Thouron Award
The Thouron-University of Pennsylvania Fund for British-American Student Exchange exists for the promotion of better understanding and closer friendship between the people of the United Kingdom and the United States of America. This academic exchange and experience in international friendship was conceived by and is supported by gifts from Sir John Thouron and the late Esther du Pont, Lady Thouron, of Unionville, Pennsylvania. Through the Program they sought to nourish and develop Anglo-American friendship by ensuring that, in the years to come, a growing number of the leading citizens of these two countries would have a thorough understanding of their trans-Atlantic neighbors. Accordingly the Exchange Program was set up to bring young people of exceptional ability from each country into contact with the ideas and peoples of another country.
- The Thouron Award covers tuition fees plus a living allowance/ travel stipend.
- Thouron Awards are limited to students who will pursue a degree program or its equivalent at a British educational institution.
- Thouron Awards are granted for one or two years depending on the time required to earn a particular degree. The second year of funding is dependent on reports of satisfactory progress after the first year. For programs expected to last more than two years, Thouron Fellows must seek other support for the third and subsequent years.
- The Thouron Award is sufficiently generous to allow for extensive vacation travel. Students are expected to explore the United Kingdom in some depth before departing for a tour elsewhere. Students planning to hold the Award for only one year are requested not to return to the United States until the completion of that year, except for emergency reasons.
Eligibility and Qualifications
- Graduating seniors, current graduate or professional students or recent graduates of the University of Pennsylvania are eligible to apply.
- U.S. citizenship or proof of intent to become a U.S. citizen is a requirement of eligibility for a Thouron Award.
Application Procedures and Selection Criteria
- Completed Thouron Scholarship application — download here.
- Three letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Transcripts of all colleges attended
- Resume
- Six passport-sized photos
- Applicants will be selected on the basis of scholarship, as well as clarity of purpose, contribution to community and other intangible aspects of person.
Timeframe
After the applications are received, the Thouron faculty committee will screen the applications. A set of finalists will then be invited in December to attend personal interviews almost always held on the last Saturday of January in Philadelphia. Winners will be announced very soon thereafter.
Contact
Cheryl Shipman
Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships
The ARCH, 3601 Locust Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6224
Phone: 215-746-6488
Fax: 215-573-4869
http://www.upenn.edu/curf