Foreign Language Enhancement Program (FLEP)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many awards are available per year? TBD by each campus
   
   
2. How much is each award? TBD by each campus (in previous years it was approximately $2,000)
   
   
3. Can I use the FLEP to conduct an Independent Study? The FLEP must be used by you to enroll in a 'less commonly taught language' course. (Please see listing attached) There are individualized language courses at some institutions so an exception maybe possible but the funds must be used for a credit bearing course.
   
   
4. Do I really need to study at a CIC institution to qualify for the FLEP? Yes
   
   
5. Can I use the FLEP to study abroad? The FLEP may be used to study 'less commonly taught languages' abroad. Only study abroad programs sponsored by CIC institutions are eligible.
   
   
6. Which CIC universities participate in the program? University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Indiana University, University of Iowa, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Ohio State Universtiy, Penn State University and Purdue University are participating.
   
   
7. Can I combine the FLEP with other funding? Yes, you may combine the FLEP with other funding. Please keep in mind that other funding sources may have specific restrictions. We encourage FLEP recipients to consider applying for the Traveling Scholar program. Please note though that students wanting to use Traveling Scholar for a study abroad program to study a less commonly taught language may have to look for a CIC program that has separate tuition and program fees for if the study abroad program fees are based on actual program costs then Traveling Scholar may not be approved as some campuses waive tuition all together for study abroad.
   
   
8. How do I collect my FLEP award funding? The FLEP Award Confirmation letter will list the collection information. Some campsuses provide a check at the beginning of study and some provide funding after you have completed the course.                       
   
9. How many times can I receive a FLEP Award? There are currently no restrictions on the number of times a student can receive the FLEP though priorities are based on language needs, level of study and relevancy to academic program.
   
   
10. Can I fax my application and statement? Please consult with your Campus Coordinator if that will be allowed.
    
11. Can a letter of recommendation be emailed? Please consult your Campus Coordinator if that will allowed. If it is, it is highly suggested that a paper copy on departmental letterhead must follow.
    
    
12. Are graduate fellows allowed to participate in this program? If so, do they continue to receive financial support from the university and their stipends? Yes, graduate fellows are allowed to participate in the FLEP unless their fellowship sponsors do not allow them to receive other funding. Thus, each applicant should contact their sponsor directly before applying for the FLEP.
    
    
13. Are international students eligible to receive a FLEP award? Yes, they are.
    
    
14. Will I be taxed for receiving the FLEP award? Yes, all recipients are held accountable for their income earned as a scholarship by the IRS. Most will receive a 1099 form at the end of the financial year and then will have to pay taxes for their award. Some international students will have their tax removed before they receive their FLEP award.
    
    
15. Is the FLEP available to students not enrolled in a CIC institution? No, the FLEP is only available to full time graduate students enrolled in a CIC institution.
    
    
16. Can I use the FLEP to audit the language course? No, you must use the FLEP funding for a language course for which you will earn credit. By earning credit and a grade this demonstrates to your campus' selection committee that you have indeed maximized the FLEP award and have taken the learning experience seriously.
    
17. Do I have to apply for the language course I want? Yes, it is your responsibility to apply directly for your intended course (or study abraod program). Please follow their specific application deadlines. Do not wait until receiving positive notification from your FLEP Campus Coordinator to apply for your course for sometimes the selection process on your campus may not be completed until April/May and you may miss the ability to apply.