Bunker Hill Community College

Study Abroad Program

Bunker Hill Community College has a comprehensive Study Abroad program that allows students to experience different cultures. Each year, approximately 20 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 16 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 experience.

Am I eligible for a scholarship?
To qualify for the scholarship you must:
·   Be matriculated in a BHCC degree or certificate program in Fall 2007 and Spring 2008
·   Have completed  (by December 31, 2007) 12 college-level credits of study at BHCC, and
·   Have a G.P.A. of at least 2.5 as of December 31, 2007, be enrolled in spring, 2008 semester,  and maintain a GPA of 2.5  through the end of Spring 2008.

Where can I study?
Argentina, Canada, China, Costa Rica,  Czech Republic, England, France, Ghana, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Portugal,  and Spain.  Most of these programs are hosted by community colleges and public colleges around the U.S.  through the College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS).  The Costa Rica program is 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 authorized budgets for each program which include all reasonable expenses:  tuition and fees, room and board, airfare and other transportation, books, personal expenses ($100 per week for all programs), and any other costs specific to each program.  BHCC will pay 80% of this total authorized budget, and the student must cover 20% of the total.  Right now, only estimated totals are available since some programs are still determining their costs.  At the February orientation, the Study Abroad Advisors will have the final budget breakdowns.  Also in February, each recipient must be prepared to pay a $200 deposit, which counts toward the 20% share.  Students are expected to arrange and purchase their own airfare in the spring.  Students will also be required to secure visas where applicable.  The fees for passports and visas will be paid by the student and are not part of the scholarship. BHCC pays all program costs directly to the program institutions.  Finally, before departure, we will take all these payments into consideration and issue a check for the balance of what we owe each student, to be used for expenses abroad as covered in the authorized budget.

Can I get financial aid to cover my costs?
Financial aid is not typically available for any program.  It may be possible for you to research and receive some forms of private aid independent of the BHCC Financial Aid Office.

How do I apply ?
The Application package is due on November 1, 2007 at 5:00 pm (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. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted from other colleges attended in the United States.  
• 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 past student
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 top two-thirds (approximately) are interviewed by 2-3 committee members.  The interview is worth 50 points.  Finalists’ total scores (application average plus Interview average) are ranked.  We anticipate awarding about 20-22 scholarships, based primarily upon ranked order.  We have no obligations to send anyone to any of the possible countries, and primarily make decisions based upon ranking order and program suitability rather than the cost of your chosen program(s).  Committee decisions are final and are contingent on student’s grade point average after their Spring 2008 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 as to how strongly it demonstrates each of five qualities (listed on application form) we are seeking in scholarship recipients.  The final five points are given for the overall presentation of the essay (spelling, grammar, typos, 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 10 points total.  They will be rated on the information they give about your potential for success abroad, and on the strength of the reference. One reference MUST be from a BHCC professor.  We recommend that the other 2 be additional professors/teachers/advisors or work supervisors/colleagues.  Others could include 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 20 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.  The fair will be in the lobby of the International Center.  Or, please come to the information sessions on Wednesday, September 26 from 4-5:00PM in room E175 or on Thursday, September 27 from1:00 to 2:15 PM in room E175.

See our Study Abroad brochure** for more travel and destination details.

return to top