MACON – Mercer University junior Emily Harvey was recently awarded a Critical Language Scholarship by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to study Chinese in Changchun, China, this summer.
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a fully-funded summer overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students. With the goal of broadening the base of Americans studying and mastering critical languages and building relationships between the people of the United States and other countries, the CLS provides opportunities to a diverse range of students from across the U.S. at every level of language learning.
“I feel incredibly honored and thankful to receive this award. It is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Harvey, who will study at the College of Humanities and Sciences of Northeast Normal University in June and August. “After briefly studying in China last summer, I am excited to return and fully immerse myself in the language. Over the course of the program, I look forward to improving my Chinese and expanding my knowledge of the country’s culture and history.”
Harvey, from Columbus, is a double-major in journalism and law and public policy with a minor in Asian studies. She aspires to study international law and eventually work in a diplomatic role, either in a government position or in the private sector.
At Mercer, Harvey is heavily involved with the Student Government Association, Greek Life, the Peer Advisors Program and the Green Coalition. She has served as junior class president for SGA, a peer advisor, student admissions team member and a member of Phi Eta Sigma and Phi Kappa Phi honor societies as well as Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She is a Media Changemaker Scholar, Sidney Lanier Scholar and a participant in the University Honors Program.
“The Critical Language Scholarship is a highly selective program, and I’m so proud of Emily for her achievements,” said Miao Marone, adjunct instructor of Asian studies. “Emily is an enthusiastic learner who strives to reach her potential. During her four semesters of Chinese classes and one summer study abroad trip to China, she showed such a positive attitude in and outside of the classroom. When facing challenges, Emily remains focused and takes responsibility in difficult situations. CLS is truly a reward for her hard work. I believe what she has accomplished is also a great encouragement to other students in our Asian studies program.”
The CLS Program is offered in 14 languages, including Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bangla, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Swahili, Turkish and Urdu.
The program seeks participants with diverse interests, and from a wide range of fields of study and career paths, with the purpose of representing the full diversity of the U.S. Participants are selected based on their commitment to language learning and plans to apply their language skills to their future academic or professional pursuits.
