Bernadette Robinson '25 was awarded the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) to learn Swahili in Tanzania.
Why did you choose to apply for this award?
I applied for the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) to study Swahili in Tanzania because it offers an intensive, immersive learning experience in a Swahili-speaking country. Learning Swahili has been a lifelong goal of mine, as many of my family members speak it, but it is not offered at Oxy. CLS provides the ideal combination of structured language instruction and immersion, which I have found to be the most effective way to achieve proficiency.
Briefly describe the work you will be doing on your fellowship.
I will take Swahili classes for three to four hours daily, complemented by extracurricular activities designed to enhance the academic curriculum. These include one-on-one conversational practice with native-speaker language partners and cultural excursions around Arusha, Tanzania.
What are you most looking forward to during your time as a fellow?
I'm so excited to explore Arusha and build friendships with my language partners, host family, and fellow cohort members!
How have your experiences at Oxy prepared you to apply for this award?
Studying abroad in Tokyo during my junior year and taking Japanese classes throughout my time at Oxy have strengthened my commitment to language learning and cultural immersion, which I highlighted in my CLS application.
What advice would you give future applicants about the application process?
Give specific examples of how you’ve overcome challenges learning a new language, studying abroad, or being immersed in a community that is different from your own in some way. This shows your awareness of the challenges of participating in a language-intensive program and highlights your appreciation for the knowledge and skills you aim to gain from the experience. And schedule an appointment with someone from the fellowship office to review your essays—it was incredibly helpful for me!