Each year the Overseas Resource Center advises hundreds of students about scholarships for study and research abroad. Faculty and staff at Stanford recommend many of these students to us. These recommendations are an important part of our outreach and advising services.

Q: How can I recommend a student?
A: Please send the name of the student to Diane Murk at: dmurk@stanford.edu

Q: What kind of information is needed in the recommendation?
A: Just a few words explaining the qualities you have noticed in the student, whether they be academic, leadership, community involvement or athletics. In other words why you think they are special

Q: Do we need to know the details of the awards?
A: It helps to know a little about the awards and information can be found here.

Q: But can you briefly describe the qualities?
A: The requirements for the awards differ but we would note that successful students tend to share the following characteristics

Excellent academic strengths, demonstrated by more than just a GPA. Honors Thesis, Independent Research, Relevant internships
Excellent references
Strong commitment to issues and demonstrated involvement in these issues
Leadership qualities and potential
Energy and vigor to meet challenges
A vision of their next 5-10 years and why a period of study abroad would help
Personal qualities of integrity, discipline, direction and commitment

Q: What does the Overseas Resource Center do with names that we provide
A: We contact the student and invite them to either an information session or a one-on-one advising meeting. Students often ask us who has recommended them and, unless you object, we will tell them. We spend time with the students identifying appropriate scholarships and working with them to develop the strongest possible application. Even if, during these discussions, students find that these awards are not really the best fit for their future plans, we still feel that we serve a purpose in helping students think through their next few years.

Q: Is this worth doing? Surely it is almost impossible to get such awards as Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright
A: The awards that the Overseas Resource Center administers are very competitive but Stanford students are successful. Click here for a list of some of our recent winners. As we identify students from a wider range of disciplines and interests we are confident that we can continue to see Stanford students excel in these awards. Our biggest challenge is identifying qualified students early enough. Faculty and Staff are in a unique position to help us do this, and your willingness is very much appreciated.

Q: If I am going to write a reference for a student applying for one of these awards, do you have any guidance?
A: Yes

Guide for Recommenders (Rhodes Marshall, Mitchell, Gates)

Guide for Fulbright Recommenders

Writing Recommendation Letters Online - Joe Schall