Home and Abroad: Translate
Build Vocabulary, Learn Context, Establish a Portfolio
The SRAS Home and Abroad Program offers $10,000 to students who want to build translation, writing, research, and language skills at home and abroad. The scholarship may be applied to a full-year Russian as a Second Language program in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and includes a rigorous translation and writing internship component.
The Internship
Students begin their internship from home. Under the guidance of SRAS staff, students will research, translate, and/or write texts ranging in subject matter from business to politics to culture. These projects will be designed to widen students' Russian vocabularies while helping them develop marketable skills in translating and a wide, published portfolio of written research works. Students will continue translating and writing while abroad and will also take on tasks that will encourage them to get out, explore, and be active - using their Russian skills in practical ways. Most of the student's work will be published online on SRAS.org and/or our partners' sites, creating a solid professional portfolio.
The Program & Costs
The related study abroad program will include a $4,000 scholarship which may be applied to the Fall, 2013 semester of Russian as a Second Language offered in Bishkek Kyrgyzstan. Upon completion of all requirements, the student will then receive a scholarship of $6,000 scholarship which may be applied to the Spring, 2014 semester of Russian as a Second Language offered in Bishkek Kyrgyzstan. The total value of the scholarship is thus worth about $10,000 and the total cost to the student is $3,995 as indicated below.
Full Year RSL = $13,995 - 4000 - 6000 = $3,995
The program and internship are designed to require a very intensive translation, research, and writing schedule – one that should prepare a student of translation well for their chosen profession. Students will reside in a homestay or dormitory while on the program, depending on availability and student preference.
The Student
Applicants will have advanced Russian skills, native or near-native English, strong writing skills in English and research skills in English and Russian. Previous experience or education in translating is preferred, but not required. The student will be well-organized, motivated, have his/her own laptop, and be able check email once per day. The student will be able to work independently and creatively. The student will be adventurous and eager to explore their chosen destination independently.
- Dates and Costs -
Cost: $3,995
Dates: June 1, 2013 - May 17, 2014
Apply by April 30, 2013
Final Decisions Made: Before May 20
Internship from Home Begins: June 1
Program Abroad Begins: September 5
The Application
Students will apply according to SRAS's regular application procedure. Russian as a Second Language will be chosen for the base program in the appropriate city. Students should list the "Home and Abroad Program" as an additional program of choice. In addition, students must submit two academic papers longer than 10 pages each and one paragraph explaining why they want to participate in this program as well as a letter of recommendation from a former or current employer and a former or current professor. All of these additional materials should be emailed to Josh Wilson, SRAS Assistant Director. Students indicating interest in Home and Abroad Program are not required to pay the $250 deposit until after acceptance. The deposit will be due within one week of acceptance. All questions about the Home and Abroad program may be addressed to Josh Wilson.
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The Selection Process
Once students have completed the application process listed above, they will be sent an outline of the work schedule for the internship and the tasks scheduled for the program. Students will be asked to agree with outline in principle before the selection process continues. Students will also be given short tests in translation (by email, usually the first will be received within a few days of completing the application). Tests will be evaluated based on style, accuracy, speed (they must be completed within 24-72 hours), and the author's ability to edit their text based on editorial comments and feedback, if needed. A telephone interview may also be arranged. Final decisions will be made before May 20th.
Program F.A.Q.
What if I am not currently a student anywhere?
Not a problem. For more on eligibility issues, please see our main FAQ page.
What is the total cost of this program?
Students will pay the $50 application fee upon applying. The $250 deposit is due after acceptance and no later than June 5. The remaining amount - $3,745 ($3,995 - 250 deposit) is due before September 5. These payments, totaling $3,745, cover all tuition and housing for the "abroad" portion of this program for spring and summer semesters.
What do the program costs cover?
Program costs include tuition for study as outlined, visa and registration, pre-departure materials, local orientation, health and accident insurance, home stay or dormitory accommodation (depending on availability and student preference), round-trip airport transfers, SRAS in-country support, and use of a mobile telephone for the duration of the program.
What are my odds of getting in this program?
SRAS has two places to fill - one in Bishkek and the other in Kiev. Students not accepted for the program may still attend the RSL course or may change their application to attend another SRAS program. These students will not have to pay the application fee again.
I have no work experience - what do I do about the recommendation?
Students who do not have a past employer to request a recommendation from may submit a recommendation from anyone who can comment on the student's ability to work hard, work creatively, and work independently. This may be someone who oversaw the student's participation in volunteer work, community projects, campus activism, student government, Russian (or other) clubs, or even a (second) professor who can comment on these aspects.
What form should the recommendations take?
The recommendation from the professor should be completed according to our online form (part of the application process). The second should be a free-form letter but should cover three topics: the student's ability to work hard, work creatively, and work independently. We prefer that the person writing the recommendation letter email it directly to Josh Wilson.
Do the papers need to be about specific topics?
We prefer papers on topics related to the former USSR or its successor states. However, we will accept any examples that the student considers to be outstanding examples of his/her writing.
Can this program be applied to any other program besides RSL?
No. This program is available only in the location indicated and only in conjunction with RSL. Because of the intensive internship schedule, students will not be able to concurrently participate in additional internships or on programs with heavier academic loads. That said, students will be given the opportunity to participate in all classes offered through SRAS in the indicated location (though they will not be reflected on the transcript and credit will not be given). Students will also be given the opportunity to join any SRAS-led travel events while abroad (those not included on standard RSL programs will be available at additional cost).
Can this program be applied to learning another language besides Russian?
No.
What if I am not a US citizen?
Not a problem so long as you have native or near-native English skills. For more on eligibility issues, please see our main FAQ page.
