If you are as much a Francophile as Benjamin Franklin was, the scholarship that carries his name is made for you. The Institute of International Education (IIE), with its new 2016 program “The French Embassy Benjamin Franklin – Generation Study Abroad Scholarship”, promotes studies and internships in France in partnership with the French Embassy. This program permits 20 undergraduate students to receive $2,500 to study in France.

This scholarship was previously called the “Benjamin Franklin travel grant” and was offered by the French Embassy. As it is now linked to the IIE, some changes have been made. More precisely, 5 universities chosen by the IIE, after having submitted an application will receive a $5,000 matching grant and choose 4 of their students to give them the opportunity to go to France. These students are given the $2,500 for their travel. As a student, you are only concerned to know if your university was chosen, to then start the application process with one condition: you have to be either a sophomore, a junior, or a senior.

What are the steps for you to be chosen by your university?

First, you have to submit your application to your university. Each university chooses the conditions and materials under which to apply, however there will always be at least one essay to write about yourself and the reasons of your travel. This essay is the core of the application, so you need to nail it! A tip for this essay? The student’s goals must be aligned with the goals of the Embassy of France and the IIE’s Generation Study Abroad initiative: promote the exchange experience of American students in France. The goal is to show that you are motivated, and that the educational, professional, and personal goals that you are pursuing align with the purpose of your trip. The other requirements are technical matters such as proof of US citizenship, or a minimum GPA. After being chosen by your university, the IIE will then review your application, but most of the time the university’s choice is kept.

This process is long for universities as it takes around six months for the whole process to be completed, generally from May to November. For you, the process will begin at the beginning of the semester in September, and within two months you will know if you are going to spend an amazing semester in beautiful France!

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Marie Terrier is a French exchange student at Georgetown University in Washington DC in the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 semesters. While her home institution Sciences po Lyon provided classes in all social sciences disciplines, she specialized herself in the United States in history and international relations. When she comes back to France, she is going to start a master’s degree in journalism, as she wants to be a journalist in international relations. Marie is using her year abroad to travel to many places across the US and even in other countries such as Canada and Cuba. She also loves track and field and helping people by given them advice, therefore, she can’t wait to share her own amazing experience!
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