World Leisure News

Thomas and Ruth Rivers International Scholarship Award Call for Applications

December 17, 2009

THOMAS AND RUTH RIVERS INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Introduction
The Thomas and Ruth Rivers International Scholarship Award was established in 1970. The Scholarship is awarded biennially in conjunction with the World Leisure Congress. Funding for the scholarship is provided by World Leisure, sponsorships and individual contributions.

Purpose
The Thomas and Ruth Rivers International Scholarship Award is intended to provide opportunities for senior or graduate students, who are studying recreation, leisure studies, leisure services, leisure resources or tourism studies
in college or university programs, to attend and present a scholarly paper at the biennial international World Leisure Congress. The focus of the paper should be on any aspect of recreation, leisure and/or tourism from a worldwide
perspective. It is envisioned that students will gain a broader perspective of world leisure, recreation and tourism trends, issues, philosophies and problems. Upon return to their respective institutions, the scholarship recipients are
expected to share their experiences with fellow students, colleagues and professors.

The Scholarship
The Thomas and Ruth Rivers International Scholarship Award provides the scholarship recipient(s) the opportunity to
attend and participate in an international congress. The recipient(s) are provided a world-wide forum for the
presentation of a scholarly paper. The scholarship includes: (1) Congress registration fee; (2) accommodation during
Congress; and (3) transportation by air from a suitably located departure point.
The scholarship recipient(s) are expected to provide the funds to cover additional costs; for example, transportation to
and from the departure point and local transportation and meals while at the Congress.

Eligibility
To be eligible as a scholarship recipient, the applicant shall:

1. be a final year graduate or undergraduate in a college or university program, from any country of the world, with a major in recreation, leisure studies, leisure services, leisure resources or tourism studies
2. have a cumulative grade point average of: 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, if an undergraduate, or 3.8 on a 4.0 scale, if a graduate
3. be recommended by two faculty members in his or her college or university department
4. have exhibited interest in recreation, leisure and/or tourism internationally
5. have had either volunteer or paid work experience in the recreation/leisure services or tourism fields
6. submit a copy of the abstract submitted to the World Leisure Congress Program Committee
7. if the college or university does not have a major in recreation, leisure studies/services or tourism, the applicant shall obtain a letter from his or her major professor indicating the major area of study as such; and
8. if the college or university does not require course work, the applicant shall obtain, from his or her major professor, a letter indicating the applicant’s required learning/research activities and a performance evaluation of the applicant.

1. Complete Part I of the Application Form and submit the Supplemental Documentation requested in Part II of the application.
2. Submit the Faculty Validation of Student Applicant form (see page 4) to a faculty member or advisor in the student’s college/university department and request that it be completed and emailed to the Program Manager of the Thomas and Ruth Rivers International Scholarship Award Committee, along with a letter from the student’s major professor.
3. Email the Scholarship Application Form and all supporting documentation no later than May 1, 2010 to: