Modern Language Scholarships
(Chinese, French, German and Japanese)

The Modern Language Scholarship deadline has passed for fall 2012 freshmen.

If you are a freshman entering in fall 2013, online applications for these scholarships will be available in late October 2012. Sign up now to receive more information about Carthage's Modern Language Scholarships.

The Modern Language Scholarship Application
(Chinese, French, German and Japanese)

One Chinese, two French, two German, and one Japanese language scholarship each cover $20,000 per year and may incorporate all Carthage assistance. (Applicants with strong interest in more than one language may apply for a maximum of one Western and one Asian language.) After the initial year, the scholarship may be renewed for three consecutive years as long as the student maintains a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

To apply for this scholarship, you must:

1. Submit your application for admission and supporting materials to Carthage, postmarked or submitted online by December 3, 2011.
2. Complete at least three years of French or German in high school. For Chinese and Japanese competitors, no previous language experience is required.
3. Complete and return the Modern Language Scholarship Application postmarked or submitted online by December 3, 2011.
4. Have your high school Chinese, French, German or Japanese teacher submit the required teacher recommendation. (For Chinese and Japanese, if you have not formally studied the language in school, the teacher recommendation can be omitted.)
5. Major in Chinese, French, German or Japanese 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 2012. Successful candidates and their families will be invited to an on-campus program taking place on Friday, February 17, 2012, during which time the French and/or German candidates will participate in the second round of Modern Language competition, which includes a written component and an interview with faculty members in the target language. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in French or German, and your knowledge of the target culture.

Candidates for Chinese and Japanese will be interviewed by the faculty and will write a short composition in English, Chinese or Japanese. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your interest, motivation and skills, if applicable, in Chinese or Japanese languages and cultures.

(Alternative arrangements may be made for students spending their senior year abroad.)

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.
4. Apply your new knowledge in a variety of academic and personal settings.

Carthage offers majors and minors in Chinese, French, German, Japanese and Spanish, and courses in Latin and Ancient Greek. All modern language 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, Spain, and Japan, combine to create a lively and engaging learning experience at Carthage.

A Chinese major, French major, German major or Japanese 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.

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

Chinese majors have choices to study abroad in major cities in China. Carthage students have enjoyed opportunities to pursue their cultural and language studies at Beijing Language and Culture University, Harbin University, Hangzhou University, and Sichuan University, among others. They live in dorms on campus and participate in guided excursions to cultural and historical sites. Some of them obtain an English teaching position while studying in China. The cultural and linguistic exposure and immersion in China are pedagogically designed and geared toward students' specific interests.

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 d '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.

Japanese majors studying abroad have similar opportunities to Chinese majors. Additionally, for more than a decade Carthage has established a long-term student exchange program with Tokyo Gakugei University, which allows students to compete and win scholarships from Carthage and the Japanese government. Every year up to three Carthage students are sent to Gakugei. They either stay with host families or opt for international student housing. Students also have choices to go to various colleges and universities located in Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama and Kobe in Japan.

Modern Language:

Scholarships
Scholarship Application
Programs
Majors
Study Abroad