During the two-and-a-half to three years of a Scholar’s Olmsted experience, they are still active duty military members. They receive their regular compensation and benefits, including cost-of-living and housing allowances.
The Olmsted Foundation provides the financial support necessary for Scholars to fully immerse themselves in the academics, language and culture, including travel, of their foreign location.
In addition to receiving their regular military compensation, the Foundation provides the Olmsted Scholar Annual Tuition Grant to cover tuition costs and the Olmsted Scholar Annual Grant dedicated to funding Scholar travel and cultural immersion activities.
For a more detailed review of Olmsted Foundation grants and reimbursable expenses, please visit our Grants & Reimbursable Expense Payment Policy page.
Most Scholars receive their language training at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA, or at DLI-Washington, in the Washington, DC area. However, the Foundation also offers the In-Country Language Training Grant to cover language training options in country.
If space is available, many spouses join Scholars at the Defense Language Institute prior to departure to their host country. Scholars’ spouses’ language training is also covered under the Foundation’s Spouse Foreign Language Training Grant. This grant is available for use at home or overseas.
The Foundation holds its new Scholar Orientation program in early June, on the same weekend of the Annual Meeting, Reunion and Reception.
On Friday night, the Foundation hosts an informal gathering where the new Scholars meet their fellow members of the new class, Olmsted Foundation staff and Directors. The following morning they attend informational sessions on language training, cultural acclimation, academic requirements and travel. Staff members also use this time to review the Foundation’s rules, forms and expectations.
Scholars then meet with representatives of their services to discuss the specific requirements expected of them while they’re overseas.
Scholar spouses also attend a session with alumni Scholars and their spouses. These alumni mentor incoming spouses with information to help them as they prepare to begin life in a foreign country.