World Languages & Cultures Scholarships
The Department of World Languages and Cultures at UMD strongly encourages students to take advantage of opportunities to travel, study and immerse themselves in a culture where the language is spoken. By doing so, they expand not only their language skills, but their cultural competence and their world view. Generous donors have provided scholarships to help make this possible. To be eligible, you must study in a program approved by the University, and you must have a declared major, or in some cases a minor, in the appropriate language. There is also a need-based scholarship available to help with expenses while studying on campus (FAFSA required).
If you are eligible for any of these scholarships, you will be notified in January. Please watch for this email and be sure you apply for any scholarships for which you are eligible by the deadline stated in the email. Also be sure to respond to any additional questionnaires you may receive for certain scholarships.
If you believe you may fit the criteria for any scholarship for which you have not received notification, please reach out to your WLC advisor or email [email protected].
Apply for Scholarships and Awards
Need-based Scholarship:
The Alayne and Charles Berkins Scholarship serves undergraduate students with declared majors in Spanish Studies/Hispanic Studies, Latin American Studies, German Studies or French Studies in the department.
This scholarship is to be used for tuition, books, fees and/or other related educational expenses while attending UMD. The scholarship will be awarded to one to three students for use in the junior or senior year and it will be based on a) scholastic merit and b) need. This scholarship will be at least $2,000 split between fall and spring terms. The student must have a 3.0 GPA in their language program courses and a 2.75 GPA overall, at the time of application and during the time of the scholarship. The award will be contingent upon the required GPAs being maintained after Spring grades have been posted. Students may receive this award up to two times.
Study Abroad Scholarships:
- A. The Angela Marinelli Scholarship is for declared majors in French Studies, Spanish Studies/Hispanic Studies or Latin American Studies. The Marinelli award carries a stipend of at least $1,500 and requires that a student spend at least six weeks in a country where the language being studied is the native language. This award is for use during the student's Junior or Senior year. One to three people are awarded this scholarship.
- B. The Frances A. Knobloch Scholarship is for declared majors or minors of French Studies, German Studies, Chinese Area Studies, Latin American Studies and/or Spanish Studies/Hispanic Studies. This award carries a stipend of $1,500. This award requires that the language studied during the study abroad trip be the one of the official languages of that host country. This award is for use during the student's Junior or Senior year. One to three people are awarded this scholarship.
- C. The Friends of Milan Kovacovic Scholarship is for declared majors or minors in French Studies. This award carries a stipend of at least $1,500. This award requires that a student spend at least 4 weeks in a French-speaking country. This award is for use during the student's Junior or Senior year. One to two people are awarded this scholarship.
Academic Scholarships With Preference For Study Abroad:
Students with a strong academic record are eligible to apply for these scholarships whether or not they are going abroad, although preference will be given when possible to those planning to study abroad in an approved program.
- A. The Jonathan B. Conant Scholarship is for declared majors or minors in German Studies, and carries a stipend of $1,500. One person is awarded this scholarship.
- B. The Arnoldo and Neva Hax Scholarship in German Studies is for students enrolled in the college studying in the area of German Studies. Preference may be given to those who have a declared major in German Studies or to those participating in approved study abroad programs related to German Studies. Students must demonstrate academic merit. The award is $1,500 and will be given to one student.
Important Notes About Scholarships:
- Students who plan to study abroad should also contact the STUDY ABROAD office to learn about additional scholarships that may be available.
- Students who participate in programs not-affiliated with the university must follow UMD processes in order to be eligible for credit and scholarships. Be sure to consult with the Study Abroad office before committing to a program.
- You should be aware that scholarships may be applied toward your existing financial aid package rather than increasing it. More information about how scholarships may affect your financial aid.
- Not all scholarships listed are awarded every year, and this list is subject to change at any time. The number of scholarship awards and amounts may vary based on donor guidelines, eligibility of applicants, and available funds.
External Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunity:
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
This scholarship from the U.S. State Department aims to make study abroad more affordable for students with limited financial means. Students who receive Pell Grants may be eligible to apply.