Scholarships

Majors in foreign languages are eligible for a variety of yearly scholarships awarded on a yearly basis. These include: 1) Bobbie King Memorial Scholarships, 2) Ruth Carman Scholarships, 3) the Dr. Luis Clay-Méndez Memorial Scholarship, 4) the Richard Crouse Memorial Scholarship (for Spanish majors), 6) Don and Pam Sundheim Study Abroad Scholarship and 7)alumni-supported Study Abroad scholarships.

The Department Scholarship Committee will decide which fund is most appropriate given the availability of funds and the information you provide on your application.

The following basic criteria will be applied to applications. Applicants must have:

• declared a major in Foreign Languages;
• completed 2 upper-division courses (3000 or above);
• cumulative GPA of 3.5 overall;
• cumulative GPA. of 3.7 or better in the major (calculated to include all courses taken in the language of concentration; FLE courses are not to be included);
• Junior or Senior status after the close of the term in which the scholarship is awarded;
• at least one semester of study left after the award is made;
• promoted or participated in campus Foreign Language activities (e.g. language clubs, tutoring, Latino Heritage Month Celebration, French Week, Foreign languages Week, etc.).
  
  All criteria will be interpreted according to the discretion of the Department Scholarship Committee. In judging a scholarship candidate, the Committee will consider a student’s potential for making a contribution in the area of Foreign Languages as well as evidence of academic achievement, responsible character, sense of purpose, growth, and participation in departmental activities. Significant contribution to foreign languages or the department may be a deciding factor, if all other criteria are judged equal.
  
  Students wishing to apply should click on the application links above or request a Scholarship application from:
  
  Stephen A. Canfield, Chair
  Dept. of Foreign Languages
  Eastern Illinois University
  600 Lincoln Avenue
  Charleston, IL 61920
  sacanfield@eiu.edu
  (217) 581-3021

Ruth Carman Scholarship
Dr. Luis F. Clay-Méndez Scholarship
Richard L. Crouse Memorial Scholarship
Bobbie King Memorial Scholarship
Don and Pam Sundheim Study Abroad Scholarships
Study Abroad Scholarship

Scholarship applications are due in Coleman Hall 1159 no later than 3:30pm, Wednesday, March 19th, 2008.

In addition to aid available through Eastern's Financial Aid Office, the Department of Foreign Languages generally awards scholarships annually to Foreign Language majors from six different scholarship funds:

Ruth Carman Scholarship
Established in memory of Ruth Carman, former professor of foreign languages at Eastern from 1914 to 1953, this award is presented annually to an outstanding student in foreign languages. Ruth Carman application

Dr. Luis F. Clay-Méndez Scholarship
The Department of Foreign Languages established a fund to endow a scholarship for Spanish students in memory of Luis Clay-Méndez, distinguished professor of Spanish. The recipient must have a declared major in Spanish with Teacher Certification.  Applicants must provide a written statement of why he/she is deserving of the award and how he/she exemplifies the qualities and attributes of Dr. Luis Clay-Méndez, such as positive attitude, outgoing spirit and willingness to go beyond average expectations. Luis Clay-Méndez application

Richard L. Crouse Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1997 by family and friends of Richard Crouse, this scholarship is awarded to a full-time sophomore, junior or senior, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in Spanish. The recipient must have a keen interest in Spanish as demonstrated by extra-curricular activities and classroom excellence and enthusiasm. The award must be used to cover academic costs, which includes study abroad programs whose primary purpose is to improve proficiency in Spanish. Richard Crouse application

Bobbie King Memorial Scholarship
Established in 1966 by Mr. and Mrs. Karl King of Charleston, Ill., in memory of their daughter, this award is presented annually to a junior or senior demonstrating outstanding achievement in the study of foreign languages. Bobbie King Memorial application

Don and Pam Sundheim Study Abroad Scholarships
Upon their retirement from the University in June 2005, Don and Pam Sundheim established these scholarships to support Eastern Illinois University students majoring in any foreign language who wish to study their target language abroad at some time during their junior or senior year. Don and Pam Sundheim application

Study Abroad Scholarship
In addition to the scholarship funds listed above, the Department also accepts applications for scholarship funds specifically for Study Abroad. These funds are available through the generosity of our alumni. Depending on availability of funds, three or more awards of $500 will be distributed.  At the discretion of the Scholarship Committee, these awards may be made separately or in addition to other awards.  Preference will be given to students who have not previously had the opportunity to study abroad. Study Abroad application 

When applying for scholarship aid, you do not need to specify which award you are seeking.

Scholarships will be awarded in varying amounts depending on the number of scholarships awarded and funds available for distribution. Generally, the awards will be no less than $250 and no more than $1,500 in any one year.

Unless special arrangements are made in advance, awards will not be distributed until after the second week of the Fall semester following a candidate’s selection. Students who do not return to EIU or enroll in an approved study abroad program in the Fall will forfeit the award.

Scholarship winners are expected to perform some service for the department during the academic year following receipt of the award. This service may take the form of unpaid tutoring, helping with the language clubs, honor societies, fund-raising, or some other appropriate service in or for the department. Those who do not fulfill this requirement will be ineligible for further departmental aid.

In addition to the scholarship funds listed above, the Department also accepts applications for scholarship funds specifically reserved for Study Abroad. These funds are available through the generosity of our alumni. Depending on availability of funds, up to 3 awards of $500 (one each for a student of French, German or Spanish) will be distributed. Students wishing to be considered for these awards should specifically state this desire on the application form. Criteria for these awards are the same as all other scholarships in the Department. At the discretion of the Scholarship Committee, these awards may be made separately or in addition to other awards. Preference will be given to students who have not previously had the opportunity to study abroad