College named grant recipient

The Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Program (UISFL), under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Education, named Elizabethtown College the recipient of a two-year grant to support activities which create, plan, develop, and carry out programs to strengthen and improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign language. UISFL funding also supports programs that allow students to study abroad and to incorporate different cultures into their educational experience. Sixteen other colleges and universities were awarded a total of $1,537,875 through the UISFL initiative.

The Elizabethtown College grant, $93,669 in the first year, combined with matching funding from the College and partners, will focus on enlarging and strengthening Asian Studies and Languages as signature programs at Elizabethtown; launching a new Chinese language program; adding four new Asian Studies courses and related co-curricular activities; enhancing the Japanese language program with needed faculty and instructional support; and hosting an on-campus national conference titled “Teaching Japan.” Additionally, the funding will expand the College’s International Studies program through innovative programming in partnership with international Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs) and Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs), the creation of a biennial conference and job fair, and a new NGO/IGO internship program.

The College’s Strategic Plan calls for additional investments in programs that advance global understanding and peacemaking,” said Carl J. Strikwerda, Elizabethtown’s president. “In such a complex global environment, it is imperative that our students develop international perspectives and gain experience overseas. This grant provides us with critical resources to help launch a larger enterprise in support of our students and faculty.”

More details about the UISFL grant award and the complete list of institutions which received funding from the U.S. Department of Education for this initiative.