An Elmhurst University junior named Mikala Marcussen-Abuharb has achieved a remarkable accolade by being selected for the prestigious Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) program. With an acceptance rate below 10%, this U.S. Department of State initiative is dedicated to providing comprehensive, fully funded summer programs for American students keen on mastering languages critical to U.S. national security and global involvement. This summer, Marcussen-Abuharb, who majors in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Medical Humanities, will embark on an eight-week immersion beginning June 16 that equates to a full year of university-level Arabic language study.
Marcussen-Abuharb’s endeavors are deeply intertwined with her personal aspirations, including her goal of becoming a dentist serving Arabic-speaking communities. Her commitment to this path has roots in her experiences living in predominantly Arabic-speaking areas, witnessing the impact of language barriers on healthcare access. This dedication is further fueled by her relationship with her husband, a native Arabic speaker from Jordan. Her journey toward linguistic proficiency began during her tenure in the U.S. Navy, where she served as a machinist’s mate in the Middle East and South Asia. These formative experiences have deepened her understanding of the significance of language and cultural fluency in global contexts.
Personal and Professional Aspirations
Marcussen-Abuharb’s selection for the CLS program is an essential piece of her professional journey, as it sets the stage for a future career in dentistry focused on Arabic-speaking communities. Her immersion in an intensive Arabic language environment underscores her broader goal to address healthcare challenges arising from language barriers. Marcussen-Abuharb’s initiative is not merely academic; it represents a poignant response to real-world challenges she observed firsthand. Living in an area with a significant Arabic-speaking population illuminated the communication gaps that often impede efficient healthcare service delivery. Her personal life echoes this professional path; her husband, a Jordanian, further instills in her the importance of linguistic skills in bridging cultural divides.
The CLS program’s rigorous framework offers Marcussen-Abuharb the perfect avenue to develop language proficiency swiftly. Coupled with her scientific background as a Biology major and a keen interest in Medical Humanities, her trajectory is aligned to foster advancements in the healthcare industry, particularly for marginalized communities. The upcoming fellowship entails not only language acquisition but also cultural immersion, equipping her with tools essential to effectively engage in a multilingual practice environment. Marcussen-Abuharb’s future endeavors include continuing her language studies in Jordan following her senior year, an aspiration that is facilitated by the foundation she will lay this summer.
University Support and Cultural Awareness
Elmhurst University continues to champion the participation of its students in programs like the CLS, which enrich their academic journey and bolster cultural adaptability, awareness, and leadership skills. The University’s promotion of such engagement demonstrates its commitment to nurturing globally competent individuals, reflective of broader educational goals. Elmhurst has actively supported students in exploring unique opportunities like the CLS, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural competencies. This focus is evident in the support provided by the University’s National Fellowships and Scholarships coordinator, who guides aspiring applicants through the process.
The achievements of Marcussen-Abuharb highlight Elmhurst University’s role in preparing students for significant contributions on the global stage. By encouraging participation in initiatives that promote language acquisition and cultural understanding, the university underscores its dedication to producing leaders equipped to navigate diverse environments. This commitment not only enhances students’ academic profiles but also equips them with practical skills essential in today’s interconnected world. As global competence becomes increasingly crucial, the role of higher education institutions in preparing students for international engagement remains paramount.
Looking Ahead
Mikala Marcussen-Abuharb, a junior at Elmhurst University, has earned the distinguished Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) from the U.S. Department of State. This prestigious program boasts an acceptance rate of under 10% and offers fully funded summer courses for American students aiming to learn languages vital for U.S. national security and diplomacy. This summer, Marcussen-Abuharb, who majors in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Medical Humanities, will join an eight-week intensive language program beginning June 16, equivalent to a full year of college-level Arabic study. Her pursuit of Arabic ties closely to her goal of becoming a dentist serving Arabic-speaking communities, inspired by her upbringing in predominantly Arabic-speaking regions, where she witnessed the challenges language barriers pose in accessing healthcare. Additionally, her husband hails from Jordan, further motivating her language learning. Her commitment was sparked in the U.S. Navy, where she worked as a machinist’s mate in the Middle East and South Asia, deepening her appreciation for language and cultural fluency.
