One of the best ways to explore the world and enrich your vision is through getting to know people and hearing their experiences.
When Edgar Odell Lovett was selected to be the first president of Rice University, he made a journey around the world to develop and fine-tune his vision for Rice by talking to academics and leaders in every field in countries ranging from England, Ireland, Sweden, France, Germany, Italy, Greece to Japan. Today, the School of Social Sciences International Ambassadors follow in his footsteps by initiating dialogues when they study abroad.
Selected students receive a $1,500 stipend award to support their semester abroad*. Alumni living abroad serve as initial contacts, helping students establish meaningful relationships in their host country and easing their transition into a new cultural and professional environment. These connections help cultivate the next generation of Social Sciences majors preparing to become engaged community members and global leaders.
*Semester abroad = 7 or more weeks in-country.
How it works:
- Students who wish to study abroad will identify a Rice-approved program through the Office of Study Abroad or Rice Global and then apply for International Ambassadorship (Click here for the International Ambassador Application.)
- Spring ambassadorship applications are due by October 30th
- Summer/fall ambassadorship applications are due by March 15th
- Selected ambassadors will be assigned an alumni mentor in the host country and will have the opportunity to engage in dialogues with people in arts, business, public service, science or sports.
- The students will share their experiences through reflection reports on the Gateway website and participate in presentations on campus upon return.