The Ambassadorial Scholarships program supports the mission of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International to further world under-standing and peace by:
• Increasing awareness of and respect for cultural differences by sending ambassadors of goodwill to study in another country
• Instilling in scholars the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self through active participation in Rotary service projects
• Encouraging scholars to dedicate their personal and professional lives to improving the quality of life for the people of their home communities and countries
• Developing leaders who can address the humanitarian needs of the world community
• Impacting all areas of the world through a balanced geographical distribution of scholars
• Encouraging Rotarians worldwide to increase the educational opportunities for scholars from low-income countries
• Fostering a lifelong association between Rotary and its scholars

Candidates should consider these program objectives carefully before applying and be prepared to explain in their essays and during the interview process how their study plans will support the objectives. For example, scholars can contribute to impacting all areas of the world through balanced geographical distribution of scholars by being flexible in their preferred study institutions. Scholars are encouraged to request to study in countries that host relatively few scholars, such as Japan, Korea, Scandinavia, and developing nations in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. Other ways of demonstrating support of the objectives include a commitment to community service or international humanitarian service and to long-term involvement with Rotary International.

Scholars are encouraged to support program objectives by choosing a study field that will help address the humanitarian needs of the world community, such as health care, children at risk, concern for the aging, literacy and numeracy, population issues, urban concerns, disabled persons, international understanding and goodwill, poverty and hunger, PolioPlus, or environmental awareness. Studies related to Rotary International’s Menu of Service Opportunities are also encouraged. (See www.rotary.org for details.)

Rotary seeks out students who are prepared for the challenge of serving as outstanding ambassadors of goodwill. If you receive an Ambassadorial Scholarship, you will be expected to participate in the following activities:

• Attend any orientation programs organized by your sponsor and host Rotary districts; failure to attend may result in forfeiture of the award. Orientation will include training on how to develop and make presentations. (See www.rotary.org for details.)