FLAS FAQs

    • What awards are available through the Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies?
        • Up to 2 Academic Year (AY) fellowships for undergraduates studying Brazilian Portuguese. $10,000 for tuition ($5,000 a semester) and a $5,000 subsistence award ($2,500 a semester).
        • Up to 2 Summer fellowships for graduate students studying Brazilian Portuguese or a less commonly taught language (LCTL) of Latin America or the Caribbean (Haitian Creole, Quechua, Aymara, Mixtec, Yucatec Maya, etc.). $5,000 for tuition and a $2,500 subsistence award.

 

      • Is there a limit on the number of FLAS fellowships I receive?
        • No; However, the student cannot receive more than one FLAS fellowship during a single budget period.
      • I am an undergraduate student. Can I apply for FLAS for Summer?
        • CLACS’ funding does not allow for undergraduate students to enroll in summer language programs.
      • Is study abroad required?
        • AY Undergraduate FLAS Fellows: No! You can study at UWM for the whole year, if you’d like. Studying abroad is completely optional. You can even do one semester abroad, and one semester at UWM, if that appeals to you. If you do intend to go abroad, it’s important you let the FLAS Coordinator know so your program can get approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
        • Summer Graduate FLAS Fellows: It depends on the program that you choose. There are programs that are domestic and international, so you can choose a program that fits your needs

 

      • What are the coursework requirements? 
        • AY Undergraduate FLAS Fellows must be full-time students (taking 12 or more credits). One course must be a Portuguese language course and one course must be an appropriate area studies course. The Fellowship may be used at UWM or a U.S. Dept. of Education pre-approved study abroad program. Language level must be at intermediate or advanced to go abroad and student must apply to the program through the UWM Study Abroad Office, following their procedures.
        • Summer Graduate Fellows must be enrolled in intensive language instruction only. Intensive language study is at least 6 weeks in duration with at least 120 contact hours at the advanced level, or 140 hours at the beginning level. Fellowship may be used in an eligible domestic or overseas program. Programs can be found at http://claspprograms.org/pages/detail/5/Language

 

      • As an undergraduate, can I work while I am receiving the FLAS AY Fellowship?
        • Yes, you are able to work, but keep in mind that you must be a full-time student.

 

      • As a graduate student, can I receive the Summer FLAS award if I will graduate in Spring?
        • No, you must be enrolled in classes at the time of the award. Some graduate students are able to postpone their graduate until August in order to participate in the program. Consult your academic advisor to discuss if this is an option for you.
      • Can I use the FLAS Fellowship for the beginning level of language study?
      • Undergraduates cannot. They must be ready to enroll in 3rd semester Portuguese or above at the time the award is distributed.
        • Graduate students could be granted an exception if they are at an advanced level of another foreign language related to their area studies and learning a LCTL is required for the student’s overall training and expertise.

 

      • In addition to the coursework, what else is expected of the FLAS recipient?
        • All FLAS Fellows (undergraduates and graduates)are required to report online to the U.S. Dept. of Education and will be surveyed every two years following their award for a period of up to 8 years. All Fellows must take pre- and post-award language proficiency assessments and be in contact with their FLAS coordinator.

 

    • What out of pocket fees should I anticipate?
      • The FLAS award covers tuition up to $5,000 per semester and a $2,500 stipend. If you are participating in a program abroad, there will potentially be study abroad fees and international insurance fees. There will also be potential travel expenses (gas, flights, etc), and living expenses. However, you can use your stipend to cover that, if you’d like.

 

  • Can I enroll in an independent study to fulfill a requirement?
    • An independent study may be used in special circumstances to fulfill a FLAS requirement with the approval of the Program Officer. However, if there are appropriate area studies and language courses at your level, you must enroll in those courses. Please talk to your FLAS Coordinator about details.
  • Who do I contact if I have questions?