COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA/PROVINCE OF FLORENCE, ITALY SISTER COUNTY COMMISSION Scholarship Requirements

1. Students applying for the scholarship offered by the County of Santa Clara/Province of Florence, Italy Sister County Commission to study in Florence must be affiliated with either Santa Clara University, San Jose State University or Stanford University. Each university is allowed one scholarship per academic year and may be shared by two qualified students.

2. Must have upper division (completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units) or graduate standing, and a cumulative GPA for all higher education work of 3.O, or better, at the time of the application deadline. Must provide transcripts from all post-secondary schools, colleges, or universities, and are expected to maintain full-time status (15-12 units undergraduates, 12-8 units graduates/semester-quarter) while overseas.

3. Proficiency in Italian may vary depending on program/institution applied for. However, a fluency rating in reading, writing, comprehension and speaking may be required. Indeed, if wishing to attend either the University of Florence or the Academy of Fine Arts (Accademia di belle Arti) fluency is necessary.

4. Students must provide three letters of recommendation, with overall rating, two from academics and one from appropriate employer/supervisor.

5. A list summarizing principal academic, non-academic or employment activities and interests (clubs, religious/civic associations, special recognitions, honors, offices held, volunteer work, etc.).

6. Applicants must declare, or have declared, an appropriate major and/or minor objective to be considered for selection. Graduates must have established classified standing, a second bachelor's objective, or have been admitted to a teaching credential program.

7. Statement of purpose - an essay of academic and career goals, and unusual or unique objectives or circumstances, with particular areas of interest related to these goals and/or objectives.

8. Students must demonstrate responsibility to pay the costs above the amount provided by the scholarship and demonstrate some knowledge of the country and/or region in question, seriousness of purpose and the motivation and capacity to adapt to a foreign learning and living environment.