<p>I trying to help an potential applicant from Rwanda who will need a full ride to study in the US. She is an outstanding student with a remarkable life story - and no financial resources to speak of. Does anyone know of programs in the US or in Rwanda that provide scholarships to talented African students? She could just apply directly to schools that court internationals with full-rides, but the process can be rather daunting if you are coming from circumstances where no one you know has ever studied abroad. She has already visited the Education USA Advising Center at the US Embassy by the way.</p>
<p>Hello! What you are doing to help this young lady access the opportunities she deserves is remarkable,best of luck to you both.Now,being from Africa,I can confirm with sadness that there is VERY little funding from the private sector/government for undergraduates wanting to study abroad.Like you said though,she can access funding from the schools she applies.Do not be overwhelmed by the process though,she can do it!Many students from my country,some of whom come from very disadvantaged backgrounds manage to secure admission and full funding.With your guidance and support,you will succeed!</p>
<p>Also,just for inspiration,you might want to have a look at this : [UsapGlobal</a> | United States Achievers Program](<a href=“http://www.usapglobal.org%5DUsapGlobal”>http://www.usapglobal.org) Click under student profiles to read the incredible stories of these students who have overcome unbelievable challenges and are now studying in the US(particularly the Zimbabwe profiles,where this program was founded and is based)</p>
<p>Thank you both for your responses. MacMill, I have emailed USAP Global to ask for their assistance. They do not have offices in Rwanda but perhaps they know of organizations that do offer scholarships to students there. </p>
<p>If you have any additional advise or suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it. I do feel as if I’m feeling my way in the dark.</p>
<p>That’s a good first step,M’s Mom.In the meantime,perhaps you could do a bit of research about the educational system in Rwanda.You will notice that most schools do not issue transcripts or teacher recs for their students,so the student may need to inform the high school in good time.She should probably also familiarize herself with the commonapp and begin to write essays in good time,and perhaps you could e-mail each other and help her with ideas and editing.</p>
<p>Obviously there is internet in Rwanda.Africa is way more advanced than you think.</p>
<p>^^ LOL</p>
<p>I wonder if contacting all-women’s schools could be one way to proceed. (If that is at all interesting to this young woman.) I would think an outstanding student from Rwanda might be of interest to schools such as Smith, Bryn Mawr, etc.</p>
<p>Yeah! Women’s college will certainly give great aid. Just don’t forget Mount Holyoke. They have the largest percentage of international students and they love to award huge grants to needy international students.</p>
<p>@Evangelica</p>
<p>Rwanda’s internet quality currently ranks 131/183. Whereas, Nepal’s internet quality ranks 181/183.</p>
<p>That was the ranking according to download speed. </p>
<p>Upload speed ranking:</p>
<p>Rwanda 60/183 (Better than New Zealand, Belgium, Qatar, India, U.A.E and so many others!)</p>
<p>Nepal 169/183</p>
<p>The two countries behind Nepal in terms of download speed are Zambia and Guyana.</p>
<p>The women’s college idea is certainly a great one,and as someone said,Mount Holyoke gives great aid to MANY MANY international students.@evangelica what’s wrong with Nepal?For some reason I always thought it was a beautiful place(It makes me think of Peru,with the mountains)I didn’t know it was behind in terms of development.14 Hours without electricity is quite harsh:(.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that part of the issue here is access to the internet, not download and upload speed. If most of the population is too poor to pay the access costs even at the internet cafes, the fact that the connectivity is speedy means very little. My prospective student is paying by the minute to use a PC that is no where near her home. That make communication a once a week activity and research almost impossible. </p>
<p>On another note, Mt. Holyoke is definitely on my list. USAP Global actually had a list on it’s website of schools where students had been placed which is very useful.</p>
<p>You are very right,M’s Mom,it is accesing the internet that is often the challenge and most people do not have/could never afford the luxury of a PC hooked up to the internet in the home.There is however something of an internet revolution in africa and it is by way of mobile phones.Most africans access the web via 3G mobile technology as it is way cheaper than the PC.M’s Mom-Has she signed up to be a member of the EducationUSA centre?They usually allow members to access the internet and reference materials,test prep books etc for free.But as you mentioned there might be a long commute to the centre itself and this might result in financial and other hardships for the student.</p>
<p>She has been to the Education USA center but I don’t know if she’s signed up. I’ve sent her an email suggesting that she check this out. Thanks for the suggestion.</p>