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 3.33 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
Applicant Procedure
Students may enroll in a formal academic study abroad program sponsored by the University of Iowa or another accredited U.S. university or exchange organization or may enroll directly in a foreign university. All eligible enrollments must be approved and facilitated by UI Study Abroad. Some locations may not be approved for study when there are elevated health or safety risks.
Students who meet the requirements listed above are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. The application packet includes the application form, two essays (Statement of Proposed Study and Personal Statement (each 750 words or less), UI Award Letter, and an unofficial grade report (both available from MyUI), and two letters of reference (UI faculty/Teaching Assistants).
To apply for this merit scholarship, complete ONE Semester Merit Scholarship Cover Sheet and ONE Semester Merit Scholarship Application, marking the scholarship along with any other requirement(s) listed specific to the scholarship. This process will result in the submission of ONE application, required essays, required reference letters, and grade report. Incomplete application packets will NOT be accepted.
Submission Deadline
Spring 2024 - Thursday, October 12
Fall 2024 - TBA
The final deadline listed for the corresponding application submission is the date listed above. No applications will be accepted after this deadline!