Circumnavigators Sponsor Around The World Trip

By January, 2009, a student with junior standing from Michigan State University, Wayne State University, or University of Michigan will be awarded a grant to travel around the world.  The Michigan Chapter of Circumnavigators is sponsoring this award, and Chapter President, John  Carroll, is inviting college juniors to apply between now and November 1.  Since 1981, Michigan Circumnavigators, through its Foundation, have sponsored 13 students on an around the world trip during the summer between the junior and senior years.  For more details concerning the Foundation and this grant, please look at the link on the Circumnavigators web site.  Now would be a great time to investigate a topic and think about a possible itinerary.  Examples of research grants are listed under The Foundation on the aforementioned website.  This grant/scholarship is worth $9,000.00.

The student receiving the grant is looked upon as an ambassador representing both the Circumnavigators, which has 14 chapters throughout the world, and the United States.  Interested candidates must complete an application that will be carefully screened by a committee.  Several candidates will be chosen to interview with the committee, and a grantee will be chosen based upon the significance of the proposal, written and oral presentation skills, academic record, and achievements while attending college.   The application can be downloaded from the Michigan Circumnavigator’s website.  Instructions on how to submit the application can be found on this website.

Grantees often report that the around the world experience becomes the highlight of their educational experience.  This opportunity allows for a student to apply what one has learned on the college campus to a cross-cultural world.  Furthermore, a grantee will develop practical skills in planning, managing, and experiencing an itinerary that circumnavigates the globe.  By completing such a trip, the grantee will share a common bond with 1,000 club members including such former members as President Howard Taft, General Douglas MacArthur, Admiral Byrd, John Philip Sousa, and four United States presidents who have served as Honorary President of the Club.

The Circumnavigators Foundation was created by Michigan’s legendary travel writer and TV host,  George Pierrot, and Raymond Dinsmore from New York.  The purpose of the Foundation is to encourage global fellowship and understanding by sponsoring grantees while they travel and learn.  Also, club members benefit upon the grantee’s return by listening to a presentation.

Interested students will apply for the 2009 Around The World Grant through John Carroll.  He can be reached by email at mdwc31a@yahoo.com or by phone at 313-824-6564.   The deadline is 11/1/08.