Scholarship Programme FAQs
Thank you for your interest in the JWOC Scholarship Programme. Use this page to find answers to our most frequently asked questions. If after reading you still have more questions feel free to contact us.
Why are the scholarships important?
These scholarships are important as for our students they are the only way they can attend university.
The cost of attending university for one year is $500, which although doesn’t sound much to those in our donor countries, represents around 60% of the annual earnings of an average person in Cambodia. So for a child of a poor family attending university without a scholarship just isn’t an option.
Providing a scholarship to an able but poor student has two important benefits- the individual student has a brighter future ahead of them, with the potential to earn more money and better support themselves and their family and also there is the wider benefit of improving Cambodia’s human resource capabilities, aiding the further development of the country.
How popular are the scholarships?
As you can imagine, the scholarships are extremely popular, for the 2010 intake there were 267 applications for 31 places.
How do you choose the students?
JWOC offers scholarships to students who are academically able but who also show a desire to want to make a positive difference. Students first complete an application form, including an essay that explains why they think education is important and the difference a scholarship will make to them. They also submit their grade transcript with this application form.
The next step is an interview, where students get to show their personality and also answer questions regarding their plans, individual strengths and attitude to volunteering.
For successful students we then carry out a reference check, usually with their village chief or the head teacher of their school. If this is positive we call the student to give them the good news- that they are a new JWOC Scholarship Student!
For each intake we aim to have at least 50% girls. The cultural prevalence of favouring males to receive high school education and the expectation that girls should not be outspoken, means we do positively discriminate in favour of girls, especially those from rural families.
What are key dates in the scholarship process?
We advertise the scholarships in July and then selection runs through August and September. If you would like to become a sponsor we need to know by the end of August (but ideally before) so we know exactly how many places we can fund. In September we match students and sponsors and send out introductions. In October the new students start their volunteering with JWOC, beginning with a month of training.
How are JWOC scholarships different?
JWOC Scholarships are so much more than just having someone to pay the university fees. They come complete with a support network of friends, teachers and mentors. They provide an opportunity to gain excellent work experience that helps to shape the students’ career plans and aids them in getting jobs once they graduate.
The additional training given by JWOC, across a range of topics including health, careers, and study methods helps our students to make the most out the opportunity they have been given. During their time with JWOC students learn that they have the potential to contribute significantly to their communities- something they often don’t believe in the beginning because they are, in their words, “just a poor student from the countryside”.
How much does it cost to supply a student with a scholarship?
Scholarships are $500 per year, which covers all the university fees and books. It also covers the training they receive at JWOC. We ask sponsors to commit for the length of the degree, 4 years but you can donate each year rather than all in one go.
After I have donated what happens?
The first thing is you will receive a tax receipt (all donations to JWOC are tax deductable). We will then send you an emailed introduction to the student you are sponsoring.
After that you will receive an email each month from your student to update you on their university, volunteering and general life. Exchanging emails with your student is a wonderful way to learn more about the person and country you are helping. All emails are read by the Managing Director to ensure their suitability; so for example, your student will never ask you for extra money. If you would rather not exchange emails with your student, that is fine- just let us know.
After a year we will send you an email reminder about the next year’s fees. If your financial position has changed and you can no longer support your student as long as you let us know in advance we can match your student with a new sponsor so their studies are not interrupted.
Can I meet the student I sponsor?
Yes! If you are visiting the country where your student lives, we are happy to facilitate a meeting.
Who can I contact for more information?
You can email JWOC’s Managing Director, Nicola, on nball@journeyswithinourcommunity.org with any questions you have.
