John T. Petters Foundation


	FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

	Eligibility

	Q.Who is eligible for the John T. Petters Foundation Scholarship?
	-Applicant must be attending an accredited college or university in the United States - The applicant is applying to or has been accepted into a study abroad program eligible for credit by the student's accredited institution -The applicant must be pursuing a study abroad program that incorporates international business - Applicant must be able to show some financial need -The applicant must be a United States Citizen

	Q. What if I attend an accredited college or university, but the study abroad program I'm interested in is hosted by another university or study abroad organization? Am I still eligible to receive a scholarship?
	A. Yes, if the student chooses to pursue a study abroad program outside of their home institution that is acceptable so long as the home institution accepts the credits. We will, however, critique the study abroad program the student wishes to travel on against our current selection initiatives.

	*Q. How many scholarships does the John T. Petters Foundation award?*
	A. The John T. Petters Foundation anticipates on awarding 25-40 scholarships during the Fall application process. Please consult the deadlines & timelines page.

	Q. What if I have strong financial need but am currently not receiving any financial aid? Am I still eligible to apply?
	A. Yes, we understand circumstances do vary from student to student and this is not always the only indicator of need. However students indicating high need and/or who help finance their own education are given preference.

	*Q. I have never traveled or studied abroad before. Should I apply?*
	A. Absolutely. A primary focus of the John T. Petters Foundation scholarship is to afford travel abroad opportunities to students who have not previously been able to travel or study abroad.

	*Q. Can I use the scholarship for a study abroad program outside of international business focus?*
	A. The John T. Petters Foundation scholarship is primarily for students who are looking to study business internationally. Students from all disciplines are welcome to apply, but all awarded scholarships by the John T. Petters Foundation must be used toward international programs that have some business element which must be shown in the application

	*Q. I am a graduate student. Can I apply?*
	A. No, only undergraduate students are eligible to apply. Applications from outside our current grant-making parameters are not reviewed.

	Q. What is the minimum length of study required to be eligible for the John T. Petters Foundation scholarship? Are short-term programs eligible?
	A. Yes, short-term programs are eligible but preference is given to students studying abroad for at least three weeks and in accordance with the Foundation’s deadlines and timelines. The program you are participating in must also be eligible for academic credit by your home institution. For the Fall timeline, programs must begin between May 16th and October 16th. Please consult the Fall Timeline page for more information.

	*Q. Is preference given to longer-term programs during the selection process? If I apply to a shorter-term program, how can I make my application competitive?*
	A. Students who are applying for short-term programs should clearly explain why they have chosen their specific study abroad program, including their length of study, in the Personal Statement portion of the application. Often students applying for short-term programs have specific reasons for doing so. Here, the Personal Statement portion of the application is the perfect platform for students to share with the selection committee the reasons behind their study abroad program choice.

	*Q. Are summer study abroad programs eligible for John T. Petters Foundation scholarships?*
	A. Yes, if you are applying to summer study abroad programs please indicate why you have selected this form of travel abroad as opposed to a full semester or academic year long program in the Personal Statement portion of your application.

	*Q. Does the John T. Petters Foundation support students of diverse ethnic backgrounds?*
	A. Yes, the John T. Petters Foundation strongly encourages students of diverse ethnic backgrounds to apply for the scholarship.

	*Q. I am a permanent resident or non-U.S. citizen, am I still eligible to apply?*
	A. No, only U.S. citizens are eligible to apply for a John T. Petters Foundation scholarship.

Application - General

	*Q. When should I apply?*
	A. You should apply in the academic term prior to the start date of your study abroad program. If your program starts between May 16th and October 16th, apply during the Fall cycle beginning in November. Please consult the Fall Timeline webpage for more information.

	*Q How do I apply?*
	A. When the John T. Petters Foundation application becomes available, you will have one month to complete and return all the necessary documentation. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed and extensions cannot be granted. Please consult the Fall Timeline webpage for more information.

	*Q. What is the "necessary documentation" I should have completed for the deadline dates?*
	A. There are five components to the John T. Petters Foundation scholarship:
		1. The Student Information Section 2. The Financial Aid Advisor Section 3. The Personal Statement Section 4. Official Undergraduate Transcripts 5. Letters of Recommendation (2 only)
	All five components must be completed in order for your application to be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered and extensions cannot be granted.

	Q. What is the difference between the Study Abroad Program Title and the Program Sponsor?
	A. The Program Title is the official name of your study abroad program. This is usually found on the program brochure or flyer. If you have additional questions regarding the Program Title please contact your university study abroad advisor. The Program Sponsor is the institution that is administering your study abroad program. This is most often your home university or a different university administering the study program in the U.S. If you have additional questions regarding the Program Sponsor please contact your university study abroad advisor.

	*Q. Do I have to submit the name, email and telephone number for a Financial Aid Advisor?*
	A. Yes. To be considered an eligible applicant for the John T. Petters Foundation scholarship, a Financial Aid advisor must sign off on the financial aid you are currently receiving. Financial aid advisors will be asked to verify whether you are currently receiving a Federal Pell Grant and the estimated amount of financial aid you are receiving.

	Q. How do I know who the correct financial aid advisor is?
	A. Contact your university financial aid office to find out who the correct advisor would be to complete the financial aid portion for a study abroad scholarship. This need not be an advisor assigned specifically to you. However, it must be an advisor working in the financial aid office. You must list a specific advisor and their individual email and telephone information. You should not list a general office email or telephone number. Your application is not considered complete unitl all sections are completed by the stated deadlines. It is your responsibility as an applicant to ensure that advisors are aware of and complete their portion of your application by the stated deadlines. Please consult the Fall Timeline webpage for more information.

	*Q. Are there any other components to the Application Process?*
	A. Yes, if you are selected as a finalist for the scholarship you will be notified one month after the applications were due and an interview will be set up. The interview will either be face-to-face or overthe phone depending on your location and will take approximately 15 minutes.

Award Process/Recipient Information


	Q. What is the current value of a John T. Petters Foundation scholarship?
	A. The Foundation awards scholarships of approximately $5,000. This amount may be slightly lower or higher depending on the individual amount needed. Year long, semester and summer programs can all qualify for the same dollar amount.

	*Q. Are there stipulations for the use of scholarship funds?*
	A. Yes, all funds must be used to defray the recipient's tuition, travel fees, and room and board fees.

	Q. How will the award check be issued and disbursed? Will it be sent directly to the student or to the university?
	A. The Foundation intends to pay scholarship funds directly to the educational institution the recipient is attending so long as the college or university qualifies under Section 170(b)(1)(a)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code. If at any time the Foundation does not pay the scholarship funds directly to the collegeor university as set forth above, the Foundation will take all necessary measures to ensure the scholarship funds are being used properly.

	*Q. What are my chances of winning a John T. Petters Foundation Scholarship?*
	A. The John T. Petters Foundation is a highly competitive scholarship program that receives a number of quality applicants. All applications are reviewed in their entirety and are welcomed.

	Q. If I receive a John T. Petters Foundation scholarship will that impact my university financial aid package?
	A. It may. University Financial Aid offices have federal, state and institutional guidelines they must follow when awarding financial aid packages. The John. T. Petters Foundation has no control over this process though we do encourage institutions to reduce loan amounts first, if in fact the grant does affect a student’s financial aid package. For information please access Basic Facts Regarding Financial Aid for Study Abroad.

	*Q. When and how will I be notified of the status of my application?*
	A. All applicants will be notified of their status by Foundation staff via email or telephone through the information supplied by the applicant in the application process. Those applicants selected as John T. Petters Scholars will also receive an award packet at their permanent address. Please consult the Fall Timeline for more information.