Purpose: The Larson International Fellowship was established in 1986 by grants to Carleton from Robert '56, John '60, and David Larson '63 in memory of their parents, Frances W. and Eugene Larson. Both Frances and Eugene had a deep interest in Carleton and were champions of international understanding and involvement. Awarded annually, Larson International Fellowships provide a significant international experience for students with strong leadership potential.

Funding: Up to $4,000 for each fellow chosen.

Information meetings: Thursday, October 30, 2008, at 8:00 PM in LDC 104. Also, Wednesday, January 7, 2009 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM in LDC 104

Deadline: Friday, February 13, 2009 by 5 p.m.

Eligibility:

• Fellowship awards are intended for sophomores and juniors to use during the summer prior to their senior year or winter break of their senior year.
• Students studying any discipline are eligible.
• All applicants must be in good academic standing.
• While prior foreign experience does not disqualify an applicant, special consideration is given to those who have not traveled abroad.
• Only students from the United States and Canada may apply since foreign students, by their very presence at Carleton, have already gained major international exposure.
• Fellowship awards will support programs in all countries of the world except the United States and Canada.

Selection Criteria: Successful Larson International Fellowship all start with a fabulous idea (one that is creative, personally significant, and feasible) which involves travel abroad. Since the primary emphasis of the program is on its international experience rather than its academic aspect, formal study at foreign institutions will not be funded. Field work or research is appropriate, as long as it brings the Fellow into meaningful contract with a culture or society. Special consideration is given to those who demonstrate strong leadership potential. The best Larsons have elements of adventure!

Successful proposals:

• put students in contact not just with the geography, flora and fauna of a place, but with its people and cultures;
• do not involve formal study at an academic institution; and
• are interesting projects, well designed, and feasible.

Click here to see examples. Students may view successful proposals in the Associate Dean of the College office, Laird 131.

Application Process: Applicants should submit SIX, double-sided copies of their proposal to Elizabeth Ciner, Associate Dean of the College, in Laird 131. An electronic copy should also be submitted to Karen Moldenhauer. The application includes:

• A Paragraph (no more than 100 words) describing the project.
• Names of two recommenders. Please note that using Carleton faculty or staff as recommenders is usually the best choice. Non-Carleton recommenders may disadvantage you as they may not know Carleton and the selection committee does not know them. Use your judgment in this as in all other areas. (IMPORTANT: It is the student's responsibility to ask faculty/staff for letters of recommendation by February 1st.)
  - Faculty can submit the Faculty Recommendation Form or write a letter of support and send it to Elizabeth Ciner, Associate Dean of the College.
  - The deadline for faculty recommendations is 5 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2009.
  - Please give the recommender a copy of your proposal.
  - Two letters of recommendations are required for all fellowships.
• For research involving human subjects, Institutional Review Board (IRB) applications should be submitted electronically. If selected for a fellowship, IRB applications will then be considered for approval.
• A description (of no more than 650 words, double-spaced) of the research undertaken or project pursued.
• Outcomes you expect to achieve (no more than 100 words).
• A plan of implementation and/or schedule of activities.
• A brief statement (no more than 250 words) exploring your qualifications for undertaking this work and the relationship of the research or project to your educational goals.
• A budget.
• A description of previous experience abroad (if any).
• A proposal to "bring back" something of your experience to the Carleton community; applications should include a description and a proposed date for implementing this requirement.
• A list of your extra-curricular activities.
• Permission to share your proposal.