UC International Programs Announces Intensive Language Study Grants

UC International Programs and McMicken College have recently announced the first two recipients of the Intensive Language Study Grant. Granville Thompson and Stephen Norman have both been awarded $2000 for immersive language study in China this summer. Thompson will be studying at the Xi’an International Studies University in the city of Xi’an, while Norman will spend time at the Academy of Foreign Language Study in Beijing before heading to the Jiangxi Province to teach English in a rural school.

The grant is a result of a UC|21 initiative to encourage students to study intensive languages in less commonly traveled countries. Students enrolled in intensive Chinese, Arabic, Turkish or Persian language programs can apply for a $1500 award. The grants received by Thompson and Norman were both enhanced by McMicken College, which contributed an additional $500.

Susan Bacon, director of UC International Programs, explains that this grant program will encourage students to consider studies in areas of the world that are currently under-served, such as Asia and the Middle East. "We hope to offer the award once per year," she explains, "which would allow students to study in an intensive summer language program. This will encourage students in Asian Studies and Middle Eastern Studies to get a head start on the language requirements for their major, minor or certificate."

Dean Gould, who also recently visited China, has pledged McMicken’s support for up to 20 Intensive Language Study Grants for A&S students next year. The application process is now handled entirely online. UC International Programs encourages all grant applicants to set a time to meet with an International Programs advisor before beginning the application process.

For additional information on the various grant opportunities available, please visit the

UC International Programs website

.