TESL minor students wins the Critical Language scholarship to study abroad

Sydney Michael, a junior in the  Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) minor, received the prestigious Critical Language Scholarship. The award offers students the opportunity to take part in intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences abroad as part of a wider government initiative to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering foreign languages that are critical to national security and economic prosperity. The scholarship is highly competitive, with less than ten percent of applicants accepted.

Michael, an Asian Languages and Literature major, will use the scholarship to study Japanese for eight to ten weeks in the environmentally conscious town of Hikone.

“I’m hoping this experience abroad in a society that differs from American society will help me develop my intercultural competence and allow me to become a better global citizen in today’s hyper-connected world,” Michael says.

She credits her coursework for preparing her to study abroad, especially CI 3613 which focuses on intercultural communications. “Much of what I’ve learned from class has positively impacted my life as a language learner, improved my communicative competence, and generally prepared me to live a fulfilling life as a global citizen.”

Learn more about the Second Language Education programs in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.