Henry Campbell, a senior from Charlotte, double majoring in Global Studies and East Asian Languages and Cultures, received a Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) in 2020 to study Chinese. CLS is a highly competitive study abroad program offered by the United State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Campbell completed the program virtually over the summer due to COVID-19. He took two months of intensive Chinese where he strengthened his Chinese speaking skills and learned more about the culture through interacting with language partners, tutors and teachers.
“Wendy Xie, helped me through the entire process, and I do not feel that I could have done it without her. I also had a lot of help from advisors in the Office of International Education and Development. The resources at App made the whole process much easier...It was a huge honor being selected for CLS and I recommend anyone who is interested in travel and cultural exchange consider applying,” commented Campbell.
Currently, Campbell is applying to The U.S. Student Fulbright Program, a United States cultural exchange initiative aiming to improve intercultural relations with other countries. “The Chinese skills I learned from App State and from the CLS program will greatly help me, should I be selected for Fulbright,” said Campbell.
Jillian Spampinato, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice, was also a semi-finalist in the CLS program and was considered an alternate in 2020, which although she did not get to travel is considered an honor to be selected.
Students are invited to apply for the 2021-22 Critical Language Scholarship. Applications are due November 27, 2021. This program is available to undergraduate students who have completed one academic year of study and are enrolled in an accredited U.S. degree-granting program at either the undergraduate or graduate level at the time of applying. The program is offered during the summer and allows students the opportunity to learn one of 15 languages in a cultural immersion program overseas.
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About the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
The Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures offers courses that enhance students’ understanding of other cultures and languages as well as their own, making them prepared for lifelong learning in a multicultural world. Learn more at https://dllc.appstate.edu.
About the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies offers graduate and undergraduate degrees in four program areas: Appalachian studies; gender, women’s and sexuality studies; global studies; and interdisciplinary studies. The department is also home to Watauga Residential College, an interdisciplinary, alternative general education program. The department promotes creative and imaginative engagement through a cross-disciplinary investigation of complex systems and problems. Learn more at https://interdisciplinary.appstate.edu.
About Nationally Competitive Scholarships
Nationally Competitive Scholarships (NCS) works with the Appalachian community to recruit and support students for nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships, including those that support research, teaching and critical language learning. This is achieved with outreach, mentorship and advising throughout the entire application and selection process. NCS is committed to helping undergraduate and graduate students find ways to connect their Appalachian education to their future endeavors through scholarship opportunities. Learn more at https://ncs.appstate.edu.
Compiled and Written by James Johnston
November 16, 2021
Boone, N.C.
Henry Campbell, recipient of the Critical Language Scholarship, Photo Submitted
Henry Campbell, Senior, recipient of the Critical Language Scholarship, Photo Submitted