FLAS Fellow Testimonials

To me, FLAS means an opportunity to continue studying the language I love and broaden my experience in the field of Global and International Studies. Without FLAS, I would not be able to complete my double major and look for jobs with global opportunities where Portuguese is a valuable asset.

To me, FLAS means having the opportunity to participate in a different worldview through a new language.

FLAS through CLACS means bridging, connecting, sharing and building knowledge in academic communities within the Caribbean and Latin American region.

FLAS completely changed my academic goals and trajectory. I have become deeply passionate in learning Kaqchikel and exploring the way that language intersects with health. I have met incredible peers, traveled, researched, and grown so much through the opportunities that FLAS has allowed.

FLAS allows me a wonderful opportunity to expand my horizons while giving me the critical language skills to pursue my dreams.

FLAS made it possible for me to see the images that I research in person and gain a deeper understanding of Japanese and Chinese language and culture; it has been one of the most meaningful opportunities of my life, making me a better scholar and a more thoughtful person.

FLAS allows me to learn from East African cultures and the Swahili language as an urban planning student. Because of FLAS, I approach each research project with a sense of cultural humility.

My FLAS Fellowship has allowed to pursue professional proficiency in Kiswahili, which I have used to collaborate with students and scholars here in Kansas and in Tanzania. These experiences have significantly impacted the direction of my research and my professional goals.

The FLAS program here at KU has been massively influential in my undergraduate studies. It is a fantastic opportunity to study under the close guidance and instruction of the AAAS Faculty. The FLAS Fellowship has equipped me with the skills to pursue my passions in language and area studies specific to my interests.

FLAS has provided me with a better understanding of the Arabic language and has prepared me for future study abroad experiences. As well as learning a foreign language, FLAS has given me a chance to collaborate with people interested in exploring other cultures.

The FLAS Fellowship gave me the confidence to continue my educational pursuit of language studies while additionally providing a multitude of opportunities to make connections with people within my same area of study through various online events. I am more than grateful to be a recipient of this prestigious award as it has helped me establish my field of study here at KU.

FLAS was my key to unlocking a robust and dynamic international career. Learning Russian through CREES afforded me the opportunity to volunteer, visit, and/or work in over 10 countries. It has allowed me to operate in new environments, better connect with colleagues, and make new friends throughout the Eurasia region.

FLAS allowed me to study abroad in Moscow, where I was able to greatly improve my fluency in Russian and immerse myself the culture. After graduation, I went on to teach Russian language and literature, which because of FLAS, I can teach with greater cultural knowledge and insight.

FLAS gave me the opportunity to focus intensively on studying Ukrainian, which resulted in a great cultural understanding of this region and its people at a time when it is most critical. I am very grateful to CREES for helping me build a strong foundation in language and area studies, which I will certainly make use of for the rest of my career.