French/German Scholarship Application

The French/German Scholarship deadline has passed for fall 2008 freshmen.

If you are a freshman entering in fall 2009, online applications for these scholarships will be available in fall 2008. Sign up now to receive more information about Carthage's French and German Scholarships.

The French/German Scholarship Application

Two French and two German language scholarships each cover $17,000 per year and incorporate all Carthage assistance. After the initial year, the scholarship may be renewed for three consecutive years as long as the students maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

To apply for this scholarship, you must:

  1. Submit your complete application for admission to Carthage, postmarked by December 11, 2008.
  2. Complete at least three years of French or German in high school.
  3. Complete and return the French/German Scholarship Application postmarked by December 11, 2008.
  4. Have your high school French or German teacher submit the required teacher recommendation.
  5. Major in French or German at Carthage. (A double major in another subject area is acceptable and can be completed in four years).
The faculty of the modern language department will review your application, ACT/SAT scores, high school grades and teacher recommendation in determining candidates. Qualified applicants will be notified in early January 2009. Successful candidates and their families will be invited to campus in February 2009 during which time the candidates will participate in the second round of the French/German Scholarship competition, which includes a written component and an interview with faculty members. (Alternative arrangements may be made for students spending their senior year abroad.) You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in French or German, and your knowledge of the native culture.

The Modern Languages Program

Understanding the world today and anticipating changes in it are crucial elements of your education at Carthage. Learning another language can enrich your sensitivity to other cultures and prepare you to be a better, more responsive global citizen in the twenty-first century.

The modern languages department fosters a learning environment that encourages you to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in a modern language.
  2. Understand the cultural codes of a specific culture.
  3. Extend your awareness and knowledge of your first language and culture.

Carthage offers majors and minors in French, German, and Spanish, and courses in Chinese, Japanese, Latin, and Ancient Greek. All modern languages courses are taught in the language you are studying, so you learn to communicate your needs and express your thoughts effectively. Small classes promote a relaxed atmosphere where you'll feel comfortable using the target language in culturally appropriate ways.

The modern languages department is indeed a great place to be. A diverse group of students, a wonderful mix of faculty members, and Target Language Experts from China, Colombia, France, Germany, Mexico, Senegal, Spain, and Japan, combine to create a lively and engaging learning experience at Carthage.

The French and German Majors at Carthage

A French or German major will enable you to express yourself in everyday situations using only that language. Whether you are ordering food, relaxing in a cafe' with friends, giving a presentation, writing a paper, or keeping up with current events, you will be able to communicate on a sophisticated level. You may be granted up to twelve retroactive college credits for work already completed in high school language courses. Study abroad will further help you acquire a sophisticated level of communication.

Study Abroad

As a component of the major, you will take courses specifically intended to prepare you to study in France or Germany. Carthage language majors spend at least one semester, usually in the junior year, studying and living abroad.

A majority of French majors have chosen and enjoyed the program for foreign students at the Universite' de Caen in Normandy, France, less than two hours by train from Paris. This allows you to live with a French family, take weekend trips organized by the Centre de'Enseignement Universitaire International to such nearby sights as the Mont-Saint-Michel, the city of Rouen where Joan of Arc was burned, and Bayeux with its celebrated tapestry dating from the eleventh century. Students who have specific interests and goals may choose other programs.

German majors are able to choose a program that meets their specific needs. German majors have participated in programs that spend time in several cities: Berlin, Magdeburg, Heidelberg and Munich. As you live in dorms with both German and international students, you'll take courses ranging from linguistics to art history, and experience German language and culture on a daily basis.

Scholarship amounts for fall 2009 are subject to change.
Scholarships