ALLIANCE FRANÇAISE DES  BAHAMAS        

O.L.G.A. FOUNDATION FRENCH EXCHANGE PROGRAM GRANT

2011 O.L.G.A. FOUNDATION FRENCH EXCHANGE GRANT INFORMATION

The goal of the O.L.G.A. Foundation is to increase the accessibility of arts education to young Bahamians.   A grant of $2,500 will be awarded to suitable candidates for a 4 to 6 week study abroad French program. Research has proven that complete immersion can help individuals learn languages at a much faster pace than high school and university classes.  The grant affords individuals the unique opportunity to experience a total French language immersion course.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old and no more than 25 years of age on September 1, 2011.

• Be a Bahamian citizen.

• Have at least a 3.0 grade point average at the time the application is submitted.

• Possess a Delf A1 certification, B grade French BGCSE or equivalent.

• Pass the O.L.G.A. Foundation pre-qualification exam

• Possess a valid passport.

Selection

The selection committee will evaluate candidates based on their letters of recommendation, short essays, academic achievements, outstanding circumstances, and financial need.  The most weight will be given to academic achievements and financial need.

Application Process/Deadline

Applicants can download an application form to complete from The O.L.G.A. Foundation website http://www.olgafoundation.org (site currently under construction)  or by clicking here.  A description and checklist of items to submit with the application form are listed in the application.

Applications must be received before Friday, April 8th, 2011.  Please note that this deadline is taken seriously.  Applications that are incomplete or do not include official transcripts will not be considered.  Applications will not be accepted after April 1^st.

A letter will be sent out to all applicants regarding the selection committee’s decision on or before April 18^th, 2011.

Questions?

If you have any questions contact the O.L.G.A. Foundation at o.l.g.a.foundation@gmail.com or call the Alliance at 302-5141

O.LG.A. FOUNDATION FRENCH EXCHANGE WINNERS DESIGNATED

Kyle Dorsett - Lauréat 2011

Kyle will study French for 4 weeks at the Université d'Été in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France

The O.L.G.A. (Only Love Goes Around) Foundation in conjunction with the Alliance Française des Bahamas is pleased to announce Kyle Dorsett, as the first recipient of its French Exchange Grant.  Mr. Dorsett is a second year student atMcGillUniversity, inMontreal,Canada, and a graduate ofSt. Augustine's College inNassau. He was the successful candidate chosen out of a total of five applicants for the 2011 grant and plans to attend the program scheduled for July 2011.

"It is a privilege to receive this grant from the O.L.G.A. Foundation, I am eager to develop my knowledge of the French language. I accept this grant knowing it furthers my goal of being multilingual, but more importantly, it equips me to meet the pressing challenge of making the Bahamas better through sharing my language skills with others, especially disenfranchised youth" said Mr. Dorsett.

The French Exchange grant will afford Mr. Dorsett the opportunity to live with a French family, in addition to studying French for four weeks at the Université d'Eté, Littoral - Nord de France de Boulogne-sur-Mer. This course encompasses 20 hours of classes per week, as well as 20 hours of cultural activities.

"I am pleased we have brought one of the goals of the O.L.G.A. Foundation to fruition with the selection of our first scholarship recipient. Kyle was highly recommended by his college professors and he impressed our selection committee. He appears to be a focused young man who is determined to make a difference in the lives of others. I am sure he will make us proud," said Nikki Finlayson-Boeuf, founder and President of the O.L.G.A. Foundation.

The OLGA (“Only Love Goes Around”) Foundation was established in September 2010 and disburses three different grants on an annual basis.    The Foundation’s mission is to promote the value of the teaching profession, to provide opportunities for international exposure to young minds and to cultivate a culture of lifelong learning. 

For information on the OLGA foundation, contact o.l.g.a.foundation@gmail.com