You know there are scholarships available if you want to study in the United States: academic, merit-based, need-based, all the usual sources. But did you know that you can win a scholarship based on your three-point shot or ace serve as well?
Overview
The International Doorway to Education & Athletics (IDEA) organization offers a unique opportunity to student-athletes who wish to study at a U.S. college or university. Through a recruiting partnership with participating institutions across the United States, student-athletes can get a firsthand look at a number of U.S. colleges and universities and a chance to win partial and full scholarships to play for a U.S. college team.
The Process
IDEA student-athletes travel to the United States for a two-week stay, during which they meet with university and college coaches, athletic directors, and recruitment directors. Students take part in organized practice sessions and scrimmages against local teams, during which the university's head coach evaluates them. Based on that evaluation, athletes will be offered either partial or full scholarships. The IDEA program maintains a 100 percent success rate in obtaining scholarship offers for its participants.
Between 55 and 85 American universities participate in this program, representing intercollegiate leagues such as the NCAA, NAIA, and the NJCAA. Each IDEA student-athlete has the opportunity to meet and talk with coaches and school representatives and to participate in a training plan designed by IDEA athletic staff members. In addition, students sample many different cultural, educational, and social activities in each region they visit, including campus tours and presentations, college fairs and orientations, visits to cultural and historical sites, recreational trips to theme parks, professional sporting events, and musical performances. Students reside in fully equipped university housing and have access to all athletic and academic facilities, as well as on-site medical attention.
Athletes who are accepted to a college or university will have access to English language programs, along with regular courses in their chosen academic areas. Prior knowledge of English is not a requirement for the IDEA program.
In addition to the educational, cultural, and social benefits of attending an American university, participants experience an open relationship with coaches and athletic specialists and enjoy the high degree of exposure that comes with participating in university-level sports.
For more information on the scholarship program, visit the IDEA Web site. The site features applications and full eligibility requirements, as well as testimonials from participating students and coaches.
Sports
Current high school students, high school graduates, current university students, and university graduates are all eligible to participate. Transfer of university credits and/or classes is allowed. Students must be between 16 and 26 years of age and practice one of the following sports:
Men
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Golf
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Track and Field
Women
- Basketball
- Field Hockey
- Golf
- Soccer
- Softball
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball