The Annette Kade Scholarship: Empowering Students to Grow through Language Learning

Here at ISEP, we know that the Annette Kade Scholarship (for students who want to study French or German abroad) allows students to pursue their international language-learning dreams by helping with tuition, airfare, health insurance, visas, or simply traveling costs. But what significance does this scholarship have on the student’s entire study abroad experience? Before the students set out on their study abroad excursions, we ask them to think about how receiving this scholarship will help them not only with costs, but how it will help them achieve their language proficiency and cultural awareness goals. Here is what a few Annette Kade Scholarship recipients had to say about their memories, learning a language, and why they value this amazing scholarship:

“By expanding the limits of my language, I was able to assemble a collection of memories and friendships the likes of which I will not be able to have for a long time to come. I learned so much about myself, especially as it relates to how I think and operate within and without my own cultural comfort zone.” – Daniel Pieratt, Maryville College to Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt

“While at times the experience was overwhelming, looking back I realize that it was overwhelming in a good way. I loved being able to experience the world with new people that I met through the program. I got to share this once in a lifetime moment with my friends, and our time abroad is what bonds us. I learned that going out of your comfort zone can result in a wonderful experience.” – Samantha Weston, Washington State University to Université de Savoie

“In France, I found that the average student spoke an almost completely different kind of French than I had learned at school. The slang and slurring of words were particularly confusing. It was a challenge to learn to understand them and converse the way they do (rather than like their grandparents), but I believe that dealing with that challenge has helped me to better understand the language and to better deal with regional differences. I feel that overcoming that challenge has given me more confidence and helped me to communicate better with people who are not from mainland France.” – Nicole Hanna, UNC- Charlotte to Université d’Angers

“Learning a new language is not easy. It is hard to learn to make sounds that you may have never made before. It is also hard to learn a completely new way to structure sentences. Where does the verb go? What case is this? These are questions I had never thought about until I learned a new language. All of the hardships aside, I will never regret learning a new language. It gives me a new interest and it gave me the greatest experience of my life.” – Caitlyn Mantooth, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to Philipps Universität Marburg

“This scholarship is incredibly and undeniably important. No matter the amount dispensed, to a worthy individual a scholarship will always help. Not only does this scholarship assist with expenses abroad, it assists with the self-esteem. Personally, when I receive a scholarship, it not only eases my mind regarding my finances, it gives me a certain pride that someone, somewhere decided I was worth the investment and saw the potential in me.” – Dayton Becker, South Dakota State University to Université de Savoie

Studying abroad truly is a once in a life time experience that can open minds, hearts, and as we have seen — language limits and cultural knowledge. What we’ve learned from our students: ditch your comfort zone, embrace change, be open to new languages, make unforgettable memories with new friends, and most importantly — apply for the Annette Kade Scholarship by April 13, 2018! Learn more about the scholarship and apply today!

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