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Fulbright Program: U.S. Applicant Podcast

Transcript For: Questions related to Language

Questions answered in relation to the topic of language on June 6, 2007.

Language

Valerie: Hi, this is Valerie Hymas

Tony: And Tony Claudino

Valerie: And we’re here, and we want to announce the questions and answer session for the most recent U.S. student guidance session

Tony: And so, if you couldn’t make it to any of the six locations that were having these info sessions, here’s a chance to listen to some of the Q & A we have for these sessions.

Q: I’m interested in applying to the Netherlands, and I’m wondering about the language requirement. I noticed in the booklet it said a working knowledge of Dutch is useful. Having lived and studied there for 4 months just 2 semesters ago, I do know that the majority of people do speak English, I’m just wondering how much I need to pursue the language, and how important that is, and what exactly useful means, in this context.

A: Ultimately, the level of language skill that you need depends upon the project that you design. If you design a project to be conducted in the Netherlands that you can do in English, then that’s really all that is required. However, this is a cultural exchange program, and so showing some commitment and interest in learning at least basic to hospitality level language, or skills in that language will show your commitment to the cultural exchange aspect of this program, so I would encourage you not to say, oh I can do my project in English, I don’t need to speak any Dutch, not to take that attitude, to actually say, I’m going to be in the Netherlands, wouldn’t it be great for me to learn some Dutch, so I can learn about their culture. So again the requirement is just that you have the skills necessary to complete your project, but keeping in mind that this is an ambassadorial program.

Q: I’m planning on applying to Israel, and I noticed, this is also on language, it says a working knowledge of Hebrew is not required unless it is necessary for the proposed study. Who decides if it is necessary before hand because if it is necessary, I would need to have some one sign off on my language abilities and I’m thinking it wouldn’t be necessary but I do have some knowledge of Hebrew that would be helpful, and probably my English and Hebrew would make the project happen, but do I need to have someone sign off on my Hebrew skills?

A: Well, I mean, you’d be the best judge in terms of knowing the project most intimately, whether or not the project will require you to need Hebrew. It’s certainly a benefit if you’re enrolled or will be enrolled this fall to ask your advisors at your school about that. But keep in mind that the review committee, both here and in Israel, will certainly be looking very keenly at your project as well as whether or not you’ll need a language apart from English in order to carry it out successfully.

If you speak any Hebrew, it really is to your advantage to have somebody evaluate you, because again, it shows your commitment to the cultural exchange of this program. You want to present the most competitive project you possibley can, so if you speak and Hebrew, get your Hebrew evaluated. It is really going to be an additional asset to your project, whether you need it or not.

Q: So do I get it evaluated here in Washington, DC even though I went to UCLA and graduated two years ago, or do I have a professor from three years ago sign off on it.

A: Anyone. You don’t need to go back to your professor from three years ago, you can have someone who teaches Hebrew in the DC area do it for you as well.

Valerie: And that’s it for the questions some candidates have asked us during one of our guidance sessions. Please remember that if you have a question, feel free to email us, or contact us. Our information is all online.

Tony: And, look for the next podcast. Thanks.