Every year, a group of Balliol students receive a William Westerman Pathfinder Award to travel to some of the most amazing places in the world, while completing a personal development project, through two schemes: one to North America and one to Asia. William Westerman Pathfinders are ambassadors of the College and meet up with and/or stay as personal guests of Balliol Old Members during their travels. Continuing a programme that began more than 60 years ago, this offers a unique opportunity to meet Balliol's fascinating alumni community, and to experience life in their destination countries first-hand.
Who is eligible? Final year Balliol undergraduates and postgraduate students of more than two years’ standing at the time of travel.
How long is the programme? The minimum travel period is 6 weeks.
When can the grant be taken up? Long Vacation 2025. In practice, most Pathfinders travel for a period of 6-8 weeks either between mid-June and early August, or between early August and the end of September (before or after the undergraduate graduation ceremony, 9 August 2025). The programme will not be suitable for those intending to complete other activities with a significant time commitment over the summer of 2025.
Where can I find more information? See information online [from the 2024 round, shortly to be updated], by visiting both the student support webpage here and the Balliol alumni webpages here.
How can I ask questions before applying? Register here to attend an information session for prospective applicants, to be held in the Gillis Lecture Theatre at 5.00pm, 2 December 2024. Further online information sessions will be arranged and announced for early January 2025.
How can I apply? An online application form will be circulated to attendees of the information session for prospective applicants on 3 December 2024, and a general note will follow to all students.
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