In every year since 1968, Watson Fellowships have given a select group of new college graduates the opportunity to pursue a year of independent research and travel abroad. A Watson year is a true year rather than an academic year: twelve full months. Similarly, Watson research is not academic research in any traditional sense and must not involve formal study at an academic institution. Instead, the Watson program stresses the importance of independence. According to the Watson Fellowship Website:
"The proposed project should reflect a candidate’s genuine interest in, and long-standing commitment to, a specific pursuit, whether or not this interest is evident in a formal course of study. The project must be one that can be conducted with great independence and adaptability. . . and should be personally significant, imaginative, and feasible."
Although each Watson project emerges from the Fellow’s pre-existing passions, it also takes her to places she has never gone before: literally, in the sense that Watsons are not allowed to travel to areas where they have already spent substantial periods of time; figuratively, in the sense that the unique challenges of a Watson year will help Watson Fellows to come to know themselves and their internal resources better than ever before. To fund this year, Watson Fellows receive $25,000. In addition, Fellows with federally guaranteed and institutional student loans receive an amount equal to twelve-months payment of these loans. All Fellows are required to submit brief quarterly reports and a final report to the Foundation. Please note that Watson Fellows are not permitted to travel to countries under U.S. State Department warning or under U.S. Treasury Embargo.
ELIGIBILITY: Only current seniors may apply for Watson Fellowships. There is no age limit, and several McBride scholars have been named Watson Fellows. International students are eligible. Please note that international students will not be allowed to spend any part of their Watson year in their home country.
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION: The Watson Foundation describes the selection process as “holistic.” The Foundation seeks individuals with “integrity, imagination, strong ethical character, intelligence, the capacity for vision and leadership, the promise of creative achievement and excellence within a chosen field, and the potential for humane and effective participation in the world community.” These qualities should emerge from the candidate’s proposal and personal statement, from the letters of recommendation, and finally in the one-on-one interview each candidate is granted. Academic and extracurricular record is considered, but is not of primary importance. Generally, though, Watson Fellows will be strong students who have displayed initiative and dedication both in their academics and in some number of activities outside the classroom
Watson Liaison:
Isabelle Barker (Assistant Dean, Director of Student Funding) 610-526-5375