International Studies Scholarship

Funded by
$2,500
1st winner$1,500
2nd winner$750
3rd winner$250
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jul 11, 2023
Winners Announced
Aug 11, 2023
Education Level
Any
Eligibility Requirements
Major:
International studies
Education Level:
High school senior, undergraduate or graduate student

Having a global perspective is critical to our nation’s survival and is an essential part of mastering any field of study. 

Learning about other nations and cultures can only enhance your understanding of the world and your acceptance of others. International studies can be helpful for anyone whether you gain the knowledge from traveling and gathering first-hand experience or from studying in the classroom.

This scholarship seeks to sponsor students who are pursuing international studies and are open to broadening their perspectives. 

Any high school senior, undergraduate or graduate student who is majoring in international relations, public diplomacy, international law, or national security and intelligence may apply for this scholarship, but students with study abroad experience or intent are preferred. 

To apply, tell us what the study of other cultures and nations can teach us about ourselves and the value that global exploration brings to the US.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Need, Boldest Bold.org Profile
Published April 11, 2023
Essay Topic

What does the study of other cultures and nations tell us about ourselves? What value does global exploration offer the United States?

400–600 words

Winning Applications

Kya Wells
Essex County CollegeBloomfield, NJ
The study of other cultures and nations tell us that we are interested in finding similarities and differences between our own culture and other cultures. By studying other cultures, We can compare and contrast different cultural practices, beliefs, and values. We also gain a new perspective on our own cultural beliefs, biases, and assumptions. This self-reflection allows us to question cultural norms and helps promotes tolerance and empathy toward other cultures. Additionally, People who study other cultures and nations can expand their perspectives on the world. When exploring other cultures & nations we can broaden our views and challenge our perceived notions about the rest of the world. Furthermore, We can appreciate the diversity of the world when we actively seek out the study of other cultures and nations. Students like me who are interested in the study of international business/communication are eager to understand and appreciate cultural diversity in an increasingly interconnected world. Studying other cultures helps us acknowledge the value of different perspectives, traditions, and practices. It fosters a sense of inclusivity and a new respect for people from various backgrounds. Global exploration offers the united states many benefits. One major benefit that goes unspoken is: Economic opportunities When people study abroad, they can engage with other nations which undoubtedly, opens up avenues for investment, trade, and more economic opportunities. Global exploration allows the United States to emerging markets, beneficial business relations, and promote overall economic growth. In addition to Economic opportunities, another benefit is the diplomatic and political insights into the rest of the world. The United States' diplomatic capabilities improve when studying other cultures and nations. This knowledge enables effective communication, negotiation, and collaboration on global issues. Another benefit of Global exploration is intellectual and scientific progress. Global explorations aid the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and innovations. By integrating with researchers and scholars from around the world, the United States can contribute and benefit from advancements in various fields, including, science, technology, and medicine. Moreover, National security and global stability are significant to studying abroad. With the insight of other cultures, their histories, and geopolitical dynamics; we can identify the essentialism for national security. Global exploration helps the united states identify potential threats, build stable alliances, and engage in international dialogue and cooperation. In summary, the study of other cultures and nations helps us understand ourselves better, promotes cultural humility, and encourages an appreciation for diversity. Global exploration offers the United States economic, diplomatic, intellectual, and security advantages, enabling the nation to thrive in an interconnected world.
Alex Bruens
University of ArizonaTucson, AZ
The study of other cultures and nations offers us the opportunity to learn about ourselves in a variety of ways. As we explore the customs, traditions, and beliefs of people from different parts of the world, we gain a better understanding of our own cultural values and beliefs. This process of self-reflection allows us to recognize the biases and assumptions that we hold and question the ways in which our own culture shapes our perceptions of the world. Through the study of other cultures and nations, we also gain insights into the complexities of human behavior and the diversity of human experience. We learn to appreciate the richness and diversity of different cultures and gain a greater understanding of the challenges that people face around the world. By recognizing the similarities and differences between ourselves and others, we can develop a sense of empathy and a more nuanced understanding of the world. Moreover, global exploration offers the United States a range of benefits, both in terms of its economic and political influence and its cultural enrichment. By engaging with other countries, the United States is able to build stronger diplomatic ties and promote a more peaceful and stable world order. This is particularly important in today's interconnected world, where issues such as climate change, terrorism, and economic inequality require a coordinated global response. From an economic perspective, global exploration can help the United States to develop new markets, gain access to natural resources, and attract investment from abroad. By fostering international trade and investment, the United States can create new jobs and drive economic growth at home. Culturally, global exploration allows the United States to share its own cultural traditions and learn from the rich cultural heritage of other countries. This exchange of ideas and perspectives helps to promote greater understanding and respect between nations and can foster a sense of global citizenship. Perhaps most importantly, global exploration offers the United States the opportunity to promote human rights and democratic values around the world. By engaging with other nations, the United States can advocate for the values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law, and support human rights organizations working to promote these values. In conclusion, the study of other cultures and nations is essential for gaining a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Through global exploration, we can develop a deeper appreciation for the diversity and complexity of human experience, and promote greater understanding and respect between nations. Moreover, global exploration offers the United States a range of benefits, both in terms of its economic and political influence and its cultural enrichment. By engaging with other countries, the United States can build stronger diplomatic ties, promote economic growth, and advance its values and ideals on the global stage.
Isabella Bonifasi
Gulliver Preparatory SchoolMiami, FL
Studying people from different cultures and countries can help us deeply understand ourselves and gain priceless insights into who we are as people. We transcend our viewpoints and get a broader appreciation of the rich fabric of the globe through global inquiry. As both a Latina and an American, I firmly think that embracing and engaging with all cultures improves our society, promotes intercultural understanding, and strengthens the position of our country on the world stage. Examining our own beliefs, values, and traditions is made possible by exploring different cultures. Different societal norms and traditions are contrasted and compared to help us become aware of the biases and presumptions at work in our worldview. We can challenge our assumptions, broaden our horizons, and finally come to a more complex understanding of ourselves through self-reflection. Studying different cultures creates empathy and a broader understanding of the universal human experience. We get a greater feeling of empathy, respect, and cultural awareness when we immerse ourselves in various viewpoints. In an interconnected society, these traits are essential because they help us negotiate the complexities of global issues, and cross-cultural barriers, and form deep connections with people from all backgrounds. A country's capacity to handle international affairs deftly is essential in today's interconnected globe. Exploring the world gives us the information and intercultural savvy we need to forge alliances, reach agreements, and solve difficult global problems. The United States can improve its diplomatic relations, encourage peaceful solutions, and solidify its position as a world leader committed to understanding and collaboration by valuing and interacting with many cultures. For the United States, cultural discovery offers enormous economic advantages. We can encourage global trade, increase company opportunities, and boost innovation by comprehending various marketplaces, consumer behaviors, and business methods. A workforce that is varied and cognizant of the world's cultures fosters innovation, fosters teamwork, and establishes the United States as a center for ground-breaking concepts and solutions in a connected global economy. Our domestic society is enriched in innumerable ways by accepting cultural variety. Our common cultural landscape is widened by exposure to many languages, foods, art forms, and viewpoints. Encouraging tolerance and respect for all residents, regardless of their background, promotes innovation, stimulates cultural exchange, and builds social cohesion. A welcoming environment improves social harmony, fosters innovation, and sets the path for a more vibrant and successful country. Experiencing daily life as a Latina has shaped me in myriad ways, unfortunately not all positive. I have seen how my community, time and time again, has been subject to discrimination. My dad recounts stories where he traveled across the US and was called derogatory slurs in the street. I have witnessed my family members leaving Peru in hopes of finding a better future, for themselves and their children. Growing up, I have seen them struggle and persevere through another promotion they didn’t get because their Peruvian accent was “too noticeable.” And I have seen my mother get interrogated by strangers because she looks “too white” to be Latina. I even remember when one of my friend’s father found out I was Latina, he told me “You’re the first Latina I have met who isn’t addicted to drugs.” These are the consequences of a lack of global exploration in the United States. We learn so much about ourselves and the world around us from studying other cultures and countries. We develop greater levels of self-awareness, empathy, and cultural sensitivity when we interact with different points of view. Global exploration improves international relations, economic prospects, and the United States' standing as a world leader committed to understanding.
Aimee Ihirwe
Howard UniversityWashington, DC

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jul 11, 2023. Winners will be announced on Aug 11, 2023.