Note: The 2008 application deadline for this scholarship program has passed. Finalists have been selected. All applicants have received either a phone call or email with an update on their scholarship status.
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.
The Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is sponsoring this program. 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. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required. 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! Also read what
students say about this program.
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. Click to read frequently asked questions.
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 recommendation 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. You will also need to 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 21. 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.
For more information, please call 1-800-AFS-INFO or email ArabicSLI@afs.org.
