From Bob Viglietta’s classroom in Ankara, he was only a day’s bus journey away from the European Union or the Iraq border. It’s Turkey’s unique position — as a bridge between Europe and Asia and a culture that has such a rich history — that intrigues him.
Viglietta, a political science and sociology major, recently finished his junior year studying abroad at Hacettepe University in Ankara. This summer, he will immerse himself in the Turkish community as one of a highly selective group of students chosen for a Critical Language Scholarship.
The U.S. Department of State offers all-expenses-paid, intensive training in 17 foreign countries whose languages are considered critical for defense, business and other world issues.
Viglietta says his selection demonstrates that Geneseo students are extremely competitive for such distinguished programs. The key is to work consistently toward your goals.
“The honor is great but the lesson is greater,” he says.
During his seven-week scholarship, Viglietta will live with a family in Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, and attend university.
Viglietta is the third Geneseo student to win the prestigious scholarship. In 2009, Mark Simeone ’10 received one to study in Russia; Jim Kuras ’09 studied in Istanbul, Turkey.
There has long been faculty support of such opportunities, says Cynthia Klima, associate professor of languages and literatures. She worked with all three students on their applications and guided Kuras on a Turkish language independent study.
“The entire languages and literatures faculty takes pride in, and is very proud of Bob and the exceptional accomplishments of its alumni,” says Rose McEwen, associate professor and chair of languages and literatures. Languages alumni also have recently won Fulbright grants and were recently hired by the governments of Spain, Chile and France for teaching posts.