Letters
of Recommendation
Remember that letters of recommendation are due on November 15th November
20th! To give your recommenders as much time as possible to write a strong
letter for you, make sure to ask them early. When you are deciding who to ask
for a letter of recommendation, think about who is most familiar with your
academic and professional goals. If you have written a paper or done a project
on the region or country where you are applying to study, that professor may be
able to write a strong letter of recommendation because he or she will know
about your interest in that area of the world and why studying the language
will strengthen your academic or professional goals. Applicants can only submit
two letters of reference for the CLS Program.
Who to ask for a letter of recommendation?
If you are applying as a beginner, you need to submit two general letters of recommendation. The CLS Program recommends two university-level professors who are familiar with your academic strengths and professional goals. The CLS Program is an academically rigorous program that covers approximately one year's worth of language study during the eight to ten week intensive institute. Your recommenders should emphasize your ability to succeed in an academically-challenging environment.
If you are applying with previous language study (advanced
beginner, intermediate or advanced), you are required to submit one general letter
of reference and one language letter of reference for the language that you are
applying to study. The general letter should follow the advice above. Your
language letter of reference should be completed by your current or most recent
language instructor or tutor.
How to ask for a letter of recommendation?
You can help to strengthen your letters
of recommendation by meeting with your recommenders about the CLS Program and
your goals. Bring a copy of your essays, even if you haven't finalized them
yet. If your recommender understands your goals, he or she can talk about them
in the letter. If you aren't able to meet with your recommender, send him or
her an email with your essays and information on the CLS Program.
Timely Letters
It is important that your letters arrive by or on theNovember 15th Novermber 20th
deadline. You can monitor the submission of your letters of recommendation in
your online application account under the CLS Reference Letter section. You can
also send a reminder to your recommenders through your online application
account. It is your responsibility to ensure that
your application file is complete by the November 15th November 20th deadline, including that
your letters of recommendation are submitted on time.
Timely Letters
It is important that your letters arrive by or on the
Although it is recommended to obtain two university-level professors for the letters of recommendation, is it looked down upon if I ask one of my high school professors for a recommendation? I am currently a freshman and thought that one of my previous teachers who had known me for four years would write a stronger recommendation than from someone who has known me for two-three months.
ReplyDeleteListed below are several key application pitfalls to avoid on the CLS Program application:
ReplyDeleteSpelling and grammatical errors/not following directions.
Applying for a language without meeting the prerequisite.
Weak letters of recommendation/letters of recommendation from high school instructors.
Not articulating a direct correlation between the target language, current academic program, and future plans.
Vague carer goals or lack of a clear path to career or language proficiency goals.
Personal connection to the language rather than academic/professional.
We understand that it can be difficult for freshman applicants to find two university-level instructors to write letters of recommendation. We do recommend trying to have two university-level letters, but if you have one letter from a high school instructor because you have just started your fall semester of college that is fine.
ReplyDeleteIs it ok to have a Graduate teaching assistant writing a letter of recommendation? I am also a freshman in college.
ReplyDeleteHi Mimi! It is fine to have anyone who has taught you at the university level write a letter on your behalf.
ReplyDeleteI am applying for a beginner Turkish language Critical Language Scholarship since I've never taken Turkish before. However, I have taken three semesters of Italian and my current Italian professor is familiar with my aptitude for language learning. Would his letter of recommendation be preferred over a professor from my major (art history) since my Italian professor is familiar with my language learning skills? I am a teaching assistant for my art history professor and he is more familiar with my academic and career goals than my Italian professor is. Which professor should I ask to write my letter of recommendation? I already have my first letter of recommendation from a different art history professor.
ReplyDeleteI am an advanced (+4 years) learner of Chinese and am interested in applying to the CLS. Currently I am taking a Classical Chinese course and not a modern Chinese course. I hope to be able to study modern Chinese over the summer 2012.
ReplyDeleteShould I get a letter of recommendation from my current (Classical Chinese) teacher? Or should I get one from the teacher I had last year, who is familiar with my level of modern Chinese?
Hi Aaron! Thank you for your interest in the CLS Program. It is ultimately up to you who you would like to select as a letter of reference, but if you feel that your art history professor knows your overall academic ability and future goals more than your Italian professor, it sounds like that would be a strong reference. It would be especially nice if your art history professor can stress the importance of learning Turkish to your future goals.
ReplyDeleteHi Adrien! If your most recent modern Chinese professor would be willing to complete the language reference form, that would be great. Feel free to contact us if you have any further questions about this at www.clscholarship.org/contact.htm
ReplyDeleteOne of my letter writer is busy on conferences and I fear he might not be able to submit the letter on time. Is there any leeway at all on the November 15th deadline for recommendation letters?
ReplyDeleteHi Kevin! First of all, we recommend that you submit your online application and not wait for your letter of reference to be submitted. The review process begins after the November 15th deadline, so it would be in your best interest to have both of your letters of reference submitted on time. If your reference can't submit the letter on time and you can't find someone else to submit a letter on your behalf, we will add any letters that are submitted after the deadline to your application as soon as they arrive. However, we cannot guarantee that letters submitted after the deadline will be included in the first round review of your application. To read about the selection process for the CLS Program, please see http://www.clscholarship.org/applicants.htm
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI asked my supervisor at work to write my letter of rec. because she can speak about my passion to learn the Japanese language, and the interest and hard work that I've shown in my job, which is connected to my future plans for learning this language...but I have another professor who taught Classical Japanese, and can talk more about my academics and grammar ability (separate from my langauge reference)... so which would be a better letter of reference that the CLS program would like to hear from?
Hello Yoyo - It is ultimately up to you who you would like to select as a reference. We would encourage you to select the person knows your academic ability, future goals, and knows you well. Since you are applying for the Japanese program, perhaps your Classical Japanese professor could write your language reference and your supervisor could write your general reference. Please remember that the application deadline is November 15 and all letters of recommendation must be in by the deadline!
ReplyDeleteMy general reference talks about my passion in the work field, and she has known me longer, but all the questions that CLS asks in reference letter is academic... so she can't answer because she knows me thru work... are these questions suggested, or a must to answer?? She told me about these questions... and how she can't answer them...so I feel bad because I shouldn't have recommended her?
ReplyDeleteI have to choose between them for my general reference because I already have a language reference... sorry, to ask, but thanks for your feedback.
ReplyDeleteGoing forward, I think it would really offer clarity to add a time to the deadline date. I've had both of my references ask if 11/15 meant 11:59 on 11/14 or 11:59 on 11/15
ReplyDeleteHugh, it says in the application that the deadline is 2:59AM on 11/16. So you still have time.
ReplyDeleteAnd that's Eastern standard time, correct?
ReplyDeletecorrect! 24 hours to go..
ReplyDeleteHello “yoyo” – The selection committee will be looking at the letters of recommendation closely, so it is helpful for references to answer as many questions as they can. That being said, if a reference isn’t able to answer a question, s/he shouldn’t feel pressured to comment on something that they don’t know about you. From your messages, is sounds like your other reference (language reference) may be able to provide information regarding your academic background and performance in the classroom. If your general reference is able to highlight professional interests (related to the target language/region) and other personal attributes, that will be helpful. If you would like to discuss further, please feel free to call the CLS Team: 202-633-5005.
ReplyDeleteThank you, "Adrien S"! The online application will no longer allow applicants to submit an application at 12:00am PST on November 16, 2011, and we regret we cannot accept applications submitted after the deadline.
ReplyDeleteMy professor is having trouble logging into the system? When she tries, it asks her to change her password and then loads a page saying "done." Is there anything I can do about this situation? Is it possible that she can't log into to write the letter because I already submitted the application?
ReplyDeleteHello "SCoco" - please have your professor email her recommendation letter to: cls@caorc.org and include your full name in the subject line (e.g. General Reference for XXXXX). Please ask her to include her contact information in the body of the email. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi, I have resent many reminders to one of my recommendation providers but she insists on not receiving any of them (inbox and spam folder). If she doesn't turn it in on time, does that mean I'll automatically be disqualified because I only have one recommendation letter?
ReplyDeleteHello "pillowtext" - The letters of recommendation are due today (November 15). Please see my message to "Scoco" directly above (i.e. ask your reference to send her letter to cls@caorc.org...).
ReplyDeleteSo if she doesn't submit it in on time, does that mean I'll automatically be disqualified because I only have one recommendation letter?
ReplyDeleteHi "pillowtext" - no, you will not be disqualified! If your reference had trouble submitting her letter, please ask her to send the letter as an email attachment to: cls@caorc.org and include your full name in the subject header, as well as her contact information in the body of the email. If you have additional questions, please call the CLS Program: 202-633-5005.
ReplyDeleteHi I'm not sure if anyone is still answering questions on here, but figure I'll just go for it. Currently, I'm a freshman and an undeclared major and I'm going to apply for CLS Chinese for Summer 2013 during my sophomore year. Because I've been looking around at different majors I've been taking more intro (100 level) classes, which tend to be huge lectures so I haven't been able to really make a connection with any of my professors (especially since the subjects have not been of interest to me in my search for a major, and I haven't had a reason to go to office hours). I have been taking intensive Chinese since my first semester, and I have a better connection with my Chinese professor and TA, and they know more about my goals so I'm fine with asking them for recommendations, but could my general recommendation come from one of them or at least an undergraduate advisor? They will be helping me apply to my college's business school, so I feel as if they will be more able to talk about my professional goals. (Sorry that this is so long)
ReplyDeleteHi Ayjay - Thanks for your question! It's ok to ask your Chinese professor or TA for a general letter of recommendation. We prefer academic references and expect that at least one of your letters will come from an academic, but if you feel that your undergraduate advisor would write a strong letter of recommendation, you could ask him/her to write your general letter of recommendation. However, your application will be more competitive if you have two university-level professors who are familiar with your academic strengths and professional goals write your letters of recommendation.
ReplyDeleteIf you have additional questions, please feel free to give us a call: 202-633-5005!
Hi, I'm a student that will be transferring as a rising sophomore to a different college this fall. You asked that applicants receive their language recommendation from their most recent instructor. Since my language professor next fall may not be as acquainted with my aptitude by the time she has to write my recommendation in late October, would it be okay for my language instructor from my past college to write my recommendation?
ReplyDeleteHi Agree,
ReplyDeleteGreat question! Even though your current language instructor may have only known you for a month or so, it is still preferable to have your current language instructor assess complete the language reference, as she will be most familiar with your current language abilities. If you were close to your former language instructor, s/he could still write your general recommendation letter.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI am a Freshman looking to apply for Advanced Beginning Arabic for the summer of 2013. I am also going to be a part of the Arabic Flagship Program at my university. However, at the time the application is due, I will not be quite at advanced beginning level (because I will still be on ARB 101 during fall semester) however, what if I can guarantee that by summer 2013 I WILL be at that level, because I'll also be taking ARB in spring plus all flagship activities? How should I ask my Arabic Teacher to explain this? Just simply say something like "Said Student is showing positive improvement to the Arabic Language, and we guarantee she will be at the level required come summer 2013" ?
Thanks for your time! I hope my sentence made sense!
Sorry! Please allow me to add one last question to my comment: Also, because I am a freshmen, I will have to submit an unofficial transcript of classes still in progress. So sadly, CLS won't see my academic success. How much of a draw back is this? Is it something to worry about? Thanks!
DeleteDear @daniellekari: Congratulations on your acceptance into Arabic Flagship Program at your university! First semester freshman are welcome and encouraged to apply for the program. We know that your fall grades will be "in-progress." Upon acceptance (in the spring), we ask students to submit official transcripts, so your fall grades would appear.
ReplyDeleteThe Advanced Beginning language requirements means that you must have completed one year of formal Arabic language study (or the equivalent) by the time the institute begins (summer 2013). So even if you are in Arabic "101" in the fall 2012, you would still be eligible to apply for the program, provided that you will be enrolling in "102" in the spring.
If you have additional questions about language requirements or the program, please feel free to give us a call! 202-633-5005
Thanks for your response! I am very much looking forward to applying! :)
DeleteDanielle
Hello! I would like to apply for the Critical Language Scholarship in Bengali as a beginner, because the university I attend does not offer any Bengali language classes. However, I was wondering if it would be appropriate for one of my references to be from my Korean professor, who is familiar with my language acquisition skills and could speak to her experiences teaching me in that regard. Should I steer away from this professor and focus more on professors who could speak for my future career interests, or would my Korean professor be a suitable choice?
ReplyDeleteThank you in advance for your help!
Hello @Mayesha - thanks for your interest in the CLS Program! You could certainly ask your Korean professor to write a letter of recommendation for you. Since you're interested in applying for Bengali, you may want to ask your reference to highlight your language acquisition skills, maturity, commitment to learning Bengali, etc. If she emphasizes Korean language in the letter, the committee might question why you've selected to apply for Bengali and not Korean.
DeleteThe selection committee will also want to know about your future career interests and how you plan to use Bengali language skills in those endeavors, so you may want to meet with your professor and share this information with her before she writes your letter, so that she can incorporate this information in to the letter of recommendation.
Hi CLS,
ReplyDeleteI have a question on selecting people to write my recommendation letters. I graduated from undergrad in 2010 and am planning to start my MA this this fall. While an undergrad, I developed strong relationships with my Arabic professors however they're not the most current language instructors I've had. After graduation I spent a semester studying intensive Arabic in Lebanon while this summer I'm currently taking Arabic classes at a DC based institute. These teachers are my most recent instructors however they're eiher overseas or I've only known them for a few weeks. In this case who would CLS prefer to see LORs from; professors who've known me personally and professionally for several years or instructors who've most recently taught me but don't know me as well?
According to the FAQs it sounds like you prefer LORs from academic sources. I use Arabic a great deal in my job, can I have one of my supervisors write a letter attesting to how my commitment to using Arabic has contributed a great deal to our projects?
Thanks for your feedback!
Hi Matt,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your question! For your language letter, you should choose your most recent Arabic instructor to speak to your current skills. It's not as critical that the recent instructor knows you as well because his/her responsibility is to speak about your current level.
As far as the other letter is concerned, you read the FAQs accurately. Your strongest reference, given that this is an academic program, would be a professor or other academic contact. At times, students have used other supervisors as references successfully, so ultimately you will have the best knowledge of who will provide your strongest reference. Best of luck with your application and please do let me know if you have further questions.
Salamat,
Emily
Emily Hagemeister
Program Officer, Critical Language Scholarship Program
Arabic Language Institutes
On the question of the secondary academic reference letter: this summer I'm participating in a summer internship at a well-respected foreign policy think tank, under a fellow whose area of study is the Middle East and Islam. I'm self-designing a Middle Eastern studies major, and hope to earn a CLS scholarship to get a jumpstart learning Turkish - an opportunity not available at my university - to add to my existing Arabic. Do you think a reference letter from my supervisor at this internship would be sufficiently academic and relevant, or would a professor be preferred in all circumstances?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your diligence in responding to these comments; I'm sure I'm not alone in saying it allays some of the anxieties that naturally come with the territory of applying to such a competitive program.
Hi Cody! You're correct in that you're not the only one with this question (please see our responses to previous posts). It is ultimately up to you who you would like to select as a letter of reference. If you feel that your supervisor knows your overall academic ability and future goals better than a secondary academic reference, it sounds like that would be a strong reference. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI asked a question here earlier regarding recommendations, but I have one more.
I was selected to receive a scholarship for something know as "The Benjamin Franklin Summer Institute with South and Central Asia" funded by the U.S Dept of state. I participated in this institute for 4 weeks over this summer, I had instructors certified to teach in the program (whom were in the process of getting their PHD's) and it was placed at George Mason University. The classes consisted of Peace and Conflict resolution, culture, international relations and so much more. (we lived and worked with 45 foreign exchange students) However, it was not a credit-based program, as it was for High School students (me being a recent graduate of high school) However, I was wondering if it would be good to have a general letter of recommendation from one of these instructors? I lived within and around them for 4 weeks, seeing, working, participating, and even presenting projects to them everyday. One I have in mind was an instructor from Somalia, whom spoke Arabic (the language I am applying for) so he's also aware of my ability in Arabic, as well as my passion for it and its culture.
I understand this would be *permitted* as a general reference, but in your opinion, would it be a good one? Or would i be better off just getting a reference from another one of my university instructors? I feel like the instructor from my summer program knows me a little better than a professor I've only known for less than a semester would. Then again, I'm unsure if this would qualify as just getting a high school recommendation. (which it wasn't high school at all, it was at college level and very intensive)
Thank you for taking the time to consider my question
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHello @elusiveambitions - A "good" letter of recommendation is generally one that comes from someone who knows you well in both an academic and personal context, and can speak to your strengths as a candidate for the CLS Program. If you are just entering college, the committee will be more understanding if your reference comes from someone who taught you in high school. If you've been in university for a few years (e.g. junior or senior), they might question why you didn't select a general reference from your university.
ReplyDeleteHello, I am an incoming transfer student at UCLA, with my first two years of college completed at a community college. As the letters are due in November, and I do not start at UCLA until the end of September, I worry about timing. Would I be allowed to use a Community College professor for one or both letters of recommendation?
ReplyDeleteHi Alea - Congrats on your successful transfer to UCLA! It would be fine to have two of your community college professors write letters of recommendation, unless you're applying for a language with a prerequisite AND you're currently enrolled in the target language course (e.g. applying for Intermediate Chinese and you're enrolled in a Chinese language class at UCLA fall 2012). In that case, we recommend that your language reference comes from your current instructor.
ReplyDeleteHello, I am a student of Arabic. My institution recently changed Arabic professors. The former Arabic professor knows me much better than my current professor, would it be alright to ask the former professor for a language reference as opposed to the current one (who has only been teaching me for two weeks)? I already have another professor selected for my general reference who will speak more to my career goals.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI already requested letters of recommendation, one from my Chinese professor, and one from someone who isn't an academic instructor at a university. Is this going to be detrimental to my application? She was my AFS coordinator for my NSLI-Y exchange in high school and ever since my return from that I have volunteered for AFS under her and she knows me extremely well, both about me in the academic and personal spheres. Is she okay to have as a referee?
ReplyDeleteDear Caroline:
DeleteIt is ultimately up to you who you would like to select as a letter of reference. If you feel that your NSLI-Y coordinator knows your overall academic ability and future goals better than a secondary academic reference, it sounds like that would be a strong reference. Good luck!
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI had a quick question about the deadlines for the application and the letters of recommendations. On the website for the critical language scholarship application it says the deadline has been extended to November 20th. However on this page it says letters of recommendations need to be submitted by November 15th. Does the extended deadline for the application apply to the letters of recommendations as well or is the deadline for the letters of recommendations still November 15th? Thank you.
Dear John:
DeleteGreat question! Recommendations are due November 20th as well.
Thank you for pointing that out!
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI have a question about references. This past summer I worked as an au pair for a family in Spain this summer. I think they would make a great reference for me, but their English is not the best. It is definitely understandable, but it would not be the most eloquently written reference letter. Will this negatively affect opinion those on the board of decisions review me as an applicant? Would the best option be to 1. Have a different reference, 2. Have them submit a letter in English, or 3. Have them write the reference in Spanish and have someone translate it to English and submit both letters?
Thank you,
Beth
Dear Beth:
DeleteYou may choose any reference that you feel will speak to your academic strengths and personal career goals. However, all references must be submitted in English. Your reference may work with others on translating an original foreign language letter, but should be the one to submit any final product. If your reference plans to submit a translation they should make sure that it submitted along with the original.
Let us know if you have any other questions.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI am applying for Bengali. I am a graduate student in art and have no professors that can talk about my language proficiency. Is it better to find someone outside of the university who can talk about my proficiency in Bengali, or to have two of my current professors write about my academic abilities, goals, etc...
Thanks
Dear Srijon:
DeleteIf you are applying for a level other than Beginning, then you must include a language letter of reference.
Therefore, you should look for a reference outside of your university if you don't have a teacher of Bangla currently.
Hi, I'm applying for the Arabic program. I have been trying to get in touch with my Arabic professor, but he moved abroad over two years ago and no one in the department has any of his contact info. Would it hurt my application if I have two general letters of reference?
ReplyDeleteYes, it would. If you are applying for any level but Beginning, you must include a language reference letter.
DeleteIf your language teacher is unavailable to write a letter, you may speak with another teacher of Arabic at your university or reach out to someone at a different institution to evaluate your language abilities and write your language letter of reference.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI have a question concerning references. I have taken 2 years of college-level Arabic, but the professor who taught me has left the university, therefore I cannot submit a language letter of reference. Will this be a promblem? And if so, how may I address it in the application?
-Linette Mejia
Dear Linette:
DeleteGreat question. If you are applying at anything but the very beginning level, a language reference letter is required.
If your language teacher is unavailable to write a letter, you may speak with another teacher of Arabic at your university or reach out to someone at a different institution to evaluate your language abilities and write your language letter of reference.
Email us or call us at 202-833-7522 if you have any additional questions.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI am not quite sure what to do. Both of my Arabic professors have recently left the university, and I have not been able to attain their personal information to get in contact with them. I have even tried to reach out to my high school arabic teacher and STARTALK instructor, but all attempts have failed. The application deadline is approaching and I am out of language teachers to write me a language letter of reference. Is there any other option for a reference?
-Linette M.
Dear Linette:
DeleteI recommend you reach out to Arabic instructors at nearby institutions to set up a meeting, or find a teacherof Arabic who would be willing to evaluate you over the phone and write a reference.
Feel free to call us if you have any other questions.
It says, for those applying with previous language study, "Your language letter of reference should be completed by your current or most recent language instructor or tutor."
ReplyDeleteDoes this hold true even if my most recent language instructor is not for the language I am applying for, and I have taken a formal course in the language that I am applying for (Korean)? It seems advised that I only receive a reference letter for the language I am applying for. However, I took only one term of Korean 2 years ago and though I performed well in the class, my professor may not remember and me and has not responded to my requests or been available to meet with me. Can I go ahead and get a Letter from a professor who knows me now and with whom I'm very familiar?
Dear Alyssa:
DeleteThe language reference is meant to be filled out by your most recent teacher of the language you are applying for.
It is ONLY required if you are applying for a level above beginning. That is, if you have the equivalent of one, two, three or more years of college-level study. If the one term (less than one year) two years ago was your only exposure to Korean then you should be applying for the Beginning level and do not have to submit a language reference with your application. Instead you should submit two general references.
That said, if you are applying for a higher level than Beginning (either because you are a heritage student, or you have extensive self-study, etc.), then we do require a language reference. Although it should be a teacher who has taught you the language recently, there are also cases where such a teacher is unavailable, or doesn't exist (as is the case for many heritage students). In this case, you should reach out to other teachers of Korean either at your institution or at another institution in your State, to have them evaluate your your language ability (either in person or by phone) and complete the reference for you.
Let me know if you have any other questions on this issue, you can email us or call us at (202) 833-7522.
I'm interested in a beginning language program. I'm a first-year grad student after a graduating from undegrad several years ago and I have one strong reference from a university professor, but don't know what to do for the second reference: would it be better to 1)ask a professor I don't know well, 2) ask a work supervisor I know very well, or 3) ask a language professor (not of the target language) who knows my ability to study a foreign language. Thanks for the advice.
ReplyDeleteDear Laura:
DeleteThat will depend on who you think can recommend you most strongly for the program. Except in the case of a language reference for students applying above the beginning level, we do not have requirements for who should write your letters of recommendation. We recommend that you have at least one strong academic reference from a current or former university professor, but the other one is left to your discretion, and will depend on what aspects of your background that you want to focus on in your application.
My professor is currently on a trip and does not have letterhead from my university to use. Is it alright if he doesn't use it?
ReplyDeleteI also am currently a beginner in my target language, but plan on taking courses in it in the upcoming school year. By the start of the program I will have completed 2/3 of a year's worth in schooling. Would I be eligible for advanced beginner at all? If I need to I will definitely get a tutor so I can catch up!
Please let me know! Thank you!
Dear Crystal:
DeleteThe recommendation does not have to be on letterhead. It is an online form.
For the Advanced Beginner level you should have the equivalent of one academic year (two semesters, or three academic quarters) of study in the language.
Hello. I am applying for the advanced Korean program, and have one question about reference letters. I just completed a language fellowship in Seoul and have returned to the U.S. My most recent instructor lives in Seoul and speaks little to no English. In order to receive a reference letter from her, I would first translate the reference letter instructions to Korean, and next ask her to write a reference letter in Korean and then possibly pay to get it translated, and finally ask her to navigate the online letter-submission process within an English-text website. Given this potential burden to my previous instructor, is it acceptable that I ask my most recent Korean instructor living in the U.S. to provide me a language reference? I attended her course in the late spring of 2011. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteDear Ben:
DeleteYou may have a less recent teacher complete your language reference. However, you should spend some time speaking with your reference and allow her to assess your current language abilities, as well as talk about your current course of study with her. The language reference will be asked to rate your language ability and project where you will be by the beginning of the summer.
If I have asked two professors to write letters of recommendation for me, one being a general reference, and the other person doing the language reference, does the latter also have to write a general letter of recommendation?
ReplyDeleteDear Greta:
DeleteBoth references will be asked to write a letter of reference. Your language reference should, additionally, fill out a short form that asks about your current and projected language proficiency.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteThis is a question pertaining to the submission/reporting of transcript/courses -- the application instructs applicants to "enter information on all courses you have taken," identical to the way they appear on the transcript. Does this mean copying and pasting verbatim as in, "Mod Stn Arabic" (as it appears on the transcript), rather than typing the full title of "Modern Standard Arabic?" More importantly, should applicants also include information about current courses, even though no grades are available?
Thank you!
Dear Maya:
DeleteMinor differences in the course titles will not affect your application.
You should include information about current courses--as much as is currently available.
I know this is still a while away, but I thought I would figure it out now so that I can figure out what the best plan of action would be. I will be applying for the Turkish CLS for 2014. I am going to be spending Spring 2014 in Istanbul, and I am currently taking informal Turkish lessons. I will be taking intensive Turkish classes 4 weeks before I am at Bosphorus University, and also through the University. I am hoping to apply for the Advanced Beginning class, but I do not have a language reference. Turkish is not offered at my University. What would be the best plan in this instance?
ReplyDeleteDear Jo:
DeleteYou could either recommend a letter of recommendation from one of your teachers at Bosphorus University, your teacher in the U.S. or find a language teacher at a local university or through a cultural organization who would be willing to sit down with you and evaluate your language skills.
Best wishes!
Hello. I want to know if you'd recommend that I speak with my upcoming fall language instructor about this application just to give him insight to what I'm doing or that I wait till the start of the fall semester to introduce myself and mention recommendation letters? Also I want know if I could ask my current language instructor within the same university/college/department for my second recommendation letter? And, I was wondering if advisers are a applicable source of recommendation for the application.
DeleteThank You
Dear Terry:
DeleteYour adviser may be a good reference, it depends on how well they can present you and how persuasive a letter they write. In the end, you may ask anyone to write the general recommendation letter, although we recommend using an academic reference. Whether you approach your teacher now or in the fall would depend on your relationship with the person.
Best wishes!