FLAS FAQ

Academic Year

What is an Academic Year FLAS?

Academic Year FLAS awards are for graduate and professional school students to study modern foreign languages and related area or international studies. FLAS recipients receive full tuition, mandatory fees, and a stipend during the academic year fall and winter terms. FLAS awards cannot be deferred.

Can I use an Academic Year FLAS to fund my dissertation research abroad?

Under certain circumstances FLAS Awards can fund dissertation research and foreign language study abroad. Some centers may not accept applications for this purpose. Before a FLAS can be awarded for this purpose, the Center’s FLAS Program officer must approve the applicant’s program of study.

Summer

What is a Summer FLAS?

Summer FLAS awards are designed to support summer modern language study. These awards are given only for intensive language classes that teach the equivalent of a UIUC academic year language class. Authorization must be obtained in order to take a course not offered in an approved US-based institution. Summer FLAS awards are to be used during summer 2007 and cannot be deferred.

Do I need to identify a language program on my Summer FLAS application?

Yes. For courses taught at UIUC please indicate the course title and number. For programs outside of UIUC, please describe the summer program in detail. If awarded, you will need to provide evidence that the language program meets the following requirements:

• Beginning or intermediate levels: 140 contact hours of instruction, for minimum of six (6) weeks.
• Advance level: 120 contact hours of instruction, for a minimum of six (6) weeks.
• Tuition costs that do not exceed the tuition allowance ($4000), including approximately $500 in UIUC fees.

Can I study at the elementary level outside the United States?

Only if the course is not offered by an approved program in the United States.

Travel

Is there travel money available for summer FLAS?

In some cases, if funds are available, plane fare up to $1000 may be awarded if the applicant abides by the Fly America Act. Your FLAS coordinator will discuss the possibility of providing funds to cover plane fare with FLAS Fellows after awardees are notified.

I am enrolling in a program abroad. Why do you need information about my travel plans at least six weeks before my departure?

We are required by the U.S. Department of Education to request travel approval for all FLAS awardees traveling abroad. Requests submitted after this deadline might not be approved, in which case they can not be supported with FLAS funds. Travelers are advised not to make irrevocable travel arrangements prior to receiving the official approval.

What specific information do you need in order to process my travel approval request?

We will need date of departure, city and country of departure, date of arrival, city and country of arrival, air carrier(s) and flight numbers. We need detailed travel information about all legs of your trip (including connecting flights and cities).

Criteria

I am an undergraduate. Can I apply?

No. FLAS Fellowships cannot be implemented at the undergraduate level.

Can I take my language courses 'pass/fail' while on a FLAS?

No. The Department of Education requires that these courses be taken for a letter grade and the student must remain in "good standing".

Is someone with a green card eligible for a FLAS, or are FLAS awards only for U.S. citizens?

Permanent residents with green cards are eligible for FLAS.

What costs does FLAS cover?

FLAS awards cover tuition costs (regardless of residency) and, at Illinois, all non-refundable student fees.

If I accept a FLAS, can I still have a Graduate Appointment or campus employment?

Yes, FLAS Fellows may an additional University appointment concurrent with their fellowships (this includes hourly and assistantship appointments). Some Centers do restrict the percentage of appointment that a fellow may hold. Fellows may also work outside the University.

Procedures

Can I apply for both an Academic Year and Summer FLAS through the same Center? And, if so, do I need two separate applications, statements etc?

Yes, you can apply for both. No, you don’t need two application forms to apply to the SAME Center. One application is sufficient, but you should clearly describe in your statement why you plan to study a language during the academic year and summer and how this fits in with your overall education and/or career plans. Please note that some Centers require separate statements of purpose.

I am applying for FLAS awards from two different Centers. Must I submit separate application to each?

Yes, you will need to submit a full set of application materials to your academic department for each Center to which you are applying. Your department will submit the applications to each Center. If you do apply to more than one Center, please ensure that your letters and materials conform with each Center's FLAS priorities and program.

The Web site stated that I should check to see how many pages the essay should be. Can you clarify that for me?

Each Center may have different requirements for essay length. Check with the Center(s) you wish to apply for specifications on length.

How many recommendations do I need?

Overall, three letters of recommendation are required. Two general letters of recommendation from faculty members (one should be your advisor). The other letter of recommendation needs to by a language instructor.

I remember something about a Graduate College Rating Form. Do I need one for the application?

No. This year's application does not require the Graduate College Rating Form.

I remember something about language evaluation forms. Are language evaluation forms required?

No. This year's application does not include a language evaluation form. Instead, your language instructor should write a letter of recommendation that includes a brief assessment of the proposed language of study.

Will the Center notify me if my application is incomplete?

No. Students are responsible for confirming that all materials have been submitted.

When and how will FLAS nominees and alternates be notified?

Award announcements must be made by April 15^th but are usually made in late March. Emails and written letters are sent to award recipients as soon as possible after the Fellowships Committees make their decisions.

For Academic Departments

The academic department I work in received a FLAS application from a student, now what do we do?

There are instructions for academic departments with information on the student's requirments and the department's requirements for submitting FLAS applications.