Summer Language Study Program

• This award is intended to support students engaged in Bowdoin's language learning programs. Therefore, applicants are expected to have studied the particular language during at least one semester at Bowdoin.

• Preference will be given to students who have declared or will declare a major in that language department or program (or a minor, if a major does not exist).

• As stated above, this award is designed to support students on financial aid for whom such an opportunity would contribute significantly to their academic and professional trajectory, and for whom the opportunity would be impossible without this support.

• Applicants must select a rigorous summer program for a language taught at Bowdoin and approved by their Bowdoin language department/program. Programs may be in-person, virtual, or hybrid, but should offer a minimum of 120 hours of instruction in the language (~20 hours per week over 6 weeks). Preference will be given to accredited programs and programs with more hours of instruction. 

• Students must apply separately to the language program they hope to pursue. With the goal of funding as many proposals as possible, students are encouraged (when possible) to request an application fee waiver and apply for program scholarships. If a program requires an application fee or an enrollment deposit prior to a student receiving the Summer Language Study Award, the College will reimburse the student for those costs in the post-award process.

• Before submitting their application to Bowdoin, students are responsible for researching any relevant visa processes to ensure their ability to participate in their selected program. 

• By accepting a Summer Language Study Award, the student commits to continuing their study of the language at Bowdoin or through study abroad throughout the academic year. Prior to applying, students should discuss with their faculty mentor which fall and spring courses they should register for.

Additional details and instructions regarding each of the following application components will be provided within the online application.

• Online application (see "How to Apply" above) that includes information about you, your faculty mentor, and your summer language program details. You will also be asked to consent to the Office of Student Fellowships and Research requesting an academic and disciplinary standing check with the Office of the Registrar and the Office of the Dean of Students.

• Unofficial academic transcript

• Statement of Purpose essay (one-page, single-spaced) articulating your academic and professional interest in the language and reasons for pursuing the particular language program now.

• Summer Language Study Program budget form. Please see additional information under "Budget Guidance" below.

• One letter of recommendation from a Bowdoin faculty member in the relevant language and literatures department or program emailed as a PDF to Gina Pappas (gpappas@bowdoin.edu).

Please keep the following in mind when completing your Summer Language Study Program budget form:

• You are expected to reference your selected program's website regarding program costs and estimated personal expenses. If the program has not provided an estimate for a particular line item on the budget form, please contact your program to request an estimate.
• If your program is unable to provide an estimate for a particular line item, please use a reasonable amount appropriate for a student budget and describe on your form how you researched this cost.
• The award will fund round-trip transportation from Bowdoin (or your hometown) to your program site and back. In some rare instances, exceptions may be made for students studying off-campus prior to or after their summer program.
• If selected, your proposed budget will be your final award amount. Exceptions will only be made to adjust for any additional funding you have secured or increases to certain expenses beyond your control (e.g., tuition, program fees, round-trip airfare). You should, therefore, thoroughly and carefully complete your budget form.

• Before applying, applicants should consult with their faculty mentor about the possibility of receiving transfer credit for their summer study, if desired. 

• Transfer credit for each course must be approved conditionally through the process outlined on the Office of the Registrar’s webpage. (Reminder: Bowdoin only transfers credits from programs affiliated with accredited colleges and universities.) 

Summer Language Study Program awardees must submit a one-page final report to the Office of Student Fellowships and Research and to their faculty mentor. This report may be posted on language department/programs' websites and the Student Fellowships and Research website and may be shared with donors of the award. The report includes details about the program along with a narrative about how the experience has furthered the awardee's education, influenced their cultural outlook, and/or enhanced their linguistic knowledge, and how the knowledge and insight gained will inform their coursework in the language during the next academic year.