Graduate Fellowships and Other Opportunities

Boren Fellowships

Boren Graduate Fellowships emphasize the study of languages, cultures, and world regions that are critical to U.S. national security but are less frequently studied by U.S. graduate students, i.e., areas of the world other than Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The goal is to develop experts whose enriched educational and professional experiences will enable them to provide leadership and direction in our national commitment to economic growth, and international peace and security. Applicants design their own programs and may combine domestic language and cultural study with overseas study. Programs of study must include a modern language other than English and the study of an area and culture. Fellowship recipients must agree to seek employment with an agency or office of the federal government involved in national security affairs after completing their Fellowships.

Fulbright Program

The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State in order to "enable the government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries." It allows U.S. students, teachers, professionals, and scholars to study, teach, lecture, and conduct research in more than 150 countries, as well as sponsors foreign counterparts to engage in similar activities in the United States. Programs and grants include travel grants, foreign and private grants, and teaching opportunities.

MEXT Research Student Scholarship

MEXT scholarship sponsored by the Japanese Government for graduate studies in the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Natural Sciences. Proficiency in Japanese is not required. Students have the opportunity to conduct research at a Japanese university for either 18 or 24 months, including 6 months of language study. Scholarship includes roundtrip airfare, all school fees, and a monthly stipend.

Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships

Claremont Colleges students apply through the Claremont Rotary chapter, which only offers Academic Year Ambassadorial Scholarships. This one year award may be used in any country where Rotary Clubs are located, and provides up to $25,000 for tuition, fees, and other expenses. Study may be in almost any field at an educational institution in a location where a Rotary Club can act as local sponsor. In addition to academic study, Rotary Scholars are expected to be outstanding ambassadors of good will to the people of the host country through both informal and formal appearances at clubs, schools, civic organizations, and other forums. Upon return home, recipients are expected to discuss and share their experiences with the people of their home country, and especially with local Rotary groups. Students wishing to study the year after graduation apply during their junior year, and must be on-campus for interviews in the spring.

Thomas J. Watson Fellowship

The Watson Fellowship is awarded to 50 graduating seniors from participating institutions for a year of independent study and travel outside the United States. During the 12 month period, fellows are not allowed to return to the U.S. or home country. Students create a project proposal and are nominated by Pomona. Fellows are expected to execute and evaluate their own projects.

JET Programme

The JET Programme is a government-sponsored, large-scale international exchange programme. JET began with the purpose of increasing mutual understanding between the people of Japan and the people of other nations. It aims to promote internationalisation in Japan's local communities by helping to improve foreign language education and developing international exchange at the community level. JET Programme participants are placed in Contracting Organisations throughout Japan. Contracting Organisations consist of 47 prefectural and 15 designated city governments, individual city, town and village governments and some private schools.