S. students have the opportunity to experience Asian cultures that in many cases have been beyond their reach. Applicants may apply for summer, semester or year programs. Preference is given to those who have never been abroad. Selections are made on the basis of both academic merit and financial need. Up to $7,000 is possible for a year program.
The Luce Scholars Program is funded by the Henry Luce Foundation. Part of the Foundation’s mission is to support the educational pursuits of students and professionals who require knowledge of Asia, including the Philippines. Candidates must be recommended for the scholarships by faculty. Scholarships include travel, housing and stipend for a year program.
Students wishing to specifically study the Filipino language may apply for the Blakemore Freeman Fellowships for Advanced Asian Language Studies. While the program offers the most funding for Chinese, Japanese, Thai and others, Filipino will be considered particularly if the applicant can prove a professional necessity for the language. Award amounts vary from around $10,000 to $15,000 for an academic year.
The Philippines Fellowship Program sponsored by the Asian Cultural Council is one of the organization’s newest offerings. The fellowships provide a two-way opportunity for Filipino and American artists and researchers to fund a stint of time in each other’s country. The Council sponsors a generous number of very attractive fellowships to all areas of Asia.
Rotary International is an internationally renowned organization that spends millions of dollars in charitable projects all over the globe. In order to see that Rotary-style work is accomplished and to educate the next generation of Rotarians, the Ambassadorial Scholars are awarded. These are highly competitive among academically talented students. Those who are going overseas to the Philippines with the goal of engaging in humanitarian aid or learning about sustainable development, may qualify for up to $26,000 for the year. Rotary scholars must demonstrate strong character skills and conduct themselves according to Rotary tenets at all times. Recipients must be willing to share their Philippines trip and educational experience with a Rotary audience once back in the U.S.
