NASSAU, Bahamas -- Since 1947, Ambassadorial scholarships have been made available through the Rotary Foundation where more than 40,000 men and women have had the opportunity to study abroad. Today, it is one of the world's largest privately funded international scholarship programs and last year, almost 700 scholarships were granted totaling approximately US$16.2 million. The recipients made up about 70 countries and studied in more than 80 nations.

In the past 2 years, two Bahamians, Angelique Sawyer and Embri Stuart were chosen from Rotary District 7020 that is made of The Bahamas and 10 other countries in the Caribbean.   The Rotary Club of East Nassau sponsored Angelique and the Rotary Club of Eleuthera sponsored Embri.

"The Ambassadorial Scholarships are different from others," said Yvette Bethel, Rotary Bahamas' Scholarship Co-Chair. "The students who are awarded the scholarship serve as ambassadors of The Bahamas and they must select a school in another country they have never lived."

While abroad, scholars make presentations to various Rotary clubs, conferences, schools, and other forums. They will also participate in community projects. They are welcomed by a Rotary host and will be emerged into the new Rotary families during their study year. Upon their return home, the scholars will enlighten local Rotarians of their experiences in their host countries.

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