Scholarship offers opportunity for foreign language study

    by Mary Barrera

    South Campus student Joshua Key studied in the Czech Republic for one semester with a $5,000 scholarship.

    "The scholarship is available to encourage Americans to learn about other countries and other languages," he said.

    The David L. Boren undergraduate scholarship, offered by the Institute of International Education's National Security Education Program, awards financial aid up to $20,000 per academic year.

    The minimum awards are $2,500 for summer, $4,000 for one semester or $6,000 for one year. Some students received $20,000, Key said.

    Study abroad scholarships are available to students interested in studying in countries whose languages are not commonly taught in U.S. institutions.

    Languages emphasized include Arabic, Hungarian, Japanese, Russian, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.

    National security agencies such as the CIA and NSA want people with experience living abroad, Key said.

    "Studying in Prague changed me as a person. I am more self-reliant," he said.

    Key plans to return to the Czech Republic and make it his home.

    "It's hard to live here after being there. There are too many strip malls and shows like Jerry Springer. In Prague, you don't have a lot, but what you have is really good," he said.

    After studying abroad, students are required to work for a government agency for one year. It is a good stepping-stone for a career, Key said.

    "Translators in Arabic are needed now. It's a good way to get a government job," he said.

    Applicants for the Boren scholarship must be U.S. citizens at the time of application, be enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution and plan to use the scholarship for the study abroad program before graduation.

    Application deadline is Friday, Feb. 14. Applications are available on the South Campus from Floreen Henry (FAC 140) or online at www.iie.org.

    For more information, call Henry at 817-515-4628.