Dear Blogging World,

While I have used blogs in the past, they have only been because of required school projects. Again, this is a required blog. But I am happy to try it out to be reflective on my experiences and share my learning.

AKF Symbol

As an intern from the AKYSB Internships Program, I am a summer intern for Aga Khan Foundation's International Scholarship Programme (AKF-ISP: http://www.akdn.org/akf_scholarships.asp). I will be starting the internship mid-May and am looking forward to the new experience. Although I am a mathematics teacher, by profession, I am excited for a new perspective and new type of work within the education world: international post-graduates scholarships. Here is some information about AKF from their website:

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) focuses on a small number of specific development problems by forming intellectual and financial partnerships with organisations sharing its objectives. Most Foundation grants are made to grassroots organisations testing innovative approaches in the field. With a small staff, a host of cooperating agencies and thousands of volunteers, the Foundation reaches out to vulnerable populations on four continents, irrespective of their race, religion, political persuasion or gender.

Here is some information about ISP from their website:

The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from developing countries who have no other means of financing their studies. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant : 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year in June or July. The Foundation gives priority to requests for Master's level courses but is also willing to consider applications for PhD programmes, when doctoral degrees are necessary for the career objectives of the student. Requests will also be considered for travel and study awards for PhD students doing their research in Third World countries on topics judged to be of interest to the Aga Khan Development Network. Applications for short-term courses are not considered; neither are applications from students who have already started their course of study.

One of the goals of the internship will be to review all of the applications received (over 100) and prepare for the Scholarship Selection Committee, which will be attended by Prince Amyn Aga Khan and Princess Zahra Aga Khan, among other dignitaries.

I am looking forward to the start of the internship next week and the rest of the summer in Houston!