Bunker Hill Community College

Study Abroad Program

Bunker Hill Community College offers a comprehensive Study Abroad program that allows students to experience different cultures. Each year, approximately 31 scholarships are awarded to assist BHCC students in realizing their dream of studying abroad. Faculty, staff and interested community members are also invited to take part in the programs, although scholarships are available only to qualified BHCC students.

What are study abroad scholarships?
The BHCC Student Government Association and Bunker Hill Community College have provided funds to enable students to study in another country and to experience a culture different than their own.  Programs in 17 countries are available, and students can choose the program of greatest interest to them.  The scholarship covers 80% of the total cost of the study abroad program.

Am I eligible for a scholarship?
To qualify for the scholarship you must:

• Be matriculated in a BHCC degree or certificate program in Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 semesters
• Have completed  (by December 31, 2009) 12 college-level credits of study at BHCC, and
• Have a G.P.A. of at least 2.5 as of December 31, 2009, be enrolled in Spring 2010 semester, and maintain a GPA of 2.5 through the end of Spring 2010.

Where can I study?
Argentina, Canada, China, Costa Rica,  Czech Republic, Ecuador, England, France, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Republic of Senegal and Spain.  Most of these programs are hosted by community and public colleges around the U.S.  through the College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS).  The Costa Rica and Senegal programs are led by BHCC science faculty. 

Can I get academic credit? What kind of courses are offered? Is tuition included?
Yes.  Most programs offer 3-6 credits.  Many programs offer courses in that country's language and/or culture, while several offer liberal arts or business courses taught in English.  Tuition and fees are included in the program costs for all programs.

What costs do the scholarships cover? How much do I have to pay, and when?
The International Center develops budget for each program which include all reasonable expenses:  tuition and fees, room and board, airfare and other transportation, books, personal expenses ($100 per week), and any other costs specific to each program.  BHCC will pay 80% of the total authorized budget, and the student must cover the remaining 20%.  BHCC pays all program costs directly to the program facilitator. Right now, only estimated cost is available. At the February orientation, the International Student Advisors will have the final budget breakdown.  Also in February, each recipient must be prepared to pay a $200 deposit, which counts toward the 20% share.  Students will purchase their own airfare in the Spring and will be reimbursed by BHCC. 

Can I get financial aid to cover my costs?
Financial aid is available to eligible students; however most students do not apply for financial aid for summer classes.  Please contact Melissa Holster, Director of Financial Aid, (Room B-213) on the availability of financial aid.

How do I apply ?
The Application package is due on October 30, 2009 at 5:00 pm at International Center (No extensions unless authorized by International Center, for involuntary emergency, prior to deadline) and must include:

• Signed application form and signed Statement of Understanding,
• Official transcript(s) from Bunker Hill Community College.
• Statement of purpose (typed, 1-3 pages - see below for details)
• Three references (of which at least one MUST be from BHCC faculty).

How are the scholarship recipients selected?
Recipients are chosen by a College-wide committee of 8-10 faculty, staff and former scholarship recipients.  Eligible applications are rated by each member as follows:  Statement of Purpose (30 points), References (10 points), Academic Record (5 points), and Overall Impression (5 points).
Each applicant's average scores are ranked, and the students are interviewed by committee members.  The interview is worth 50 points.  Finalists' total scores (application average plus interview average) are ranked.  We anticipate awarding about 30-32 scholarships.  The selection of the scholarship recipients is based upon ranking order.  Committee decisions are final and are contingent on students' grade point average after their Spring 2010 semester.

What are you looking for in the Statement of Purpose (Essay)?
The Statement of Purpose (typed, 1-3 pages) counts for 30 of the 50 points in the application review.    Committee members will rate your essay on the strength of each of five qualities listed on application form.  The final five points are given for the overall presentation of the essay (spelling, grammar, etc.).  You may be creative within a standard essay format, but you must explicitly illustrate each of the five qualities listed.  A very creative essay that does not discuss these factors will probably not be rated very highly. 
  
What are you looking for in my three references?
References count for a total of 10 points.  They will be rated on the information given about your potential to succeed abroad, and on the strength of the reference. One reference MUST be from a BHCC professor.  We recommend that you obtain the other two references from professors, teachers, advisors, work supervisors and colleagues, religious leaders, coaches, extracurricular advisors, etc., but cannot be related to you. All references must be dated within the past two years.

If I'm selected, what obligations will I have to BHCC?

• Comply with all requirements of the sponsoring institution,
• Attend a multi-step orientation program and sign all relevant contracts and waivers,
• Complete an evaluation at the conclusion of the program,
• Write a thank-you letter to the Student Government Association (primary funder)
• Participate in activities to market next year's scholarship program to BHCC students

For more information, please attend the Study Abroad Fair on Thursday, September 24, 2009 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  The fair will be in the lobby of the International Center Lobby, E-236.
See our Study Abroad brochure for more travel and destination details.

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