Robyn Emory-Murray IPED ’18
Robyn Emory-Murray (IPED ’18) is a recipient of the 2017 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) for Mandarin in Xi’an, China. CLS is an eight-week intensive language and cultural immersion program targeted toward students of critical languages as defined by the U.S. Department of State. This fully-funded government program offers students the opportunity to live among the cultures whose languages they are studying while fully integrating themselves into the language itself.
Datong Furong Park lights at night
Robyn with the Terracotta Warriors 兵马俑
Robyn received the award with the help of the Office of Prestigious Fellowships, who assisted her with the lengthy application process. When asked about the application process, she said, “The Office of Prestigious Fellows was invaluable. They helped me frame my thoughts, answers, and attributes in a way that really spoke to the program and its goals.” The application was due in the Fall, and awards were announced in March of the next year.
Robyn at the Kongtong Shan (崆峒山) Bridge to Heaven
Robyn’s goals are to continue to pursue Mandarin in the hopes of using it as she pursues a career in economic and international security studies, specifically centered on the Sino-American relationship.
The reward for the night hike, sunrise from East Peak of Hua Shan
Robyn had the following advice for those interested in the program: “Go all in. There is a pretty intense language pledge and those that stick to it really see amazing results. At the same time, though, don’t stress yourself out. You will have a lot more success if you take care of yourself and remember that learning a new language should also be fun!”
The lights during the Hua Shan (华山) night hike
Robyn on the famous Hua Shan Plank Walk
Robyn is a full-time student in the IPED program and a recipient of the Public Service Assistantship.
