UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Students who are passionate about international relations or public policy can take advantage of a wide range of programming from Dec. 5 to 9.
Sponsored by Penn State’s University Fellowships Office, International Relations and Public Policy Week will highlight relevant scholarships and fellowships during information sessions and drop-in hours.
“We are excited to be able to promote several exciting opportunities for Penn State students during this week,” said Tanya Furman, interim director of the University Fellowships Office and associate vice president and associate dean for Undergraduate Education.
“There is no better time for students who are interested in public policy or international relations to get involved in planning their own future, as well as in having an important hand in shaping the future for others. The applications for these opportunities are very thoughtful and provide a great way for students to articulate their talents and passions.”
The week kicks off on Monday, Dec. 5, with an overview presentation from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in 306 Boucke.
The following opportunities will be discussed:
- Boren Scholarships and Fellowships: Undergraduate and graduate students will be immersed in regions of the world that are vital to the security of the United States.
- Carnegie Endowment Junior Fellows Program: Graduating seniors and individuals who graduated within the last academic year are afforded the opportunity to work as research assistants to the endowment’s senior associates.
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree Scholarship: Master-level international study programs integrating multiple higher education institutions are offered to eligible graduating seniors and alumni.
- The Fulbright-Schuman Program: Opportunities in the fields of U.S.-EU relations, EU policy, or EU institutions are available to graduating seniors and alumni.
- The Fulbright-Clinton Public Policy Fellowship: Graduating master’s or doctoral students will contribute to the public sector through placements within a foreign government ministry or institution in partner governments.
- The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s German Chancellor Fellowship Program: University graduates can gain leadership experience during a one-year stay in Germany through the pursuit of research-based, self-developed projects.
- The Humanity in Action Fellowship: Minority rights, intolerance and the protection of democratic values will be at the forefront of several summer programs offered to current sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students.
- The USAID Donald M. Payne International Development Graduate Fellowship Program: Graduating seniors who aspire to a career with the USAID Foreign Service are eligible for up to $90,000 in benefits over two years.
- The Thomas R. Pickering Undergraduate Foreign Affairs Fellowships: Juniors, seniors and alumni are encouraged to apply to the program that provides preparation for entering the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service.
- The Rangel Graduate Fellowship: The program, open to graduating seniors and alumni, helps participants formulate, represent, and implement U.S. foreign policy before entering careers in the Foreign Service.
- Schwarzman Scholars Program: Graduating seniors and alumni will be transformed into global leaders, with an attention to China’s role in the geopolitical landscape.
- Truman Scholarship Foundation: Financial support will be made available to juniors pursuing careers in government, nonprofit or advocacy sectors, education or other areas of public service.
- Udall Scholarships: Native American health care and tribal public policy will serve as the foundation of the programs available to current sophomores and juniors.
These scholarships and fellowships will be discussed at events for the duration of the week.
Tuesday, Dec. 6
An information session pertaining to scholarships with an EU focus, including the Erasmus Plus, German Chancellor, Fulbright-Schuman and Humanity in Action opportunities, will be held from noon to 1 p.m. in 304 Boucke.
Wednesday, Dec. 7
Scholarships with a U.S. focus, including the Truman and Udall, will be at the forefront of an information session held from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. in 323 Boucke.
Thursday, Dec. 8
Students interested in pursuing scholarships with a focus on critical regions can attend an information session from noon to 1 p.m. in 304 Boucke. The Boren, Carnegie, Fulbright-Clinton and Schwarzman opportunities will be spotlighted.
Friday, Dec. 9
Scholarships with an emphasis on foreign service, including the Payne, Pickering and Rangel, will be the topic of an information session from 3 to 4 p.m. in 311 Boucke.
Drop-in sessions throughout the week
The University Fellowships Office will also host drop-in sessions as part of International Relations and Public Policy Week for students to further explore opportunities of interest. They will take place from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Dec. 7 and 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Dec. 9 in 321 Boucke.
The complete International Relations and Public Policy schedule can be viewed here.
To learn more about foreign language scholarships and fellowships opportunities, visit the University Fellowships Office website.
The University Fellowships Office is part of Penn State Undergraduate Education, the academic administrative unit that provides leadership and coordination for University-wide programs and initiatives in support of undergraduate teaching and learning at Penn State. Learn more about Undergraduate Education at undergrad.psu.edu.