Thanks to the generosity, in the USA, of former Gordonstoun Alumni, former Gordonstoun International Summer School students and their families and also friends and enthusiasts of the philosophy and ethos of the Founder, Dr. Kurt Hahn, the Gordonstoun American Foundation offer one to three scholarships to the Gordonstoun International Summer School each year.
The Gordonstoun International Summer School courses take place in July and August each year and it is hoped that the successful candidates will extend their international experience and understanding of boys and girls from different countries and cultures. Youngsters aged 9-16 who are American citizens or permanent residents of the United States are invited to apply. Candidates for the Gordonstoun American Foundation Scholarships will be evaluated based on both merit and need. Evidence of good character and strong school performance should be provided by letters of recommendation from the student's school. Parents or guardians must provide evidence of need by completing a financial disclosure form (attached to application form).
For further details and an application form please contact:
Jenny Needham
Director, Gordonstoun International Summer School
Elgin, Moray, Scotland, IV30 5RF
email: giss@gordonstoun.org.uk
Recent GAF scholars:
Kathryn: from Virginia
The Gordonstoun International Summer School was the most fun, most exciting and most challenging summer school/camp I have ever been to in my life. Some of the people that I met there became the closest friends that I have ever met in such a short time, and I hope to keep in touch with them because they are so nice. I have even tentatively planned a visit to my home from one of my friends I met from Saudi Arabia. I always thought that here in America we had a large variety of cultures, especially in the Washington DC area, however, I found out about so many more people from other cultures that I never knew about. Everything at the Summer School made me feel that I was striving to achieve my best. I even won an award for 'Best Senior Girl in the Computer Class' when before attending Gordonstoun I was never good with computers. This gave me a real sense of pride and gave me a great foundation for my future computer studies. I genuinely appreciate this wonderful opportunity and life experience and have gained a lot of self awareness from attending the Summer School and it has helped me to appreciate and respect others. I loved this camp so much and it really helped me grow as a person.
Marko: from California
My summer at Gordonstoun was like nothing I have ever experienced before. It wasn’t just because of the great buildings, the history, and the people whom I met but how everything was set up. It was if all I had to do was show up with a smile on my face and everything else was taken care of for me. The staff did a great job with handling all the students, and they made my stay very pleasant. I was thinking of the best way to describe my time at Gordonstoun. I know that it was fun, exciting, entertaining, and motivating but that just doesn’t say enough. I feel confident in saying that if someone took a video of my every moment I spent at Gordonstoun everyone would be compelled to watch it all. Between the friends I made, the many activities I participated in, the discos every Wednesday night, and the ambience that Gordonstoun provides, I would have to say that my stay there was as if I was in a fairytale. It is hard to say what my favorite part of Gordonstoun was, but I think I would have to say it was sailing on the yachts. Just being able to do something like that in such surroundings, while having fun with my friends and learning how to sail made me feel good. I know if given the opportunity, I would have spent more time on the boats because I felt free, and as if I commanded the sea. I believe that anyone else who reads this would want to spend a summer at The Gordonstoun International Summer School. I assure you that no matter what, your stay there would be exciting, fulfilling, and simply a treasure of lifelong memories.
Devan: from California
"The activities were amazing, some of my favorites being clay pigeon shooting, sailing, kayaking, archery and abseiling. GISS somehow provided an atmosphere where there was considerable challenge both with activities and new kids, yet it felt very comfortable and supportive. I made close friends with kids from Norway, Germany, Spain, France, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S.
Mary Beth: from Dallas
"At GISS I learned that there is more to the world than just my little corner - there are lots of different kinds of people from all sorts of backgrounds and that's great! These people all came together to share an experience, I am so grateful that I was there to share it with them."
Alexa: from New York City
"I was welcomed with friendly open arms - the instant camaraderie that was exteded by everyone helped me feel right at home and I was encouraged to try all sorts of new things."
Abbishek: from Texas
"Gordonstoun was so much fun I couldn't tell if it was a dream or not."
Isiah: from Chicago
"I found the program to be one of the most meaningful and engaging events I have ever experienced."
Kelly: from New York City
"Going to Scotland helped me to expand both mentally and emotionally. Being part of such a culturally diverse group helped me realize that we are very similar."
Gareth: from Mexico
"I would like to thank the GAF for the scholarship to GISS. All in all it was an amazing experience that I will remember for my entire life."