Georgia Program for Education Professionals

Guidelines

The Georgia Scholarship Program for Education Professionals offers fellowships for graduate study in the United States leading to a master’s degree in education.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• be a legal resident of Georgia at the time of application;
• have work experience in education;
• demonstrate an excellent academic record and have an advanced degree (minimum: Bachelor of Arts);
• display impressive leadership potential;
• prove through testing and interviews strong English language ability;
• be able to begin the program in August or September 2009;
• be able to receive and maintain a U.S. J-1 visa;
• participate in an intensive academic writing program prior to departure to the United States;
• be willing upon completing the program to accept employment at a position designated by the Georgian Ministry of Education and Science (MoES) for a period of up to three years.

Employees of OSI-NY, CIE, and MoES directly involved in the administration of scholarships are not eligible; nor are individuals receiving other OSI-funded support during the fellowship period.

Criteria for Selection

Competition for the Georgian Scholarship Program for Education Professionals is merit based, and selection is made on the basis of academic excellence, professional aptitude, leadership potential in the field of specialization, and proven commitment to support the reform of the Georgian educational system. Selection proceeds as follows:

Pre-Selection and Testing

Applications first are screened by representatives from MoES and the Center for International Education (CIE). Applicants chosen to continue in the competition are required to take the official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Graduate Record Exam (GRE).  Testing costs are covered by the program.

Interviews and Final Selection

Semifinalists are interviewed by a committee of representatives from MoES, OSI, and U.S. host universities. The interviewing panel then recommends candidates for placement at host universities based on:  program applications, interview evaluations, and standardized test results.

Financial Terms

The fellowship provides:

• tuition and mandatory university fees;
• monthly stipend for room, board, and living expenses;
• transportation to and from the United States;
• accident and sickness insurance during the program;
• funds for educational materials and professional development;
• an intensive academic writing program before starting at host universities.

The fellowship does NOT provide:

• funding for dependent family members;
• the option to choose university placement.

Participating Universities

Universities hosting fellows since 2006 are Teachers College, Columbia University and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Fellows are enrolled in U.S. universities according to their academic background, professional goals, and experience. All decisions concerning host university placement are made by the program selection committee, which includes university admissions staff and faculty. Finalists may not choose their host university.

Participant Responsibilities

Pre-Academic Summer Program

From mid-July to mid-August 2009, grantees are required to participate in a four-week summer program, consisting of classes in academic writing in English, as well as social science and humanities-based seminars.

Fellowship

Immediately after the summer program, finalists must attend a pre-departure orientation.  During the second semester of studies in the United States, finalists must participate in the annual program workshop.

Grantees must sign a legally-binding contract with MoES agreeing to a term of employment in a position designated by MoES, upon completion of the program.

Fellows must uphold the academic standards of the host institution and undertake full-time study for the duration of the program. Failure to maintain academic and professional standards will result in dismissal from the program.

Application Process

An application can be downloaded below or can be obtained from the Center for International Education (CIE). Applications should be submitted to CIE at the address below.

Deadline

November 28, 2008

Contact Information

Center for International Education
10 Chovelidze St.
0108 Tbilisi, Georgia
Tel.: +995-32-252615
Fax: +995-32-252615
Email: cie@osgf.ge
Website: www.cie.ge/