The intent of the “Paul Robitschek Czech Scholarship Program” is to provide an opportunity for students from universities or institutions of higher learning in the Czech Republic to fully participate in American life while studying at the University of Nebraska for one academic year. The program has been established to benefit students who have a serious commitment to experiencing American democracy and for whom studying in America might not otherwise be economically possible.

During the almost 50 years of totalitarian rule in the Czech lands, free expression and Western cultural values were suppressed and often penalized. It is the intent of the Donor to ensure that the recipients of the Scholarship gain in deeper understanding of the democratic way of life. To do so, it is expected of the recipients to enter this educational experience with an open mind and to be enthusiastically receptive to the different influences to which they will be exposed in and out of the classroom.

Further, it is the Donor’s hope that by doing so, the experience will help to enrich their lives and contribute the their ability to take up positions of leadership within the Czech Republic.

Scholarship Benefits

Travel from the Czech Republic to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska. Tuition, room and board, books and fees for one academic year. Return to travel to the Czech Republic.

Scholarship Requirements

English language fluency.
Applicants should be willing to seek part time employment to provide for their own personal needs.
Applicants should be prepared to engage in regular communication with the program sponsor.

Application Process

Interested applicants shall submit a current Cirriculum Vitae and a brief essay stating the reasons for the applicant’s interest in studying in the United States. The specific areas which should be addressed in this essay are:

1) Rationale for wanting to study in the United States.
2) How might you expect that this year could impact your future goals.

3. Describe how your life has personally been changed as a result of the re-institution of democracy in the Czech Republic.
4) Define your understanding of leadership.
5) What would you like to be doing in 10 years?

Selection Criteria

Demonstrated academic proficiency
Demonstrated leadership experience
Enthusiasm for experiencing American free-market economics and culture

Applications should be made to:

Greg Jensen
Robitschek Scholarship Program University of Nebraska Foundation
1111 Lincoln Mall, Suite 200
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508 USA
FAX: 402.472.2590
e-mail: gjensen@nufnd.uneb.edu

The deadline for submission of application is March 15, 2000.

Information about the University of Nebraska – Lincoln can be found on our website at:

http://www.unl.edu/