Dr. Zachary Hagins, assistant professor of French at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, has come up with a way to assist students hoping to attend a summer language program.

From March 6-8, the Department of World Languages will host a book sale in the Upper Concourse of the Donaghey Student Center to help raise scholarship funds for students who wish to travel abroad this summer. 

In hopes of reaching its financial goal, the department welcomes donations until Feb. 24. Donors can drop books off at Hagin’s office or schedule a time to have items picked up.

“I know students here really struggle with trying to find ways to finance their study abroad trips,” said Hagins. “Some of the student clubs in the department have done bake sales to raise money, so what I did was try to come up with something that would hopefully raise a larger sum, so that we could really help offset some of the costs of study abroad and the summer language programs.”

The cost to study in a foreign country can range anywhere between $2,000 to $35,000, depending on the type, length, and location of the program, according to study abroad director Emily Cox.

“Each year, we traditionally offer three summer language programs,” Cox said. “Two of them go to Spanish- speaking countries and the other to France. This program, which is part faculty led and part independent, is among the most popular with our students.”

With students juggling family, work, and school, Hagins knows that meeting the financial obligations of studying abroad can be tough. Having led the summer French program, he also knows the importance of students being able to travel and experience another culture first-hand.

“For many of these students, it’s their first time on a plane or leaving the country,” Hagins said. “Some students may not be able to stay for an entire semester, but they can do four weeks. This still gives them the exposure and experience that I think everyone should have.”

With this book sale, Hagins hopes to raise enough money to provide a scholarship for at least one student. For more information on the book sale or to donate, contact Hagins at zrhagins@ualr.edu.