Arabic Summer Language Institute

From AFSWiki

Proposed merge... It has been suggested that this article be merged with Summer Language Institute.

Here is the timeline of the 2008 application and review process:

February:

• February 20: Announce scholarship to volunteers
• February 22: Announce scholarship opportunity externally

April:

• April 4: Full applications, with all supplemental documents (recommendation, essays, & plan to continue Arabic studies) must be received in Admissions
• April 15: Admissions sends packets to volunteer evaluators (along with evaluation criteria, instructions, etc)
• April 21: Interview deadline
• April 24: Scores due to Sponsored Programs
• April 28: Finalists announced

May:

• May 5: Finalists confirm or decline participation in the scholarship program
• May 12: Alternates are informed of their final status

Resources:

• A flyer with basic information to use as handouts or to email to prospective applicants.
• A testimonial flyer with quote from students who went on the program.
• A recommendation form for the nominator

The following was posted on the AFS-USA website on Feb 22nd, including a link from the homepage highlights.

Scholarships to study Arabic in Egypt this summer!

Did you know that Arabic is considered the most difficult language for native English speakers to learn? Are you up for the challenge? If so, you could win a full scholarship to get started this summer!

AFS-USA is seeking applications from outstanding high school students to spend six weeks studying Arabic in Egypt this summer. Pending funding, AFS Intercultural Programs will offer 30 full-tuition scholarships to attend intensive beginning-level Arabic classes while living with an Egyptian host family and experiencing daily life in Egypt. This program is for students who show an ability to communicate with diverse groups of people, who demonstrate a commitment to learning Arabic, and who demonstrate the flexibility to excel as a representative of the United States.

Who is eligible?

Eligible students are 15-18 years old at the time of departure on July 1, 2008, and have little previous exposure to Egyptian culture. Successful applicants have had fewer than two years of high school level Arabic instruction (or equivalent) and are committed to continuing to study Arabic after returning to the United States. AFS-USA is seeking young men and women from all over the country for this opportunity!

What to expect:

Expect to spend your summer learning Arabic in Egypt!...and here are a few more details:

Program Dates: June 28 – August 10

While in Egypt, the students will be briefed by officials from the U.S. Embassy in Cairo. Students will participate in an orientation program both prior to departure and upon arrival in Egypt, as well as a debriefing at the close of the program. Scholarship recipients are expected to take an active part in all pre-departure preparations and post-program surveys. In addition to the intensive language program, students will have opportunities to interact with Egyptian parliamentarians, educators, and leaders. Excursions to important historical sites will help bring Egypt into its extraordinary historical perspective. By far the most rare and important opportunity participants in this program will have is the chance to live with an Egyptian host family and learn about Egyptian society from within.

What the scholarship covers:

The scholarship covers the international airfare, secondary medical coverage, orientation, and on-program tuition and accommodations. The normal AFS application fee of $75 will apply. Domestic airfare, cost of travel documents, and spending money are not included in this special scholarship.

How to apply:

In order to be considered for the Egyptian Summer Language Institute Scholarship, AFS must receive your complete application by Friday, April 4, 2008. A complete application includes:

• 1. A recommendation for this scholarship from a teacher, counselor, mentor or any adult who is not related to you. Click for a fillable recommendation form or a PDF version of the form.
• 2. The full application to go abroad with AFS. You must also submit AFS’s preliminary application (including the required $75 application fee) anytime before the deadline via phone or web. You can mail a copy with the rest of your application; however, we encourage you to submit the preliminary application right away so we can keep you informed about any important scholarship updates while you work on your full application.
• 3. Answers to these three essay questions in 400 words or less per question.
  • What do you hope to gain from the experience of living with an Egyptian host family?
  • Describe how you have successfully handled a cross-cultural challenge, either in the US or abroad.
  • Why is studying Arabic important to you?
• 4. A one-page action plan detailing how you will continue to study Arabic for twelve months after your return from Egypt.
• 5. Submit a photocopy of your valid passport.

Applications with missing materials (including the $75 application fee) will not be considered. Applicants are also required to have an interview with an AFS Volunteer by April 4th. Further information will be provided to applicants.

Please keep in mind that AFS is looking for applicants who demonstrate open-mindedness, curiosity, positive and realistic expectations, and a commitment to studying Arabic.

Scholarship winners will be contacted by April 28, 2008.