If I may, I would like to ask the forum's assistance with a quite unique situation I am facing.

I am currently a senior in college and will be graduating in May. Following this upcoming summer, I will have obtained my CFI, CFII and MEI. I plan on instructing a year to hone my skills and knowledge prior to aggressively pursuing a regional gig at either XJT or Pinnacle.

While the upcoming year and a half of my plan is quite foreseeable, I am also interested in applying for a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. This scholarship is a great opportunity for any individual, however, it comes at a slight career cost for a future airline pilot.

This scholarship provides $23,000 for an academic year to study in a foreign country. I'm planning on Australia or New Zealand. There is a great amount of flexibility with the trip and I am working on establishing an aviation element to my stay "down under" to give myself a greater perspective on the industry.

While this scholarship would be an excellent cultural experience, this would require me delaying my aviation career for up to a year, therefore reducing my climb up the seniority ladder.

Having said that, my big question is this:

Is it possible for a regional airline pilot to obtain a leave of some kind to pursue this type of experience? I certainly don't expect to be compensated during the time that I'm gone, but I am curious as to whether my seniority would be put on hold as well?

The main decision that I am faced with is this:

Will it benefit me in the long run to hold off on taking the scholarship until I've spent some time at an airline or should I go ahead and take my trip before applying?

I would hate for a company to feel like I was taking advantage of them and I'm trying to get the information well enough in advance to take advantage of this great opportunity in the best manner possible.

I greatly appreciate all of your help!