The FLAS program began with the National Defense Education Act of 1958 and continues today under Title VI of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Each year, the US Department of Education awards Foreign Language Area Studies (FLAS) funding to Area Studies Centers at the University of Kansas. Open to KU and non-KU undergraduate and graduate students, FLAS funds are awarded in a competitive process to those students who are pursuing foreign language and area studies for professional purposes.
There are two types of FLAS awards: Academic Year and Summer. Most Academic Year FLAS fellowships are used for domestic study at KU, although a semester or full year abroad is also an option. Most Summer FLAS awards are used for study abroad. However, Summer FLAS can also be used for an on-campus KU language program or an intensive language program at another accredited university in the U.S.
With FLAS support, students pursue advanced training in modern, less-frequently-taught languages and area or international studies. The program’s flexibility allows students to pursue their own interests in a variety of disciplines while still gaining language skills.
Eligibility
For undergraduate and graduate students to apply, they must be a U.S. citizen, enrolled as a full-time student at KU or another accredited university, and studying a FLAS-approved language (a listing of which can be found here)
Funding
Summer FLAS Fellowships provide up to $5,000 for tuition, with an additional $2,500 stipend. Undergraduate academic year fellowships provide up to $10,000 for tuition and a $5,000 stipend, while graduate academic year fellowships offer up to $18,000 for tuition and a $15,000 stipend.
Students with questions can direct them to the FLAS Coordinator of their chosen language, and students interested in using FLAS for their study abroad experiences should stop by our office at 105 Lippincott to schedule an appointment with Justine Hamilton, our FLAS Coordinator within the Office of Study Abroad.
Additional information can be found on the KU FLAS website: http://flas.ku.edu/