Interest in study abroad and learning foreign languages is increasing among college and university students around the world. So why is it that most students enrolled at HBCU's have not recognized the need to become more glabally astute. The federal government is funding a variety of programs to increase the number of American students seeking to learn languages and about different regions of the world. Why? Lessons learned from September 11! Our government needs employees who have global competencies.
The Department of State, for example, was funded to hire almost 8000 foreign service officers. They are especially interested in professionals who have been out of school and have some experience. It is providing funding for Fulbright Awards (English teaching assistants, research and graduate study)! There is the National Security Education Program Boren fellowships and scholarships! There are Gilman Study Abroad Scholarships. However, our HBCU students are not applying!
Most of these opportunities require submitting an application. The personal statement and references generally determine who will receive an award. Yes, one needs to have the ability to communicate! You don't need a 4.0 or 3.5, but you do need to have a handle on good grammar and the ability to pass a background check!
Posted By: Myra Walton
Wednesday, August 4th 2010 at 4:35PM
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