Since 1969, one and sometimes two Occidental seniors have won this award each year. The loans must be in the Fellow's name and be amortized over ten years. The Watson Foundation is looking for college seniors of unusual promise. A candidate's academic record, while not of primary importance, is also considered, together with those extracurricular activities which reflect both initiative and serious dedication. Fellows need to be independent and self-disciplined, able to pursue their projects despite language and cultural differences, and the loneliness and mishaps that inevitably occur during a year of travel and independent work.
Winners explore a great range of topics in the humanities, arts, social sciences, and sciences.
Furthermore, students should not propose to travel to areas where they have previously lived or studied for a signficant length of time. Applicants who wish to remain in a country for longer than the time allowed by a tourist visa should pay particular attention to that country's immigration laws, and remember that these may be different for foreign nationals than they are for U.S. citizens. Applicants should also be aware that they are responsible for obtaining entry permits and visas, and that the Watson Foundation is not involved in securing permission for a Fellow to enter any country. The fellowship year commences between July 1 and August 15, 2001. The Occidental Watson Fellowship Committee selects four seniors as our nominees for the fellowship.