UMD Rising Juniors Awarded U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarships

Two students of the University of Maryland College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences (CMNS) were awarded the U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) to study abroad during summer 2016. The competitive program provides fully funded, group-based intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences over a period of seven to 10 weeks.

Amanda Lee, a rising junior majoring in biological sciences with a specialization in physiology and neurobiology, will study Korean in Gwangju, South Korea.

“CLS is the perfect program because it allows me the opportunity to reconnect with my heritage as well as develop cross-cultural competency, something that I think is important and applicable in any career path,” says Lee, who intends to pursue medical school and believes a shared language can be critical in putting patients at ease.

Lee, who completed the First-Year Innovation & Research Experience (FIRE) as a member of the Found in Translation team, is a member of the University Honors program and the Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity and serves as the global communications officer of UMD’s chapter of SHARE (Supporting Hospitals Abroad with Resources and Equipment).

Sydney Robinson is a rising junior double majoring in physics and French. She will travel to Lucknow, India, to study Urdu, a language spoken in northern India and Pakistan. Robinson hopes to build new relationships, experience a new culture and connect with family members.

“I think the most important part of adapting to new cultures and situations is to ask questions and be open to whatever answers you may receive, even if they are not what you expected,” says Robinson.

With language skills in English, French and Urdu, Robinson hopes to facilitate a research and training exchange between students at the National Centre for Physics in Pakistan and students at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, headquartered in Switzerland.