Overview
James L. and Rubie S. Watson Study Abroad Scholarship will provide competitive, merit-based scholarships for undergraduate students who study abroad in one more of the following countries and territories: China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India. Students with diverse majors in a variety of disciplines are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Scholarship recipients should plan to study for, at least, one semester of an academic year program.
One (1) $1,000 James L. and Rubie S. Watson Study Abroad Scholarship will be awarded for a semester-length or academic year program. This award is not renewable.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant must:
- be an undergraduate, full-time, degree-seeking UI student in good academic standing
- have a minimum 3.5 UI cumulative GPA as reported on the unofficial UI grade report
- have completed at least 12 semester hours by the application deadline
- plan to study in one of the countries or territories identified above (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or India) for at least one semester of an academic year
About the James L. and Rubie S. Watson Study Abroad Scholarship
A generous gift from James L. “Woody” and Rubie Watson established an endowed fund to provide scholarships for undergraduate students who study abroad in one or more of the following countries and territories: China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and India. Both Woody (BA Chinese studies ’65) and Rubie studied at the University of Iowa. After their time in Iowa City, they moved to Berkeley, California, where Woody completed his PhD in anthropology and Rubie completed her BA. Rubie later completed her PhD in anthropology at the London School of Economics. Their careers have focused on teaching and research at a variety of institutions, most recently Harvard University from which they have both retired.
“We want to make it possible for University of Iowa students to have an early experience of living and working in non-Western societies—before they start on their careers.” Woody Watson
Selection Procedure and Criteria
- academic and personal objectives which are clearly defined and realistic
- academic achievement and preparation
- the anticipated impact of your choice in light of your academic discipline/major
- quality and completeness of the essay submissions
- factors leading you to select the country for study
- contribution of the study abroad experience to the student's overall academic program
- evidence of maturity, motivation, and adaptability to a different cultural environment