Isabel Friedl '25 was awarded the Critcal Language Scholarship (CLS) to continue learning Indonesian.
Why did you choose to apply for this award?
I chose to apply for a critical language scholarship because of my passion for learning Indonesian, I wish to become fluent and Indonesian so I can conduct ethnographic research about environmental thematic village transformations.
Briefly describe the work you will be doing on your fellowship.
I will be in a cohort of other American students learning Indonesian at Universitas Negeri Malang. We will be doing intensive language training and learning about Indonesian culture and religion through excursions throughout East Java.
What are you most looking forward to during your time as a fellow?
I am most looking forward to practicing my Indonesian with my homestay family and getting to know the people in the village that I will be staying in.
How have your experiences at Oxy prepared you to apply for this award?
Studying abroad with SIT Indonesia, art, religion and social change prepared me for CLS. My SIT teachers told me about CLS and encouraged me to apply. During my Independent Study Period I got to spend one month alone in any part of Indonesia and I chose Malang! I have since been back to Malang through the Bennet W. Schwartz fund (also through Oxy). So I am excited to return to this city I love dearly.
What advice would you give future applicants about the application process?
This was my second year applying and last year I wasn't a finalist but this year I got it so don't give up!