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THE CONFEDERATION OF BRITISH INDUSTRY (CBI), OVERSEAS
SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME
Background
1.
The CBI Overseas Scholarships Scheme was started in 1950 to enable graduate engineers of Commonwealth and other overseas countries to gain practical experience in Britain such as they could not normally expect to obtain in their own countries. The Scheme is controlled by Scholarships Board which includes representatives of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department of Trade and Industry, the British Council, and of the public and private sectors of Industry.
2.
The aim of the Scheme is to promote business opportunities through increased awareness of British practices, products, services and standards while providing technical assistance towards the development of scholars' countries.
3.
CBI Scholarships are awarded for periods of between four and twelve months. Only graduate engineers are eligible; candidates must have had at least a year's engineering experience since graduation and have the written support of their employers. In all cases CBI scholars or their employers are required to pay the cost of travel to Britain. In the case of scholarship awards for periods of six months or more the cost of homeward travel to the scholars's home country is met by the CBI Scheme.
4.
CBI scholarships are intended as 'working awards' for work experience rather than for formal training. Scholars are expected to take an active role and most do make useful contributions to the work of their host firms. Apart from his professional ability, and notwithstanding any future influence the scholar may have on the pursuance of British interests, a scholar's linguistic ability and knowledge of commerce in his own country may prove particularly helpful.
5. The CBI obtains trainee work permits for scholars, arrange their reception and briefing in London and temporary accommodation for their first week. Scholars are required to complete a Form of Undertaking relating to the conditions under which scholarships are awarded; this includes an undertaking that scholars will return to their home company at the end of their scholarship.
Nomination and Selection
6. Generally, the availability of CBI scholarships in selected countries is advertised by the British Council or British Embassy/High Commission, acting on behalf of the CBI, who will also undertake preliminary selection at local level. Applicants are required to supply evidence of their educational qualifications, industrial experience and command of English; they must also furnish references and provide a
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