Flas

Flas, short for Foreign Language and Area Studies, is a U.S. government-funded fellowship program that supports language study and region-focused academic work. Administered by the U.S. Department of Education, FLAS operates through participating colleges and universities that serve as grant recipients and program administrators. The program aims to build language capacity and regional expertise for national security, diplomacy, international development, and related fields.

FLAS has its origins in federal efforts of the 1960s to strengthen language and area studies. It is authorized as part of Title VI of the Higher Education Act, with funding allocated to U.S. undergraduates and graduates through university-based programs. The focus is on languages and regional studies designated as critical to U.S. interests.

Fellowships cover tuition and required fees and provide a stipend for living expenses. Amounts depend on the degree level (undergraduate or graduate) and the host institution, and some awards include a travel allowance. Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens or nationals enrolled in an accredited degree program at a U.S. college or university, who plan to pursue intensive study of one or more languages and/or regional studies designated by the program.

Fellows usually undertake language study during the summer and/or the regular academic year. Post-award obligations, such as teaching or other service requirements, vary by institution and funding category. Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress and submit required reports.

FLAS supports a broad range of languages, with priority often given to languages designated as critical by the federal government. The program funds both language instruction and area studies, encouraging interdisciplinary study and career paths in government, academia, journalism, and international business.