Undergraduate Scholarships & Fellowships

The University of Arizona Center for Middle Eastern Studies annually awards one or more CMES Undergraduate Scholarships to University of Arizona undergraduate students studying the Middle East and its languages. The scholarship can be applied to study at (a) the University of Arizona during the Academic Year, or (b) qualified study abroad programs in the summer or Academic Year. Scholarships are funded exclusively by community donations and fundraising activities. The award amount varies each year, and can range from $250 to $1,000, depending on available funds. Scholarship recipients are selected by the CMES Governing Board.

Eligibility and Requirements

Scholarships may be used for study at the University of Arizona or in academic language programs in the Middle East during the 2008-2009 Academic Year or for overseas language programs during Summer 2008.

1. You are eligible to apply for a CMES Undergraduate Scholarship if you:

• are a full-time undergraduate student in any discipline at the University of Arizona
• are committed to the study of a Middle Eastern language and show potential for high academic achievement

2. If you receive a CMES Undergraduate Scholarship you must:

• enroll in a minimum of one (1) Arabic, Hebrew, Persian, or Turkish language course during the award period
• maintain a “B” average in your Middle Eastern language course(s) for the award period
• fulfill CMES reporting requirements at the end of the award period (one page report)

Application Instructions

1. Read through the instructions below. To download application instructions, click here.

2. Prepare a statement of purpose. Write a statement discussing how a CMES Undergraduate Scholarship would further your academic and career goals. Statements should be one (1) page and single-spaced.

3. If you are applying for a language study abroad program, include a separate page detailing the overseas program you wish to attend. Be sure to include the program URL.

4. A one-page resume that must include: name, student ID number, current address, email address, educational background, language proficiency and training, AND current GPA.

5. Request two (2) letters of recommendation. Have the referees email their recommendation directly to the Assistant Director of CMES, Christian Sinclair, at csincmes_@_email.arizona.edu. Generally speaking, letters should be from faculty who have knowledge of your academic abilities, especially in terms of Middle Eastern studies/languages. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the letters, are received by the deadline.

6. Obtain a copy of your UA transcript. (Official or unofficial copies are acceptable, but Student Link records do NOT suffice.)

7. Submit materials to CMES via email. Send to Christian Sinclair, csincmes_@_email.arizona.edu. Attach the following:

• Statement of purpose
• Overseas program information (if applying for a Summer language or Academic Year study abroad program)
• one-page resume
• do not submit UA transcripts. We will ask for transcripts only if you receive an award

Please note that we are only accepting electronic applications. Do not mail materials or drop anything off at CMES.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2008 AT 5PM

If you have any questions regarding undergraduate scholarships, please contact Christian Sinclair , CMES Assistant Director, at (520) 621-8079.

Funding for Conference Attendance:

CMES offers funds to support travel to undergraduate students who will present invited papers or posters at professional meetings, conferences and symposia.

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