Russian Program Scholarships

In today’s increasingly global economy, cultural competency is becoming a necessity–not only for students pursuing humanities degrees, but also for those pursuing STEM degrees.

The Maya Brin Scholarship in Cultural Competency supports the immersive study of Russian language, literature, cinema and culture. This undergraduate scholarship is made possible through a generous gift to the Russian Program in honor of Maya Brin, a beloved Russian instructor at the University of Maryland.

The Russian Department in the School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures invites applications for Maya Brin Scholarships in Cultural Competency starting summer of 2024 for $5,000 each.

These scholarships are open to all undergraduate students who are majoring in Russian or considering adding a Russian major. The funds are intended to support immersive experiences including, but not limited to, residency in the Language House Russian cluster, study abroad, summer intensive study in the US, or, in the case of students adding the major, time to complete the additional required coursework. Students applying for the scholarship must have demonstrated a commitment to studying Russian at or above the equivalent of RUSS 201. Students who are combining Russian and a STEM field are strongly encouraged to apply. Brin Scholars are expected to present a student project highlighting their area(s) of expertise at a venue such as Undergraduate Research Day.

All recipients will be expected to make a presentation for the Russian Department, and if the recipient has a double major, for an audience in that major as well. The language of the presentations (Russian or English) will depend on the audience.

To apply for the Maya Brin Scholarship in Cultural Competency please submit the following:

• Letter of application (3 pages maximum)
• For current majors in Russian: please explain how you will use the funds to help you achieve cultural competency.
• For students not currently majoring in Russian: please explain how achieving cultural competency in Russian will intersect with your current academic path and help you attain your professional goals. Also indicate whether you intend to add a Russian major or minor, and how the scholarship will help you pursue this course of study.
• The names of two references. One of these can be a current or former Russian instructor. Please submit name, position and contact information (email and phone). You do not need to have letters submitted at the time of application. The Committee will contact your references as appropriate.

Submit your materials as attachments via email to Dr. Cynthia Martin, cmartin@umd.edu
Deadline: March 7, 2025