Summer 2010

The Center for African Studies invites applications for the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships for African Language for the summer term, 2009. Pending funding from the U.S. Department of Education , the Center anticipates awarding fellowships for the intensive study of an African language. The Center for African Studies at the University of Illinois works in conjunction with other African Studies units nationwide to offer African language courses during the summer. Each university offers different languages during the summer, but students must attend the designated summer language cooperative (SCALI) if the language is offered there. Tutorials are not available. Recipients of the fellowship sometimes must attend another university for the summer language program and therefore, fellowships awarded by UIUC's Center apply to language study at the designated university. The SCALI will be offered at Michigan State University and a list of their language courses is available on their SCALI website . The course of study at other institutions must meet federal requirements. Upon approval, recipients may participate in language programs in Africa. Approval is granted for study abroad only if equivalent language training is not available in the United States and only if it meets the requirements set by the U. S. Department of Education (see guidelines for further information).

ELIGIBILITY

Candidates must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States, hold a bachelor's degree at the time graduate study is to begin and be admitted to a graduate program at a university. Languages available are subject to approval by the Department of Education. Students not currently enrolled at the university should inform the Center for African Studies and their disciplinary department of their intent to apply for this competition. Requirements set forth by the federal government must be met in order to qualify.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Applications are available on the FLAS web site (link directly to the application information )

2. Students applying for both academic year and summer FLAS Fellowships need to submit two statements of purpose specifically addressing the course of study and the time frame, as well as two cover sheets.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Applications will be evaluated based on academic performance and potential, and Africanist interest. The following criteria are used:

1. Academic achievement and potential as indicated by GRE score, GPA and letters of recommendations
2. Area commitment as reflected in transcripts and statement of purpose

Strong applications will explain the contribution of language study to the applicant's long-term research or career objectives. The selection committee utilizes a point-based evaluation form that awards points based on (1) and (2) above. Additional points can be awarded if:

• The applicant is in a professional school and/or plans to enter government service
• The applicant is seeking support for language training at the advanced level (year three and above)
• The applicant is from an under-represented group

Strong applications will explain the contribution of language study to the applicant's long-term research or career objectives and justify the need for summer language training in the applicant's academic program. Applications from other universities will be accepted, but priority will be given to UIUC students.

Send applications to:

FLAS Committee
Center for African Studies
210 International Studies Building
910 S. Fifth Street
Champaign, IL 61820

DEADLINE FOR SUMMER FLAS IS FEBRUARY 13, 2010