Culturekova Scholars 2026 Application Form

Culturekova Scholars 2026 Application Form

An elite three-year program where students create authentic community impact projects through deep cultural immersion and mentored leadership development in Nepal.
Application Deadline & Timeline
- June 2026 Programs: December 15, 2025 (Decision notification: January 14, 2026)
- July/August 2026 Programs: January 15, 2026 (Decision notification: February 14, 2026)
Upon Selection:
- 25% non-refundable deposit due within 15 days of acceptance for Year 1
- Remaining balance due 60 days after acceptance
- International flights must be secured within 45 days of acceptance
SECTION 1: STUDENT INFORMATION
Full Legal Name (as it appears on passport)*

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Preferred Name
Date of Birth*

MonthDayYear
Date
Current Age*
FemaleMaleSelf-Identify
Nationality / Citizenship*
Current School Name*
School Country*
School Address*
BoardingDay
Student Email*
example@example.com
Student Phone Number*

Country CodeArea CodePhone Number
Student Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Current Academic Year / Grade Level
U.S. Students*
International Students*
Expected Graduation Year*
Current GPA (4.0 scale or equivalent)*
If international grading system, please explain
SECTION 2: PASSPORT & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

IMPORTANT: Your passport must have at least four blank pages and must not expire until March 2027 or later. If your current passport does not meet these requirements, you must renew it before program departure.
YesNo
Passport Expiration Date*
Previous International Travel Experience (list countries visited)*
SECTION 3: PROGRAM PREFERENCES & AVAILABILITY

2026 Cohort Preferences - Please rank your preferred cohorts in order of preference (1 being most preferred). Only list cohorts you are available to attend.
Rank 1 - 5 Cohort 1: June 1 - June 14, 2026
Rank 1 - 5 Cohort 2: June 18 - July 1, 2026
Rank 1 - 5 Cohort 3: July 5 - July 18, 2026
Rank 1 - 5 Cohort 4: July 22 - August 4, 2026
Rank 1 - 5 Cohort 5: August 8 - August 21, 2026
SECTION 4: ACADEMIC BACKGROUND
Current Courses (list all classes you are taking this academic year)*
Honors/AP/IB/Advanced Courses (completed or currently enrolled)*
Primary Academic Interests*
Intended College Major(s) (if known)*
Academic Achievements/Awards*
SECTION 5: LEADERSHIP & EXTRACURRICULAR EXPERIENCE
Leadership Positions Held (school, community, work)*
Extracurricular Activities (clubs, sports, arts, etc.)*
Community Service/Volunteer Experience*
Work Experience (including internships)*
Special Skills, Talents, or Certifications*
SECTION 6: CULTURAL INTEREST & PROGRAM UNDERSTANDING

Please submit all essay responses as a separate PDF document with your name and "Culturekova Scholars Essays" in the filename.

Essay Question 1 (200-350 words): Why are you interested in a three-year cultural immersion program in
Nepal specifically? What draws you to Nepali culture and this extended commitment?

Essay Question 2 (200-350 words): Describe your understanding of the three-year Culturekova Scholars
program structure. How do you envision your personal growth and development over these three summers?

Essay Question 3 (200-350 words): What type of student-led project interests you most? Provide a
preliminary idea for a project you might develop that could benefit a Nepali community while aligning with
your interests and skills.

Essay Question 4 (300-500 words): How do you handle challenges, cultural differences, and being outside
your comfort zone? Provide two specific examples that demonstrate your adaptability and resilience.
Cancelof
SECTION 7: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Program Investment Understanding:
- Year 1: $15,000 (2 weeks)
- Year 2: $13,000 (2 weeks), with the opportunity to add extension week(s)
- Year 3: $11,000 (2 weeks), with the opportunity to add extension week(s)
- Total 3-Year Investment: $39,000+ (depending on extensions)
Full-pay family with scholarship contribution (able to pay program costs without financial assistance + contribution to scholarship fund, list below)Full-pay family (able to pay program costs without financial assistance)Requesting scholarship consideration (one scholarship recipient per cohort)
Additional scholarship fund contribution amount
If requesting scholarship consideration, please explain your financial need and why you should be selected (200-300 words)
School counselor/advisorSocial media (LinkedIn/Instagram/Facebook)Teacher recommendationFriend/family referralEducational consultantWeb searchEducational fair/eventOther
SECTION 8: PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION

Primary Parent / Guardian
Legal Name*
Preferred Name*
Relationship*
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*

Country CodeArea CodePhone Number
YesNo
Secondary Parent / Guardian (if applicable)
Legal Name
Preferred Name
Relationship
Email
example@example.com
Phone Number

Country CodeArea CodePhone Number
YesNo
Very interestedSomewhat interestedNot interested
SECTION 9: HEALTH & DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS

We welcome applications from all students and are committed to making necessary accommodations to ensure full participation. Please note that certain dietary restrictions may require a limited diet during the program abroad.

Note: We will do everything we can to accommodate various physical activity levels.
Dietary Restrictions/Allergies*
Medical Conditions (that might affect participation)*
Medications (currently taking)*
NoYes, please specify in 'Medications (currently taking)' above
Very activeModerately activeLimited activityConcerns about physical demands
We will do everything we can to accommodate various physical activity levels.
SECTION 10: REQUIRED REFERENCES

You must provide contact information for TWO academic teachers from 2024 or 2025. These teachers will receive reference forms directly.

Note: Email and phone must be official school contact information, not personal.
Reference 1:
Teacher Name*
Subject Taught*
School*
School Email*
example@example.com
School Phone*

Country CodeArea CodePhone Number
Year(s) you were in their class*
Reference 2:
Teacher Name*
Subject Taught*
School*
School Email*
example@example.com
School Phone*

Country CodeArea CodePhone Number
Year(s) you were in their class*
SECTION 11: INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY
In-person (if in Southern California area)Video call (Zoom/similar)Phone Call
Weekday morningsWeekday afternoonsWeekday eveningsWeekend morningsWeekend afternoonsWeekend evenings
Time Zone*
Student emailParent email
SECTION 12: ACKNOWLEDGMENTS & SIGNATURES

Student Acknowledgment: I understand that Culturekova Scholars is a rigorous, three-year commitment requiring cultural sensitivity, academic excellence, and personal growth. I commit to full participation in all program components including summer immersions and year-round virtual mentorship. I understand that acceptance into this program is highly selective and that I must maintain academic and behavioral standards throughout the three-year program.
Student Signature*
Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment: I support my child's application to Culturekova Scholars and understand the three-year commitment, financial investment, and travel requirements. I commit to supporting their participation and understand that parents/guardians are responsible for international flights, travel insurance, visa fees, and personal expenses.
Parent Signature*
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Completed all sections of this application formPrepared all essay responses in a separate PDF document (filename: "YourName_Culturekova_Scholars_Essays.pdf")Provided reference contact information (references will be contacted directly)Verified passport validity (must not expire until March 2027 or later with four blank pages)Included parent/guardian signatures
IMPORTANT: SOLO TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Students must be comfortable with independent international travel, including:
- Navigating airports independently during potentially long layovers
- Managing flight connections and potential delays
- Handling travel documents and customs procedures alone
Students will NOT be chaperoned on flights to and from Nepal unless traveling with their own adult chaperone. We can assist in coordinating travel arrangements for students to potentially travel together when possible, but each student must be capable of solo international travel.

Culturekova Scholars: Where Elite Education meets Real-World Impact

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