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Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship

Summer 2010

Undergraduate Student Application (pdf)

Graduate Student Application (pdf)

Each year the Center for Southeast Asian Studies selects a number of qualified students for Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships (FLAS) funded by the U.S. Department of Education Title VI Program. 

The Summer FLAS fellowships provide for the study of Southeast Asian languages at any educational institution, including those in Southeast Asia, during the summer semester. Top priority will be given to students planning to study a language in a Southeast Asian country.

In reviewing applications, the Fellowships Committee will currently give consideration to the following criteria (not inclusive and not in order):

  • Location of the language program. (Top priority will be given to eligible students planning to study a Southeast Asian language in a Southeast Asian country.)
  • Degree to which the applicant has taken Southeast Asian area courses in his/her major field as well as courses in other departments.
  • Clarity of the applicant’s need for language training and how this language will be used.
  • Level of language to be studied (priority will be given to intermediate or advanced level students).
  • Degree being sought.

 

We encourage applications from students at all levels, but some priority will be given to students with a commitment to a career in government service, e.g., translation, diplomatic, foreign service, international trade, security, cultural attaché, Peace Corps, or other positions within the federal government.

Requirements for Application

  • Applicants must be citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the U.S.
  • Applicants seeking a FLAS award to study in SEA must have already completed first year instruction in the language of their choice.
  • Graduate applicants must be accepted by the Graduate School, Northern Illinois University and must demonstrate their commitment to the study and the need for one of the offered Southeast Asian languages as part of their total program.
  • Undergraduate must be enrolled at NIU and must be able to discuss how the study of a Southeast Asian language fits into their academic plans.

 

Required Application Materials
to be received by CSEAS by 4:30 p.m. on April 30, 2010

  • Official application form (click on application forms at the top of this page)
  • Transcripts showing degree(s) granted and/or in process
  • For graduate students: GRE, LSAT or GMAT scores, if applicable
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Two letters of recommendation from those in a position to evaluate your academic credentials. There is not a required form for these letters of recommendation. The letter should be addressed to the FLAS Fellowships Committee.
  • Language reference form (pdf)
  • Statement of purpose explaining your previous language learning experiences, both formal and informal, and how you intend to use the language you plan to study
  • Application checklist and certification
  • Written proof of acceptance into a language program in Southeast Asia approved by the appropriate NIU language instructor of that language program

NOTE: Photocopies of transcripts, letters of recommendation, or test scores will be accepted for the FLAS Fellowship application. However, these copies must come directly from the Graduate School and/or your academic department. Copies from the applicant will not be accepted. Transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores can come separately from your other application materials, but please be sure that all required materials are received by CSEAS by the deadline.

Award Provisions and Reporting Requirements of Fellows

  • Summer FLAS awards are expected to provide a stipend of $2,500 and payment of regular class fees for the summer. In addition, a FLAS fellow’s tuition at a Southeast Asia language program will be paid (up to $4,000). The costs for materials and/or lab fees are the responsibility of the student.
  • Summer FLAS fellowship recipients at the intermediate level (Year 2)  must register for a minimum of 140 hours in their selected Southeast Asian language program. A fellowship recipient at the advanced level (Year 3 and above) must register for a minimum of 120 hours in their selected Southeast Asian language program.
  • A summer fellowship award is meant for intense language study only.  Students should not enroll in any area studies courses or in any non-language course.
  • A fellowship recipient must inform the Center of any change in his/her program of study or academic status.
  • A fellowship recipient is strongly encouraged to participate in extra-curricular events sponsored by the Center as well as the Southeast Asia Club during the academic year.
  • A fellowship recipient must submit to the U.S. Department of Education a final, on-line report at the end of his/her fellowship tenure. Each recipient will receive an email notice when the form is available for completing.

 

RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED MATERIALS BY APRIL 30, 2010.

Center for Southeast Asian Studies
Northern Illinois University
520 College View Court
DeKalb, IL 60115
Tel. (815) 753-1771
Email: cseas@niu.edu

A federally funded National Resource Center since 1997, the Center for Southeast Asian Studies provides leadership, focus, and coordination for Southeast Asian studies at the university.