Watson Fellowship
The mission of the Thomas J. Watson Fellowship Program is to offer college graduates of unusual promise a year of independent, purposeful exploration and travel — in international settings new to them — to enhance their capacity for resourcefulness, imagination, openness, and leadership and to foster their humane and effective participation in the world community.
The philosophy behind the Watson Fellowship is to remove oneself from the comfort and stability of Home, exploring the world selectively in pursuit of one’s passion, and discovering along the way one’s potential for humane and effective participation in the world community.
The Watson journey is a “solo” experience, to be lived independently but shared broadly with humanity. This is the “Spirit of the Watson.”
The Watson Fellowship program is most concerned with holistically identifying individuals who demonstrate leadership, resourcefulness, imagination or vision, independence, integrity, responsibility and emotional maturity, and courage.
A candidate's academic record, while not of primary importance, is also considered, together with those extracurricular activities that reflect both initiative and dedication.
Initial Bowdoin Deadline:
early September
Campus Interview:
mid-September
Bowdoin Final Deadline:
early November
Campus Contact: Corey Colwill
*Information derived from
Our overview and conversation with current Watson Fellows Radu “Stoc” Stochita ’22 and Mary Nzeyimana ’22 can be viewed here!
Please be reminded that Bowdoin’s Honor Code applies to the fellowship application process.
