Skip to Content

National Fellowships and Scholar Programs

  • Two women posing with circular signs reading "National Fellowships" and "I Won"

    Maeve Smith (left) and Agnes Nzomene Kahuouo Foda (right) are two of this year's Critical Language Scholarship recipients.

Four UofSC students to complete intensive summer institutes in critical languages

Posted on: April 11, 2022; Updated on: April 11, 2022
By Abbey Smith, abbeysmith@sc.edu

Laurel Davis, Agnes Nzomene Kahouo Foda, Maeve Smith and Hall West have earned Critical Language Scholarships for summer 2022. These scholarships, offered by the US Department of State, fund 12 weeks of immersive study in a language deemed essential to America’s national security and economic prosperity.

Why it matters: Critical Language Scholarships provide an environment for students to develop expertise in their chosen language and culture. Scholars serve as cultural ambassadors while abroad and develop key skills to become competitive in a variety of career fields upon their return.

Who they are:

  • Laurel Davis, a junior Carolina Scholar and Honors College student, will be studying Azerbaijani. Davis is an international business and economics major who serves in leadership positions with Gamecock Consulting Club, Gamecock Food Pantry and Shandon College Ministry. She is also a peer tutor with the Student Success Center.
  • Agnes Nzomene Kahouo Foda is pursuing her Ph.D. in social work after receiving her master’s from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Foda is also a 2022 GADE Award on the Initiative of Cross-Institutional Student Collaboration winner and a 2021 UofSC Rhude M. Patterson Fellowship recipient. She will study Swahili this summer.
  • Maeve Smith is a sophomore political science major pursuing graduation with leadership distinction. Smith is a Capstone Scholar alumni, member of the Honors College and College of Arts & Sciences senator on student government. She will be studying Azerbaijani.
  • Hall West is a junior global studies major who will be studying Turkish. She is an university and presidential ambassador, a member of Phi Beta Kappa honor society and a member of the Honors College. 

Kathleen Arrasmith and Harrison Murray, Jr. have also been recognized as alternates for Critical Language Scholarships. They are currently awaiting final results from their respective programs.

National Fellowships & Scholar Programs provides support for Critical Language Scholarship applicants, contact National Fellowships & Scholar Programs. 

Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

©