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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Laura Ingalls (laura.ingalls@worldlearning.org) in Washington, 1.202.646.6973
SIT Graduate Institute Sees Rise in Applications from Sponsored Students
Applications for 2009 received through Fulbright, Ford, Rotary dramatically increase. INTERLINK Fellowship applications triple.
BRATTLEBORO, VT (February 25, 2009) -- Applications to SIT Graduate Institute from sponsoring organizations have dramatically increased for 2009 programs. Dossiers received from applicants sponsored by the Fulbright Program, the International Fellowships Program of the Ford Foundation, and the Rotary International have jumped significantly over previous years. In addition, applications to the innovative SIT INTERLINK Fellowship have more than doubled for 2009.
While sponsorship of SIT graduate students has long been welcomed and successful, the dramatic increase in this year's applications signals two compelling conditions.
Certainly, the world economic crisis is a motivating factor for many would-be international students desiring US graduate degrees. Sponsored applicants for SIT's 2009 programs come from these countries:
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Another factor believed to contribute to the current rise in application rates is the quality of learning derived from previous sponsored students. Juan Rostrán of Nicaragua said of his 2007-08 SIT experience:
"I am not only strengthening my teaching skills, but also developing intercultural understanding. [SIT's] focus on experiential learning makes it rare… [Being] in a classroom with colleagues from all around the world enriches the intercultural adventure."
The SIT INTERLINK Fellowship begins its second year in June. In this unusual program, highly qualified English teachers receive a fifty percent tuition scholarship and a two-year teaching contract through INTERLINK Language Centers at Al-Yamamah University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Drawing heavy interest from all continents, English teachers have deluged Fellowship offices with inquiries. Unlike other options, this is a non-competitive fellowship; acceptance is offered to all who are qualified. More than twice as many fellows are expected to begin in 2009 than a year ago.
While many decisions about 2009 students have yet to be made, the increase in sponsored students this year is a strong indication of SIT Graduate Institute's reputation and the world's need for intercultural leaders.
Learn more about World Learning:
The Experiment in International Living
SIT Study Abroad
SIT Graduate Institute
International Development Programs
World Learning works globally to enhance the capacity and commitment of individuals, institutions, and communities to create a more peaceful and just world through education, training and exchange programs.
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