The Chris Borton Memorial Scholarship

As an undergraduate at UCSD, Chris spent a year at the University of Göttingen in Germany through the Study Abroad Program, an experience that profoundly influenced the direction of his life. His family and friends believe the best way to honor his memory is to give the opportunity to live and study abroad to other deserving students.

Up to eight (8) $8,000 scholarships are awarded annually to students who will pursue a full academic year of study abroad.

These are merit based awards. Students are not required to have financial need to be eligible to apply. The minimum cumulative GPA required is 3.0. Qualified applicants will embody the mission of the scholarship fund: to promote cultural understanding, to foster connections and collaboration in the international community, and to support the next generation of global thinkers and leaders.

Award
$8,000.00
Deadline
03/15/2024
Supplemental Questions
  1. THIS IS A YEAR-LONG OPPORTUNITY.

    Please only apply to this scholarship if you are studying abroad for two consecutive, semester-long terms in the same country. By selecting yes below, you certify that you are studying abroad for a full year in one country.
  2. First Name
  3. Middle Name
  4. Last Name
  5. Student ID #
  6. Preferred Email Address
  7. Secondary Email Address
  8. UC Campus
  9. Class standing during term abroad
  10. Expected month and year of graduation
  11. Are you spending a full year abroad?
  12. Please select your host country from the following list (Fall/Yearlong 2024):
  13. Please select your UCEAP program from the following list (Fall/Yearlong 2024):
  14. Please enter your GPA (i.e. 3.15)
  15. Major(s)
    • Major 1
    • Major 2 (put N/A if not applicable)
    • Major 3 (put N/A if not applicable)
  16. Minor(s)
    • Minor 1
    • Minor 2
    • Minor 3
  17. Do you qualify for a Pell grant?

    Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree.
  18. Did you transfer to the UC from a California community college or state university or from another university outside the UC system?
  19. Are you a first-generation college student?

    Neither of your parents has graduated from college or university.
  20. Are you a veteran of the US Armed Forces?

  21. Program Language

    Will the majority of classes in your program be taught in a language other than English?
  22. If the UCEAP program you plan to attend is not taught in English, please state the language of instruction and rate your proficiency in it.
    • Language of Instruction
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Speaking Ability
    • Writing Ability
  23. If you are enrolled in a UCEAP program which will be taught in English, in a primarily non-English speaking country, please discuss how you plan to integrate language and culture study into your experience.

  24. Optional Questions


    Do you identify as a member of the LGBTQIAP+ community?
  25. Gender Identity
  26. Race/Ethnicity

  27. Statement of Purpose (750 words or less)



    The Chris Borton Memorial Scholarship makes $8,000 awards available for UCEAP students who will participate in a year-long UCEAP program. Applicants must have a passion for studying abroad and a willingness to embrace and learn from the host country’s customs, language, and culture. Students should anticipate that spending a year abroad will allow them to learn about themselves and others.

    When preparing to write your personal statement, think about how you will learn and grow from your time abroad. The essay is a good place to communicate information about yourself outside of the academic realm such as your hobbies, previous experience abroad, jobs held, cultural interests and activities. Details that would give the selection committee a sense of your personality are welcomed. The selection committee is looking for students who approach the privilege of studying abroad with appreciation, who will be keen observers of their host country, and who will be open to new experiences. Limit your essay to 750 words. Keep it focused, with concise and clear writing. Evaluators will look for coherent writing, proper grammar, and accurate spelling. Have someone review your essay with these requirements in mind. Below are some questions to address within your essay:

    What sparked your interest in studying abroad?

    How will your program abroad relate to your academic, career and/or personal goals?

    Studying abroad entails a great deal of change and independence. How do you anticipate navigating a different culture and new challenges while abroad?

    Please share any personal characteristics and experiences that may help you while abroad.

    Why did you choose a year-long program and how did you determine which specific host country and program best matched your goals?

    What do you hope to experience while abroad?

    How do you hope to grow personally while abroad?

  28. Letter of Recommendation



    The letter of recommendation is strongly encouraged, though not required. Seek to provide a strong letter of recommendation, such as one from a supervisor, TA or faculty member, or the head of a nonprofit where you have volunteered. The letter should come from someone who knows you and is familiar with your academic work and personal characteristics. A letter from a supervisor or TA who knows you well is more useful than a letter from a professor who cannot speak to your personal goals and previous successes. You may use a letter that has been solicited for your general EAP application. Personal references are not acceptable for this application.

    You may upload a letter yourself if you have a PDF copy. If you would like a letter to be uploaded by the recommender, then please complete the following question with the recommender’s contact information so that we may request a letter for you. Be sure to contact your recommender in advance to confirm that he or she is willing and able to upload a letter for you by the deadline of March 15 (for Fall departures) or September 15 (for Spring & Winter Departures).
  29. Letter of Recommendation
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