Applications are now being accepted for one of International Rotary’s oldest programs, the ambassadorial scholarship awards, designed to further international understanding and foster friendly relations among people of different languages and different cultures. While abroad, scholars serve as ambassadors of goodwill to the people of the host country and give presentations about their homeland to Rotary clubs and other groups. Upon returning home, scholars share with Rotarians and others the experiences that led to greater understanding of their host countries.

Nina Ferry, a Vineyard resident, was the recipient of the Ambassadorial scholarship for 2008-2009 and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard. Nina traveled to the Fiji Islands and studied education in the South West Pacific University. Nina is still in Fiji as she decided to accept a position as a teacher in the grammar school there. She enjoyed her first year on the job, which motivated her to teach for another year.

In 2010, Amanda Wallas, a graduate of Connecticut College, was chosen for the 2010-2011 award. Amanda was working on the Island for Plum TV, writing and producing films. She departed in March for Valapariso, Chile where she is studying at the University of Chile. The term is from March to December, and her interest is in health education and film production. Amanda was also sponsored by the Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard.

The current award will be made in August after final interviews take place in the New Bedford area in August.

Applicants must have completed at least two years of university or college course work or have been employed in a recognized vocation for at least two years when the applicants are interviewed. A personal interview with members of the Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard is required in which the program will be explained in detail and application packages distributed.

The $27,000 scholarship provided by the award can be used to cover the cost of round-trip transportation to the study area, registration fees, tuition, lab and other school fees, books and materials, room and board, incidental living costs and limited recreational travel.

Additional information and application packages can be obtained by calling Harvey Hinds of the Rotary Club of Martha’s Vineyard at 508-627-8427, or via e-mail to mvrotaryclub@yahoo.com, attention: Harvey Hinds.