Thursday, January 17, 2008

Scholarships for African Students in China

China has an established relationship of building diplomatic ties in Africa. Like many growing financial powers, China has an interest in promoting education on a world-wide scale. As the economy of friendly nations grows, so does the economy of their trading partners. As one of the world's largest exporters, China is always looking for ways to build new markets and strengthen international friendships, and these scholarships have been a great part of that strategy.

A new day has come: China and Africa

Is America falling behind in global financial aid and international scholarships? Lately, it has become more difficult for foreign students to enter America on education Visas. Since the economy is global now, America runs the risk of isolating itself from other developing countries. Thanks to more scholarships than ever, America's competitors will be better educated and more financially stable than they have been in the past. This means America should be offering more scholarships and encouraging more students to come to America for college. Unfortunately, we seem to have the exact opposite going on!

In keeping with this theme, check out some of these other great scholarships for study in China. In the future, I will also be adding links to scholarship programs for Chinese students who want to travel abroad.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Grants, Fellowships, and Scholarships Explained

Grants, fellowships, and scholarships have a lot in common: primarily that they will all help you get money for school. Sometimes, there really is no difference at all, but others, there are subtle characteristics that are important to note. This list is a guide, and by no means explains every unique funding program that uses these terms.

  • Grants are sums of money donated to accomplish a project or a goal. Many times, grants will be used to fund research addressing a particular social or economic problem, or to build a facility or other community infrastructure. In terms of college financial aid, grants are usually government assistance payments or designed to further the cause of a specific academic subject or political movement by assisting like-minded intellectuals with their tuition or fees.
  • Fellowships are like grants in that they are helpful in advancing particular causes. The major difference is that a fellowship requires the recipient, or "fellow," to also represent the group that is providing the funding. Fellows might become mentors, or publish their research in the group's academic journals. If undertaking a fellowship, it is important to realize the public relations obligations that go along with it.
  • Scholarships are usually more generalized. They might have few eligibility requirements, or they might be looking for a very specific individual profile. Either way, scholarship recipients tend to have fewer long-term obligations to the sponsoring organization (By all means, you should pursue the opportunity to network with charitable organizations, but at the very least, send a thank you letter!) The main responsibility of a scholarship winner is to study, get good grades, and graduate.

Friday, January 4, 2008

$100,000 in scholarships and chess prizes!

Susan Polgar Chess Blog: Over $100,000 in scholarships and chess prizes!

Here's an excellent tournament for any chess players in the Texas area. High school students need don't need to have a chess rating to play, and the winner of each section will walk away with a brand new computer!

1st through 5th place runner-ups will still receive some cash and maybe a tropy or a medal, too!

Adults can play in the adult section, but they will need a 1600 point rating to register.

Susan Polgar Events's blog has information about directions and finding a hotel with a discount for participants.