Three Students to Spend Summer Studying 'Critical' Languages

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Three University of Arkansas students have received scholarships from the U.S. Department of State to study languages this summer as part of the Critical Language Scholarship program. The program is designed to address America’s critical need for students who are knowledgeable about the languages and cultures of a broad range of foreign countries, from Chinese and Russian to Indonesian and Urdu. 

Nathan Falls of Conway, a chemistry and history major in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, will study Azerbaijani in Azerbaijan. 

John Huber of Fayetteville, a German major in Fulbright College, will study Arabic in Morocco.

Saba Naseem of Fayetteville, a journalism, Middle East studies and French major in Fulbright College, will study Arabic in Jordan.

These students are among more than 5,200 who applied for the Critical Language Scholarships. They will spend seven to 10 weeks in intensive language study this summer and also take part in structured cultural enrichment experiences. Students in the program are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship and apply their language skills in their future professional careers. 

The Critical Language Scholarship program is one of many academic and professional exchange programs supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to promote mutual understanding and respect between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The program is administered by the Council of American Overseas Research Centers and the American Councils for International Education.