FREE OF CHARGE MAY BE DUPLICATED OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTE UNDERGRADUATE EXCHANGE PROGRAM Academic Year 2007-2008 The Undergraduate Exchange Program is a one year, non-degree study program in the United States. Applicants are second-year students from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Romania, or Serbia studying American Studies, Art History, Classical Studies, Cultural Anthropology, Economic Theory, Fine or Performing Arts, History, International Relations, Journalism, Law, Literature and Languages, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, or Women’s or Gender Studies at the university level. For copies of this application, please visit: www.soros.org/initiatives/scholarship/focus_areas/undergraduate_exchange OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTE NETWORK SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS 400 W. 59TH STREET, FOURTH FLOOR NEW YORK, NY 10019 UNITED STATES PHONE +1-212-548-0175 FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.SOROS.ORG/INITIATIVES/SCHOLARSHIP NATIONAL CONTACTS BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA SRCe – Student Resource Center Univerzitetski kampus Zmaja od Bosne BB 71000 Sarajevo Tel: (387 33) 206 048 Fax: (387 33) 212 032 Muhamed@soros.org.ba www.srce.ba BULGARIA Open Society Institute – Sofia 56, Solunska Str. 1000 Sofia Tel: (359 2) 930 6619 vkarastoyanova@osf.bg www.osi.bg CROATIA Institute for the Development of Education Preradoviceva 33 HR – 10000 Zagreb Tel: 385 1 4555 151 iro@iro.hr www.iro.hr MACEDONIA American Educational Center Biblioteka Braka Miladinovci Partizanska BB 1000 Skopje Tel: 389 2 3112 464 Naumoski@mof.org.mk www.mof.org.mk MOLDOVA Educational Advising Center 148 Stefan cel Mare Bd. 2012 Chisinau Tel: 373 22 221172 Fax: 373 22 221167 amuset@eac.md www.eac.md MONGOLIA Educational Advising and Resource Center Cultural Palace Complex Building Youth and Children’s Library First Floor Ulaanbaatar-46 Tel: 976-11-319016 Fax: 976-11-326941 ariunaa@earcmn.org http://www.earcmn.org ROMANIA Center Educatia 2000+ 33 Caderea Bastiliei str., 010613, sector 1, Bucharest Tel: 40-21-212-07-80 Fax: 40-21-212-07-79 dpanait@cedu.ro www.cedu.ro SERBIA Belgrade Open School Masarikova 5/XVI 11000 Belgrade Tel: (381 11) 30 61 371 Fax: (381 11) 36 13 122 anica@bos.org.yu www.bos.org.yu Open Society Institute Undergraduate Exchange Program 2007-2008 The Undergraduate Exchange Program (U.E.P.) supports students from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Romania, and Serbia in the United States for one-year of non-degree academic studies. The program seeks to assist educational and civic development in Southeastern Europe and Mongolia by exposing participants to a liberal arts curriculum, different models of classroom instruction, community service work, and civil society related programming. The U.E.P. combines the U.S. liberal arts academic experience with exposure to American social issues and civic development through involvement in community service related work. The program aims to create lasting ties among participants and their American colleagues thereby contributing to cultural understanding and tolerance. Participants attend a university or college in the United States for one year. While in the U.S., grantees agree to complete 25 hours a semester of community service work in an area of interest to them. At the end of the year, they are expected to return home to complete their degrees. Once back in their home country, grantees are expected to carry out a community service internship or service project. Applicants must currently be enrolled as a second-year student at a university in their home country to be eligible. Participant selection and university placement is determined by a panel of experts in the United States. Candidates do not apply to a specific university. Criteria In order to qualify for the program, an applicant must: 1. Be a resident of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Romania, or Serbia. 2. Be a current second-year undergraduate student studying American Studies, Art History, Classical Studies, Cultural Anthropology, Economic Theory, Fine or Performing Arts, History, International Relations, Journalism, Law, Literature and Languages, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, or Women’s or Gender Studies. 3. Be enrolled in an accredited university in his or her home country. 4. Be in his or her second year when applying and have at least one year of study remaining at his or her home university when the applicant returns. 5. Have an outstanding academic record. 6. Have a history of community and/or extracurricular involvement. 7. Have spent previous two years in residence in home country. 8. Have not attended a university in the United States. 9. Have not attended high school in the United States for more than one academic semester. 10. Be fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English. 11. Be able to begin studies in the summer of 2007. Selection Selection is based on academic merit, extracurricular and community activities, leadership potential, and knowledge of English. Approximately five awards will be granted per country. Participant selection is conducted in four stages. All applicants which meet the above criteria will have their applications reviewed and evaluated by a U.S.-based team of university representatives. Semi-finalists are invited for English language exams and an in-country interview conducted by U.S. education professionals. Applications, interview evaluations, and exam results are all considered by a final selection team, which will then recommend university placements for finalists. Final placements are determined by the U.S. universities. Students cannot determine their own university placements. Financial Terms Program participants receive a full scholarship that covers tuition, room, board, living stipend, textbooks, transportation, and health insurance. No financial support or special provisions are provided for dependents or family members. Participant Responsibility All participants must attend the pre-departure orientation program for one week in July 2007 (transportation, room, and board are paid for by the program), as well as conferences and other program activities throughout the academic year. The orientation and program conferences are academically rigorous, and fellows are expected to attend and complete assignments for all sessions. While in the United States, students must uphold the academic standards of the host institution and undertake full-time study for the duration of the program. Students are encouraged to take courses outside their field of study. No more than one language or two introductory level courses per semester will be allowed. While in the U.S., grantees agree to complete 25 hours of community service related work per semester. The opportunity can be arranged with the help of the host university, and the type of work will be chosen by the student. At the end of the year, participants are required to return home to complete their degree at their home universities. By accepting this award, participants agree not to enroll in a degree program at a university in the United States for one year upon completion of the exchange. Requests for visa renewals or extensions will not be considered. During their first year home, students are expected to complete a community service project or internship. The placement and terms thereof will be arranged by the grantee in coordination with the local OSI scholarships coordinator of the Soros National Foundation in the grantee’s home country. Instructions for Applying 1. Read all instructions and information carefully before completing the application. 2. All forms in the application are to be completed in English and must be typewritten or hand printed neatly and clearly in black ink. You may also apply electronically at http://oas.soros.org/oas/. 3. Answer every question completely and carefully. Please use the space provided for your responses. 4. Attach additional documents to the application. These documents include an official copy of your university transcript, a certified English translation of your university transcript, two personal essays, two letters of recommendation, a copy of your passport picture page (if available), and a copy of your T.O.E.F.L. scores (if available). 5. Submit one original copy of the application and all supporting documents and one photocopy of the application and supporting documents (except for letters of recommendation) to your national OSI, Soros Foundation, or administering office. See the 2nd page for address listings. Deadline: December 1, 2006 Submit to your local Educational Advising Center, Soros Foundation or administering office. (See Page 2 for listings.) OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTE UNDERGRADUATE EXCHANGE PROGRAM 2007-2008 APPLICATION In order to be considered for a scholarship to study in the United States, it is important that you complete the following application thoroughly and accurately. Any false information or incomplete parts will result in disqualification from the competition. If you are selected, the spelling of your name as noted below will be used for airline tickets, visa forms, and other important documents. Please make sure the spelling is appropriate for these purposes as changes are difficult to make. Print clearly or type using black ink. Please submit one original and one copy of the application. Student's Personal Information (as it appears in your passport) Last (Sur) Name First Name Middle Initial Birthday (day/month/year) City and Country of Birth Father's name Mother's name Citizenship: If dual, specify other citizenship: Gender: .. female .. male Marital Status: .. single .. married Passport Information ____________________________________________________________________________________ Number Expiration Date Country of Issuance Please attach a clear copy of your passport picture page (if available). Student's Current Address – All correspondence will be sent to this address so be sure you will be able to access mail from it during the entire school year (Fall 2006-Spring 2007). Full Address City Postal Code Country Telephone with country and city codes (if applicable) Fax with country and city codes (if applicable) E-mail Student's Permanent Address (if different) Full Address City Postal Code Country Telephone with country and city codes (if available) If you receive this grant, from which international airport would you depart for the U.S.? Attach Photo Here (black and white or color) Home University/College Name City Country Field of Study Advisor _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date of Matriculation Expected date of completion Type of Degree Please indicate what year of university you are presently in: ___First ___Second ___Third ___Fourth How did you learn about the Undergraduate Exchange Program?_________________________________ Have you applied for any other scholarship programs? .. Yes .. No If yes, which ones? ___________________________________________________________________________________ Language Skills – If you have taken the Test of English as a Foreign Language (T.O.E.F.L.) Exam or equivalent, please attach a photocopy of your test results and indicate the following: Name of Test Date Location Score Do you speak any foreign languages other than English? If yes, please indicate which ones and your level of fluency (poor, fair, good, excellent) for the following categories: Language Reading Speaking Writing Study or Travel Abroad – Indicate extensive (more than one month) travel, study, or work you have had outside your home country. List first any experience in the United States. Country Visited Length of Stay and Dates Study, Work, or Travel Country Visited Length of Stay and Dates Study, Work, or Travel Country Visited Length of Stay and Dates Study, Work, or Travel Work History – Describe any full-time or part-time jobs that you have held. Be sure to indicate the dates of employment. Position Dates Part-Time or Full-Time Position Dates Part-Time or Full-Time Position Dates Part-Time or Full-Time Extracurricular, Personal, Volunteer, or Community Service Activities – Please summarize your principal extracurricular, community, and school activities. Include dates of your participation and if applicable, a brief description of how your community was affected. Academic Awards – Please list and describe any awards, honors, or scholarships you have received. Desired Field of Study - Please circle one field of study in which you would like to take classes while at an American university or college. Please note that you will be encouraged to take a variety of classes outside of your field. American Studies Comparative Literature Fine or Performing Arts Art History Journalism Cultural Anthropology History Philosophy Classical Studies Economic Theory International Relations Political Science Sociology Law Women’s or Gender Studies What other courses or areas of study would you pursue? ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Please note that law is considered a graduate degree in the United States. Thus, students wishing to focus on law classes will take courses in political science, sociology, and other fields. University Preferences – If you are awarded a grant, you will be placed at one of the participating universities. In order to make a compatible match, please check the condition you feel is most important to you. If you have no preference, please check “no preference”. Please note that the selection committee may not be able to accommodate your preferences. Student Body .. Co-educational (men and women attend university) .. Single-sex (only women admitted to university) .. No preference University Size .. Small (fewer than 3,500 students) .. Medium (3,500-10,000) .. Large (more than 10,000 students) Do you have any health conditions that require a certain climate or setting? Please explain. Other Items to Complete the Application – Please attach the following items: .. An official copy of your university transcript (academic record) in your native language .. A certified English translation of your university transcript (academic record) .. Personal Essay #1 .. Personal Essay #2 .. Academic Recommendation .. Personal Recommendation .. A clear copy of your passport picture page (if available) .. A copy of a former English test scores (if available) Certification Please sign and date. I certify that the information given in this application is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also certify that I completed this application myself, without any aid or assistance from any other individual. I understand that submitting false or misleading information will result in my exclusion or dismissal from the program. If selected, I agree to comply with the rules and regulations of the Undergraduate Exchange Program and the Open Society Institute and to return to my home country upon completion of my fellowship term. Signature: Date: Application Checklist Be sure that you have completed all of the following steps before submitting your application. Put a check in the white boxes next to each item you have completed. Do not submit your application until you have completed all of the items listed below. Incomplete applications or those submitted by email will be disqualified. Please submit this form with the rest of your application. Applicant Checklist Application Components I have answered all of the questions on the application. I have signed the application “Certification” section. I have attached two recommendations in signed, sealed envelopes. I have attached a certified official transcript from my university. I have attached a certified English translation of my university transcript. I have attached 2 personal essays. I have attached a copy of any T.O.E.F.L. or other English language exam scores (if available). I have attached a clear copy of my passport picture page (if available). I have attached one passport sized photo of myself. I am submitting one original copy of the application form and supporting documents. I have submitted one photocopy of the application form and supporting documents (except for letters of recommendation). I have made an additional copy for my records. Personal Essays – Essays provide the selection committee with different information than offered by courses, grades, and other objective data. They demonstrate your ability to organize thoughts and express yourself. The primary focus of the essay should be about you, as we are looking for an essay that will help us know you better as a person. Please answer the following essay questions using the space provided (you may also attach your essays on separate pages). Essay #1: Compose an essay (250-500 words), in English, on one of the options listed below. Please indicate your topic by checking the appropriate box below. .. Evaluate a significant experience, challenge, or person in your life and how this event or person has made an impact on you. .. Describe a problem in your community that affects you, how it affects you, and what you believe should be done to solve the problem. ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Essay #2: The U.E.P. fellowship aims to expose undergraduate students to a multicultural setting, a liberal arts ideology, different models of learning, civil society development, and community volunteer work. How do these concentrations correspond with your personal values and professional plans? (Please limit your answer to 250 words.) ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTE UNDERGRADUATE EXCHANGE PROGRAM ACADEMIC RECOMMENDATION Student's Personal Information To be completed by the student. Please print clearly or type. Last (Sur) Name First Name Middle Initial Home University/College Name City Country Area of Study Advisor Recommendation The remainder of the document is to be completed by a lecturer, professor, or dean who is familiar with the applicant. To the Recommender: The above candidate is applying to study at a university in the United States. This recommendation form is an important element in the student’s application. Your candid, honest response will assist us in selecting successful candidates and placing them in programs that best meet their personal and academic requirements. Please fill out this form and return it to the student in a sealed envelope. Write your signature over the back flap. Thank you for your assistance. How long have you known the applicant? In what capacity (e.g., professor, lecturer)? Please list the courses you have taught the applicant. Course Year Applicant's Grade Please comment on the applicant's intellectual curiosity, motivation to learn, contribution to classroom discussion, and study habits. Continued on next page Student's Personal Information This section is to be completed by the student. Please print clearly or type. Last (Sur) Name First Name Middle Initial Home University/College Name City Country Area of Study Advisor Please describe what you think will be the candidate’s greatest difficulty as an exchange student in the United States. Overall Evaluation Compared to other students you have taught, how would you rank the applicant in the following terms? (Circle the best answer.) Please add any comments on these qualities in the space provided below. Motivation no basis poor average very good excellent Independence no basis poor average very good excellent Academic success no basis poor average very good excellent Effective communication skills no basis poor average very good excellent Disciplined work habits no basis poor average very good excellent English language skills no basis poor average very good excellent Respect for others no basis poor average very good excellent Sense of humor no basis poor average very good excellent Overall, how would you rate this student: no basis poor average very good excellent One of the top students I have encountered If you have completed recommendation forms for other Undergraduate Exchange Program applicants, how does this applicant compare to them: no basis poor average very good excellent One of the top students I have encountered Please use this space for any additional comments you would like to make about the applicant. Name: Title: University: Signature: Date: Return this form to the applicant in a sealed envelope. Please sign across the flap on the back of the envelope. OPEN SOCIETY INSTITUTE UNDERGRADUATE EXCHANGE PROGRAM PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION Student's Personal Information To be completed by the student. Please print clearly or type. Last (Sur) Name First Name Middle Initial Home University/College Name City Country Area of Study Advisor Recommendation The remainder of the document is to be completed by a program coordinator, volunteer supervisor, work manager, or community member who is familiar with the applicant. This recommendation form cannot be completed by an applicant’s family member. To the Recommender: The above candidate is applying to study at a university in the United States. This recommendation form is an important element in the student’s application. Your candid, honest response will assist us in selecting successful candidates and placing them in programs that best meet their personal and academic requirements. Please fill out this form and return it to the student in a sealed envelope. Write your signature over the back flap. Thank you for your assistance. How long have you known the applicant? In what context do you know the applicant (e.g., supervisor, manager)? Please briefly describe the program and role in which you worked with the applicant. Please comment on the applicant's personality, motivation, and interests. If possible, give an example that illustrates the applicant’s character. Continued on next page Student's Personal Information This section is to be completed by the student. Please print clearly or type. Last (Sur) Name First Name Middle Initial Home University/College Name City Country Area of Study Advisor Please describe what you think will be the candidate’s greatest difficulty as an exchange student in the United States. Overall Evaluation Compared to other students with whom you have worked, how would you rank the applicant in the following terms? (Circle the best answer.) Motivation no basis poor average very good excellent Independence no basis poor average very good excellent Academic success no basis poor average very good excellent Effective communication skills no basis poor average very good excellent Disciplined work habits no basis poor average very good excellent English language skills no basis poor average very good excellent Respect for others no basis poor average very good excellent Sense of humor no basis poor average very good excellent Overall, how would you rate this individual: no basis poor average very good excellent If you are familiar with other Undergraduate Exchange Program applicants, how does this applicant compare to them: no basis poor average very good excellent Please use this space for any additional comments you would like to make about the applicant. Name: Title: Organization: Signature: Date: Return this form to the applicant in a sealed envelope. Please sign across the flap on the back of the envelope.