Barbara H. Padnos International Scholarship

The Barbara H. Padnos International Scholars program is intended to support substantive study abroad programs for GVSU undergraduates. Recognizing the benefit that long-term study abroad can provide to students throughout their lifetimes, the Barbara H. Padnos International Scholars program provides opportunities for students to engage in long-term study, thereby acquiring an in-depth understanding of the language, culture, and values of another country. Ideally, Padnos scholars will spend as much time as possible in the host country/culture. Therefore, only students studying abroad for two semesters or an academic year at one location will be considered eligible, with special consideration for students who have a plan to spend more than 10 months abroad (up to and beyond a full calendar year).

The Padnos Scholar selection process is meant to identify the most promising applicants: those who demonstrate great potential for success through study abroad, as well as those who will positively share their year-abroad experience with others.

  • Student must be full time, degree seeking students attending a full year overseas study program (two semesters, one location)
  • Student must have earned a minimum of 24 credits by time of application
  • Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Students must be planning to spend at least two full semesters in the host country/culture, ideally a full calendar year
  • Students must be happy to be identified in publicity by Padnos International Center as an awardee
  • Students must be making satisfactory academic progress and working toward a degree
  • Preference is given to students in the Arts and Humanities

Renewal Criteria: Non-renewable

Applicants must meet the requirements of the specific study abroad program for which they are applying. Study Abroad programs may have different requirements from the requirements of the Barbara H. Padnos International Scholars program. Awards are contingent on the applicant’s acceptance into a study abroad program that is approved by the Barbara H. Padnos International Center.

Students are encouraged to select a study abroad program carefully, with the assistance of the Barbara H. Padnos International Center staff and Department faculty, so that it will be consistent with academic program requirements at GVSU.

Donor
Stuart Padnos, 1922 to 2012 - in honor of his late spouse, Barbara H. Padnos
Award
$5,000 - $15,000
Deadline
02/20/2022
Supplemental Questions
  1. Have you been accepted for a year-long study abroad program approved by the Padnos International Center? Please note, this information will be verified and updated if incorrect.
  2. Please list desired country for study abroad.
  3. Please specify desired study abroad program and/or sponsoring organization.
  4. Please list the program start and end dates.
  5. Are you willing to participate in study abroad recruiting events, such as the study abroad fair, to speak to other students about your overseas experience?
  6. Please upload a personal essay (no more than 1300 words), please address the following points:
    • Why do you wish to go to this particular place for a full academic year?
    • What about this program makes it suitable for your academic, personal, and professional goals?
    • How are you prepared (academically and personally) for success during the year in this program/location?
    • How do you plan to use this experience abroad after you return to the US? (e.g., how might you serve as a campus leader in global learning, how might you serve others, or how might this advance your academic or professional goals?)
  7. Two Letters of Recommendation: One must come from an academic professor. These are a critical component of this application, and are an important part of the ratings by the scholarship committee. The Padnos Scholarship committee is looking for letters that are specifically tailored for this award, and that address your preparation for the year abroad at the destination you propose. Select references who know you well and can provide detailed information about you and your character, maturity, as well as your academic preparation. To monitor whether your reference provider has provided the requested information, once you have specified a reference provider at least once, the “References” menu will appear in the top navigation menu. Simply navigate to that tab and you will see all references specified. “Requested” means that the reference provider has not yet supplied the requested information whereas “Submitted” means that your reference provider has completed his/her reference. By clicking “Resend”, you can remind the reference providers to complete the request.
    • Please provide email addresses for individuals who can write a letter of recommendation on your behalf, with one being from an academic source.
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