World Languages and Literatures

Department of World Languages and Literatures
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5338 USA
(269) 387-6240

Scholarships and Awards

The Department of World Languages and Literatures at Western Michigan University offers scholarships and awards to assist students in developing their language skills and study abroad.

Application for study abroad scholarships to be used in spring are due by Wednesday, October 25th, 2024 at 5p.m..

Application for study abroad scholarships to be used in summer or fall are due by (Currently Pending)

Scholarship and Award Application

Scholarships and awards requiring application

  • The Diether Haenicke Scholarship for Study Abroad
  • The Department of World Languages and Literatures Summer Travel and Study Abroad Scholarship

Eligibility for all scholarships and Awards (requiring application)

  • Applicants must be currently enrolled at WMU.
  • Applicants must plan to enroll in an approved program of language study at a university outside of the United States or in a study abroad program sponsored by an American university. The purpose of study must be to improve language skills.
  • The applicant must enroll in a study abroad program whose credits are transferable to WMU and which is approved by both the Scholarship and Award committee as well as the travel and study abroad advisor of the relevant language section.
  • Recipients must study abroad during the semester indicated by the specific award or scholarship (i.e. studying abroad in summer for the summer travel and study abroad scholarship.)
  • Students must demonstrate that they have, at the time of application, the proficiency level required by the study abroad program in which they wish to participate. (For proficiency level requirements, please see the faculty advisor of the specific language program in which you are interested.)
  • Overall GPA as well as the GPA of their language courses taken will be taken into account for scholarship and award selection.
  • Awards must be used within one year.
  • Previous recipients of the Diether Haenicke Scholarship for Study Abroad are ineligible for subsequent Diether Haaenicke Scholarships, but are eligible for Summer Travel and Study Abroad scholarships. 

Other factors being equal, preference will be given to those who:

  • Have a declared major of French, German, Japanese, or Latin OR a declared minor of Arabic or Chinese.
  • Enroll in a WMU-sponsored program.
  • Enroll in a language-intensive program outside of the North-American continent.
  • Have studied within their particular language section for at least two semesters at WMU.
  • Intend to study in a full-year program.

Scholarships and awards not requiring application

Recipients are selected by faculty on the basis of academic excellence and dedication to foreign language study.

  • Margaret H. Brooks Award for Study in France: $300
  • Victor Coutant Award in Classics: $100
  • Hermann E. Rothfuss Award for Excellence in German: $1,000
  • Mathilde Steckelberg Scholarship: one each in Latin, French and German: $1,000 each
  • Timothy Light Center Award for Study in China: Award amount varies
  • Monique Coyne Study Abroad Scholarship: Award supports French exchange program

Annual department awards

  • Department Presidential Scholar
  • Excellence in Arabic
  • Excellence in Chinese
  • Excellence in Japanese
  • Preis der Bundesrepublik
  • Prix de l'Alliance Française

College of Arts and Sciences International Study Scholarship

As part of its commitment to increase access to international education, the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University invites qualified undergraduates to apply for funds to help support their study abroad experience.

HAENICKE INSTITUTE FOR GLOBAL EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS

The WMU Office of Study Abroad offers a variety of scholarships.

WMU Student Financial Aid and Scholarships

WMU Student Financial Aid and Scholarships offers University-wide scholarships.