West Virginia University students interested in expanding their foreign language skills while experiencing a different culture first-hand are encouraged to explore overseas study this summer.
The U.S. Department of State and the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC) have scholarships available for an intensive overseas summer study program.
Students at the beginner, intermediate or advanced level may apply to study languages in foreign lands such as Arabic, Hindi, Turkish and more.
These new scholarships can open doors for WVU students and those who may not have an opportunity to study abroad,said George Lies, special programs coordinator for WVU ’s Office of International Programs.This federal program ties in nicely with WVU ’s efforts at making a college degree a well-rounded experience.
The programs range from six to 11 weeks in length beginning in early to mid-June. The scholarships include travel between the student’s hometown and a pre-departure orientation in Washington , D.C; travel to the program location; room, board and travel within the desired country. University level credit may be available.
Language scholarships are critical for one to understand cultures and people of countries that are highly important to U.S. policy,said Lies, who speaks Spanish and Portuguese and has traveled to Mexico and Brazil .
The awards are part of the National Security Language Initiative (NSLI), a U.S. government interagency effort to expand the number of Americans studying critical need foreign languages. The funding will be provided by the Department of State Critical Language Scholarships for U.S. citizen undergraduates, master’s and Ph.D. students.
Applicants from all disciplines are encouraged to apply including business, engineering, science and humanities. Undergraduate students must have completed at least one year of coursework by the start of the program.
The program is sponsored by the U. S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is administered by the Council of American Overseas Research Centers.
For more information, including a complete list of the programs offered and applications, visithttp://www.caorc.orgDeadlines vary by program.