VU students traveling abroad? Discover the Don Quijote Scholarship Fund
Studying abroad is the dream for many Valparaiso University students, but it often doesn’t become a reality. Why? Well it can be expensive. The Don Quijote Scholarship Fund is there to help VU students, and in this journey, you’re likely to discover great food.
What is the Don Quijote Scholarship Fund?
The Don Quijote Scholarship Fund is a scholarship sponsored by a board and community volunteers who wish to see students have a chance to experience the rich Spanish culture in another country.
How was it founded?
It was founded several years ago when a local high schooler was unable to take a class trip because of the price tag. It crushed Carlos Rivero of Don Quijote when he heard about this, and he paid for the kid to have one of the greatest trips of his life.
Soon after, a board formed to do this very thing for students every year. The scholarship now gets given to six students…some win in the fall and some win in the winter.
What will it cover for me?
The Don Quijote Scholarship Fund may be used for room, board, registration, tuition, and travel expenses. It might pay for a large portion of the studying abroad, or it might pay for the trip in its entirety.
According to board member Kaye Frataccia, the more immersive the trip is with the Spanish culture, the more money you will receive from the scholarship.
What are the Qualifications?
To be qualified to receive the Don Quijote Scholarship Fund, you must be enrolled and in good standing with VU, a resident of Porter County, be accepted into a study abroad program, have at least a 2.3 GPA, and you must be willing to share your experience with the Board of Don Quijote Spanish Education Fund.
Can I increase my chances of receiving the reward?
Yes you can. The board members like to see good students who are truly trying to get the full experience out of their trip.
Volunteering will make you stand out. Sometimes when you give, you get given back. It’s worth noting that there is a fundraising dinner quickly approaching on November 3rd. And on December 8th, there is also going to be a dinner at Don Quijote in which all of the proceeds will be given to Hilltop Pantry. It is rumored that Don Quijote volunteers at these events eat well and can even earn credit with Valpo University. A win-win. Stop by!
What events can I get involved with next year?
In the following year there will also be a fishing derby in May and a funshoot in September. All of the money raised for these events will be going towards the Don Quijote Scholarship Fund so that you can live your dream of studying abroad.
Learning more
Last month, Kaye Frataccia was at the Taste of Uptown East to answer any questions you might have had. Now that the festival has passed, your next best bet will be to email her at [email protected].
If you want to get started now, Don Quijote’s Don Quijote Scholarship website has additional information, and it’s also the place where you can officially sign up for the Don Quijote Scholarship Fund.
Don’t miss out on a once in a lifetime experience!
Written by
Matt Jano Janesheski
