The Olmsted Foundation's mission statement:
"To provide outstanding young military leaders an unsurpassed opportunity to achieve fluency in a foreign language, pursue graduate study at an overseas university, and acquire an in depth understanding of foreign cultures, thereby further equipping them to serve in positions of great responsibility as senior leaders in the United States Armed Forces."
As General Olmsted put it, "The greatest leaders must be educated broadly."
My selection to be an Olmsted Scholar is definitely one of the highlights of my life. It is an amazing opportunity to grow outside of my comfort zone--and not just for myself, but for Michelle and the kids as well. The Olmsted Foundation's desire is for our entire family to become immersed in the culture of our host country (China) and for all family members to come away with as much of a cultural education as I do.
We've been living in Shanghai China for two years now while I've been pursuing a graduate degree in Chinese Politics and Diplomacy at Fudan University--one of China's elite universities. The Olmsted Foundation provides generous grants for in-country language study ($1500), university tuition costs (up to $5000/year), and country/regional travel ($7000/year). The Air Force continues to provide all pay and allowances while in China.
We look forward to making the most of this wonderful opportunity and to sharing our experiences with you on these web pages. If you have any additional questions about the Foundation you can click on the Olmsted Foundation hyperlink at the top of this page to go to the Foundation's website. If you would like to know more about our family's Olmsted experience, please contact us using the feedback form on the Smith Family Home Page. We'd be happy to hear from you. |