Q. Can I apply for the year-long FLAS for dissertation research and writing?
A. Because the legislative intent of the FLAS fellowship program is language acquisition and the U.S. Department of Education has a separate dissertation fellowship program (Fulbright-Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad Program) with an annual competition, use of the FLAS fellowship for dissertation research is not encouraged. In addition, each world area center has its own policy on awarding FLAS fellowships for dissertation research. Consult the list of world area centers for specific eligibility and application details regarding the possibility of dissertation research abroad.
Q. I am a first-year graduate student. What transcripts do I submit?
A. Provide photocopies of your undergraduate transcript as well as any transcripts with graduate coursework taken. Be sure to cross out your social security number if it is found on your transcript.
Q. Do I have to take an international and area studies course both in the fall and the spring semesters?
A. Yes. Please make sure that you are enrolled in your language course and an international and area studies course each semester while on fellowship tenure.
Q. Can I take my language and international/area studies courses “pass/fail”?
A. No. The U.S. Department of Education requires that language and international/area studies courses be taken for a letter grade.
Q. What are examples of international and area studies courses?
A. An international and area studies course may be in any department but must include significant content for the world area of the FLAS award. For example, Music 134A: Music of the East Asia Tradition or Political Science 143A: Northeast Asian Politics are acceptable courses for East Asia FLAS fellows. Contact the relevant FLAS Coordinator for guidance about what courses might be eligible for your world area. If you receive a FLAS award, the FLAS coordinator for your world area should be consulted about the courses you intend to take to meet this requirement, and may need to approve your course selection.
Q. Do I need to submit a FAFSA to apply for a FLAS Fellowship?
A. Competitive preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need as evidenced by submission of the FAFSA by the time of application. Include with your application Page 1 of your Student Aid Report (SAR).
Q. When should I expect to hear the results of the competition?
A. Results of the competition will be announced as soon as funding decisions have been made by the U.S. Department of Education regarding the FLAS status and budget of each individual area studies center. We anticipate decisions will be made by late spring.