The Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund

The Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund is a study abroad program that provides financial assistance to students who wish to study abroad. The scholarship is sponsored by Youth For Understanding (YFU), a non-profit international educational organization that offers cultural exchange programs for students around the world.

The Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund program aims to make study abroad opportunities more accessible to a diverse range of students by providing financial support. The scholarship is typically awarded based on a combination of academic merit, financial need, and the applicant’s motivation and commitment to cultural exchange.

The Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund is open to high school students between the ages of 15 and 18, who are interested in immersing themselves in a new culture, learning a foreign language, and gaining a global perspective. The program offers various durations, including short-term summer programs, semester-long exchanges, and full academic year programs.

Participants in the Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of countries to study in, including popular destinations such as Germany, Japan, France, Spain, and many others. Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund aims to match students with host families in the chosen country, providing them with a supportive and nurturing environment during their stay.

While participating in the Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund program, students attend local schools and live with a host family, which allows them to experience the daily life and customs of the host country firsthand. They have the chance to develop language skills, gain intercultural competence, and make lifelong connections with people from different backgrounds.

Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund places great importance on orientation and support for students and their families before, during, and after the exchange. This includes pre-departure preparation, in-country orientation, ongoing support from local YFU representatives, and re-entry programs to help students readjust to their home country.

The program is designed to foster personal growth, enhance global awareness, and promote cross-cultural understanding. It provides young people with a unique opportunity to broaden their horizons, develop independence, and gain valuable intercultural skills that can benefit them in their personal, academic, and professional lives.

To be considered for scholarship awards, students must meet the eligibility requirements listed on the individual Scholarship Information pages below and demonstrate characteristics like flexibility, tolerance and open-mindedness.

Eligible Countries:

Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, Australia, Chile, stonia, Hungary, Japan, New Zealand, Serbia, Switzerland, Austria, China, Finland, India, Korea, Norway, Slovakia, Thailand, Belgium-Flanders, Czech Republic, France, Indonesia, Latvia, Paraguay, South Africa, United Kingdom, Belgium-Wallonia, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, Uruguay

Who is Eligible?:

The Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund is awarded to a U.S. Public High School student:

•With a GPA of 3.0 – 4.0

•Sophomore or Junior standing at time of application

•Must enroll in a semester or year long study abroad program (summer and short-term programs not eligible)

•Must have at least one year of foreign language study or be a non-native English speaker

•No previous participation in a study abroad program

•Student must demonstrate financial need.

How to Apply?

Visit the website to complete the application process and provide the necessary documentation which includes:

•Host Family Letter

•Health Certificate

•Parent-student agreement

School Certificate

•1 Teacher Recommendation

•3 Short Answer Essay Questions

•5 Candid photos

•1 Profile Picture (headshot)

•Completed FACTS application

Click here to visit the official website.

Scholarship Covers:

•Round-trip airline travel (domestic & international)

•Placement with a carefully selected host family

•School Placement

•Local pre-departure orientation for recipient and parents

•National pre-departure orientation for recipient

•Preparatory materials

•24 hour student support services in host country

•Medical insurance coverage

Scholarship Recipients are Responsible for:

•Passport

•Visa fees (if necessary)

•Any excess luggage tariffs

•Personal spending money

•Final program report and photos, due withing one month of return, detailing the exchange experience that will be shared with the Holcomb/Farnell Family.

The Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Fund program is a great opportunity that provides it’s participants with the opportunity to travel and explore other cultures and places.