University of Iowa MFA student (book studies) Sarah Schlosser of North Canton, Ohio, has been awarded a 2021 U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) for a summer virtual intensive language and cultural program in Hindi.
The CLS scholarship is a program of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and is intended to help broaden the base of Americans studying and mastering critical languages while building relationships between people of the United States and other countries.
"I was drawn to study Hindi because of my research into natural dyes," said Schlosser. "I was fascinated by the topic and feel it’s critical to speak the language of the artists who perfected the craft."
CLS participants are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period, and later apply their critical language skills in their future professional careers.
"I am open to what this experience will bring and eager to improve my language skills!"
"I hope to continue my research and travel to India to study natural dyes," said Schlosser. "In the immediate although, I am open to what this experience will bring and eager to improve my language skills!"
CLS is a competitive scholarship, but Schlosser encourages her fellow UI students not to be intimidated.
"I think with awards like the CLS it is easy to be intimidated by the application. However, your unique experiences can be interesting enough to catch the committee’s attention. I would also like to thank Karen Wachsmuth (associate director, International Fellowships, International Programs) for working with me on my answers and the student alumni she brought to the workshops for helping me relay my story. My application was much stronger thanks to their help and input."