Hong Kong students encouraged to apply for Rhodes Scholarships
There's more to life than good grades, according to the man running the world's most esteemed academic scholarship, writes Nora Tong
English businessman Cecil Rhodes, who set up the Rhodes Scholarships, made it crystal clear that the award was never to be given to the "mere bookworm", a principle that has been upheld since 1903.
"This is the most important difference between the Rhodes Scholarships and other scholarships. Many scholarships are based only on academic achievements," says Charles Conn, warden of Rhodes House, and CEO of the Rhodes Trust, which manages the international award designed to bring exceptional individuals to study at Oxford University, with the ultimate aim of promoting international understanding and public duties.
In addition to academic excellence, the Rhodes Scholarships look for young people who show "truthfulness, courage and caring for others", and who have developed their talent to the fullest in areas such as the arts or sport. The scholars should also have "a moral force of character and the instincts to lead", says Conn.
The risk in a place like Hong Kong is that it is too conservative
"We look for people who have started things or who have led student organisations. We hope they will use the development at Oxford to make the world a better place. Rhodes called it fighting 'the world's fight'," says Conn, himself a Rhodes scholar in the 1980s.
Boasting a long list of illustrious alumni including former US president Bill Clinton and current Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, the scholarship recruits 83 young people every year from across the world.
The scholars are chosen by the selection committee in each country or region, made up of seven members and consisting of Rhodes scholars as well as prominent members of the society.
The award covers university fees and a stipend for living expenses for two to four years of study at Oxford. The stipend is set at £13,390 (HK$175,000) per annum (2013-14). It also covers travel to and from Oxford at the start and end of tenure, and private health insurance.
"I think we are doing a very good job in picking scholars but we can always be better. I believe we should not only look for people with great talent, but also people who want to make a difference," says Conn.
