The number of MAAIS students applying for a Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) fellowship has increased in recent years and we had a record three awardees in 2020-21. The FLAS program supports undergraduate, graduate and professional students in acquiring modern foreign languages and area studies competencies. It is managed by the six National Resource Centers at the UW, with funding from the U.S. Department of Education. Congratulations to the MAAIS FLAS Fellows listed below!
Sandra Paola Bonequi (French FLAS 2020-21)
A second-year MAAIS student, Sandra received a FLAS to study French during the 2020-21 academic year through the Canadian Studies Center. Sandra came to the U.S. from Mexico as a teenager and is interested in studying how trilateral cooperation in North America might bring about solutions to addressing migration challenges. She will be starting an MA in French Studies after completing her MAAIS degree this summer. Sandra hopes to work in the future for an NGO or government agency focused on migrant and refugee populations.
Gabriella Chamberland (Turkish FLAS 2020-21)
Gabby is pursuing dual master’s degrees while at the UW: one in Applied International Studies and one in Social Work. She is in her first year for both. She received a FLAS from the Middle East Center to study Turkish during the 2020-21 academic year. Gabby’s research focuses on the national and multilateral responses to supporting Syrian refugees living in Turkey. After graduation, Gabby would like to eventually work for a UN agency supporting migrants and refugees.
Munteha Shukralla (Arabic FLAS Summer 2021)
Munteha was awarded a FLAS from the Middle East Center for intensive Arabic language study during Summer 2021, between her first and second years in the MAAIS program. She is interested in U.S. relations with the Middle East and hopes to work in the field of conflict resolution after completing her studies.