The goal of the Ambassadorial Scholarship is to promote "international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas," according to Rotary International. The scholarship is designed to fund one academic year and is open to undergraduates, graduate students and professionals pursuing vocational studies. Shorter-term scholarships are also awarded. When away, students serve as "goodwill ambassadors," giving presentations to Rotary Clubs in the region. After returning home, scholars are expected to share their experiences with Rotarians in their home region. In the 2009-2010 school year, nearly 700 scholarships were awarded to recipients from 70 different countries.
Applying for the scholarship begins with an application that must be made through local Rotary clubs. Students are encouraged to research local clubs for meeting times and locations and to contact the club president. Students will need to show initiative and should allow for more than a year to go through the application process. Should you be selected to attend an interview, the club you applied through will be your sponsor. As you will be required to make presentations while abroad, getting to know more about your sponsor club and its members is recommended. It is also recommended to apply to a club in your hometown rather than at your college or university as there will usually be more competition in the university's area.
Depending on the number of applicants in any one region there may be a number of interviews at the club and district level. During the interview process applicants will be asked to identify and explain how they will represent Rotary International, their sponsor club and their hometown.