Immersion Language Grants (ILG)
Immersion Language Grants support the intensive and experiential learning of foreign languages. During the summer of 2009, the Office of the Provost will award 10 Immersion Language Grants ($2,000 each) to help defray the costs of intensive language study, completed abroad or in the United States. Study programs must be at least six weeks in duration and provide a setting where the target language is predominantly spoken. ILGs are intended to enhance and facilitate on-going academic and professional training. All students who apply for a grant will be asked to describe in an essay statement how intensive language study will advance their overall undergraduate education.
Students cannot receive ILG funds to participate in language programs following graduation from Northwestern.
All applicants must make a clear and compelling argument for the ways in which language immersion will specifically help to achieve academic goals at Northwestern and future professional aims.
Preference will be given to the following categories of Northwestern undergraduates:
- Students who have completed the NU language requirement as well as some NU coursework in the target language and wish to attain advanced proficiency. For French, Spanish, German, and Italian language programs, students must have completed the intermediate level of language study.
- Students in NU schools without a language requirement (i.e., Music, McCormick) or whose coursework has made language acquisition difficult and wish to begin or continue language study.
- Students who have attained an advanced level and a proven facility in one language but wish to begin instruction in another language.
- Students who have completed the language requirement in their School and wish to study in a language not taught at Northwestern. Consult the Council on Language Instruction web site for a list of languages currently taught at NU.
Exceptions to the above preferences may be made for students who present compelling reasons in their application essay.
** ILGs cannot be used to support study in a country subject to a U.S. Department of State Travel Warning or other areas where personal safety may be an issue. If safety issues exist in a language learning locale, applicants need to address in the application proposal steps that will be taken to ensure personal safety.
Past ILG winners
Application Deadline:
Friday, January 29, 2010
(Grant winners will be notified via email from the Office of the Provost by March 5, 2010 )
Download application materials here.
For examples of Recommended Summer Intensive Language Programs, click here.
To select an appropriate summer intensive language program, students are encouraged to consult with their relevant language instructor and the Study Abroad Office.
If you wish to apply for an ILG to study on a program not included on the “recommended list,” consider whether your preferred program satisfies the following criteria:
- An “immersion” or “intensive” format and a structure to study and engage with the language approximately 3-5 hours/day, 4-5 days/week.
- A clearly defined curriculum or instruction plan for a significant proportion of those hours.
- Instructors with training or credentials in teaching (“conversation partner” activities or experience with untrained native speakers do not constitute the bulk of the program).
- A focus on the multiple modalities for language use (not just speaking/listening or writing/reading, but speaking, listening, reading AND writing).
For more information, contact:
Peter Civetta
Assistant to the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education
Email: immersion@northwestern.edu
Phone:
847-467-0499
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