Rackham Language Training Award
The Language Training Award assists Rackham doctoral students with language training expenses that contribute to academic progress toward the degree. Study of a language for which instruction is not available at U-M will be prioritized. This study can be through participation in a training program, for travel to an area to develop linguistic ability through informal immersive language learning arrangements, or for a combination of the two.
Eligibility
Applicants must be in good academic standing and have completed at least one term in a Rackham doctoral degree program. All travel must meet requirements of the University Travel Policy.
- This award may not be used for study of a language for which the student has received a U.S. Department of Education Foreign Language Area Studies (FLAS) fellowship.
- This award may not be used for language study that has been supported by a Rackham International Research Award.
Deadlines
- November 11, 2023
- March 6, 2024
Complete applications must be received four (4) weeks prior to training. No retroactive requests will be considered.
Award Description
Students are eligible to request up to $6,000. A limited number of awards will be available each year. A student is eligible for one Rackham Language Training Award during his or her graduate career. For students who qualify for need-based financial aid (including the child care subsidy), receipt of this Rackham award may reduce the original loan amount or subsidy. Please contact the U-M Office of Financial Aid for help evaluating your individual circumstances.
Application Process
Students may visit the Rackham Language Training Award application and submit the following:
Recommendation Letter
Applicants must enter the name, department, and email address of the recommender via the online application system. The recommender will receive an email request and instructions for submitting the letter through a secured section of the online application system. The letter of recommendation must come from the applicant’s principal advisor. The writer should address the academic purpose for the proposed language training, the student’s record and promise for successful completion of the training. Lastly, the letter should indicate the appropriateness of the timing for the proposed language study.
Statement of Purpose
The statement should provide a full account of any prior study of the language and describe how the language training will enhance a student’s academic or research readiness necessary for the completion of the degree. If the applicant will be using the funds for language immersion study, a statement explaining why a formal course is not possible, a timetable, a discussion of feasibility, and a plan of activity should be defined.
Budget Information
Provide a detailed itemization of all expenses and all other sources of support, pending and confirmed. The budget should match the activities described in the proposal.
Eligible Expenses
Examples of eligible expenses:
- Language training fees
- Airfare
- Airport transportation
- Housing
- Food
- Local transportation
- Visa
- Required immunizations
- U-M Travel Abroad Insurance
Ineligible Expenses
Ineligible expenses include:
- Books and other library materials available through University of Michigan or inter-library loan
- Computers or computer equipment
- Cameras or camera equipment
- Travel and living expenses for accompanying spouse or children
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume describes your education, work experience, research publications, teaching experience, professional activities, volunteer activity, community engagement, honors, and awards.