Monday March 18th, 2024 11:39PM

Riverside cadet receives scholarship to study Chinese abroad

By AccessWDUN staff

Chinese is one of seven non-Western European languages recognized as being critical to U.S. national security. Riverside Military Academy rising senior Cadet Sergeant First Class (C/SFC) Adam Stumpf has received a scholarship from the National Security Language Initiative for Youth to study abroad in China this summer.

The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, provides merit-based scholarships for eligible high school students to learn less commonly taught languages in overseas immersion programs. It is part of a U.S. government initiative preparing American citizens to be leaders in a global world with the necessary linguistic skills and cultural knowledge to promote international dialogue and support American engagement abroad.

The NSLI-Y summer programs are six to eight weeks in duration with students earning a minimum of 120 language class hours. The program increases students’ Chinese language proficiency through intensive in-class language instruction, cultural presentations and activities, service activities with community-focused organizations, and host family stays. All participants must complete post-program language tests. The Chinese program of NSLI-Y is administered by Beijing University in Zhuhai City, China.

Of Riverside Military Academy’s Chinese (Mandarin) language program, C/SFC Stumpf says, “This course is not for the faint-hearted; it’s rigorous but provides an experience you will not find anywhere else. Even compared to other foreign language classes the pacing is fast, and you’re expected to provide quality work. Within two years of taking Chinese classes at Riverside, I’ve already received scholarships.”

C/SFC Stumpf hopes to use his immersion experiences in the Chinese language and culture to serve as an officer in the U.S. Army, possibly with a career in marketing, and in mission work for his church.

“I’m blessed to have been accepted to join NSLI-Y for a summer abroad in China. I know it will be hard, but I’ll take that challenge. I would like to become more comfortable in a foreign country and interacting with the people who live there,” states C/SFC Stumpf.

Riverside Military Academy’s Chinese (Mandarin) Studies Program was established in 2013 by the program’s teacher, Mark Reedy, who is also Riverside’s Class of 1992 valedictorian. The curriculum provides students with a foundation in the Chinese language, history, and culture while gaining an edge in fields such as international business and government. All of the students take the HSK test of Chinese language ability, which is internationally recognized by universities and businesses, at the conclusion of each course. 

Reedy learned firsthand the importance of speaking Mandarin from his previous travels as Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Diplomatic Corps and years of employment in international relations, finance, and economics.  

  • Associated Categories: Local/State News
  • Associated Tags: Riverside Military Academy, scholarships, Chinese, China
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