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The BFSS International Award
- The BFSS can award funds, subject to the conditions in Section 2, to:
(a) UK individuals aged between 18 and 25, to carry out educational activity in a developing country, and
(b) Individuals from a developing country aged between 18 and 30 to undertake educational activity in the UK. This could be anything likely to be useful to the home community, whether academic or practical.
- (a) Applications on behalf of an individual can be submitted by any Link Group in the UK which has a link with a similar group in a developing country.
(b) Also, applications may be submitted by UK organisations which manage Gap-Year educational projects in developing countries. They can submit a single application only, on behalf of one individual. However, it should be noted that this category will be considered only if funds permit.
- Outward sponsorship is for teaching in schools or for a similar educational activity.
Inward sponsorship is for study or for learning a skill. This learning should be useful to the individual's home community, and individuals should be able to pass on their knowledge on return.
(Sponsorship is for educational purposes only, and is not available for development aid).
- Visits of nine months or more are given strong preference under this award. These should coincide with the school year of the host country. However, there may occasionally be sufficient funds to consider shorter periods.
For outward-bound volunteers, preference is given to candidates aged 18-21, but older candidates with something special to contribute may be considered.
For inward-bound volunteers, age limits are more flexible.
- Applications for outward sponsorship should reach the Director of the BFSS by 31st January before the academic year for which the sponsorship is sought. Interviews will normally be held in March.
The Link Group or Gap-Year organisation should submit:
- A letter of application describing the purpose, and indicating the amount requested.
- The candidate's curriculum vitae.
- A reference from the Link Group or Gap-Year Organisation.
- A reference from the individual's school or place of work.
Applications for inward sponsorship should be similar and should be received at least three months in advance of the proposed arrival in the UK.
Early application is helpful. No guarantee can be given that late applications will be considered. Usually in any one year it will be possible to consider sponsoring only one individual from any Link Group or Organisation. Those submitting candidates for sponsorship must be satisfied that candidates are suitable in every way. However, the selection of individuals from the names submitted is made by the BFSS, whose decision is final.
- The amount of sponsorship for volunteers travelling outward can be up to £2,000.
The amount of sponsorship for volunteers travelling inward varies according to the request of the Link Group, keeping broadly within the same limit.
Volunteers will not be eligible for a second similar grant in further years.
- If a volunteer returns early, the BFSS may ask for a refund from the Link Group or Organisation of up to a third of the amount already paid out. The Link Group or Organisation must be prepared to accept this responsibility.
- The welfare of each volunteer is entirely the responsibility of the Link Group or Organisation. This responsibility includes advice about pre-travel requirements, medical precautions, travel bookings and arrangements, reception, accommodation, clearance of authorities, care in sickness, action in emergency and insurance. The BFSS sponsorship is purely financial.
- A report is required from the Link Group or Organisation for each individual, within a month of them returning home.
- Applications should be sent to:
Mr Charles Crawford, Director
The British and Foreign School Society
Maybrook House
Godstone Road
Caterham
Surrey
CR3 6RE.
A stamped, addressed envelope should be enclosed for reply.
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