How to Apply

Procedure:
To apply for a Stork Award in German Studies please fill out our online application below by March 1. This is for Study Abroad programs beginning between May of the year of application and April the following year (e.g. March 2024 for May 2024 - April 2025 programs).

Please note you will need to submit two documents as part of this application:

1. A letter of intent. This should be a maximum of one page. Students should detail their experience and background in studying the German language, culture, and history, including details of the courses they have taken in German Studies at university thus far. Students should also explain their motivation for going on their summer program and what impact it will have on their future career or study plans. The letter of intent should be a Word or PDF file and can be attached to the online application. Not sure what to write? Check out our template here or read some past successful applications here. Please note applicants are welcome to structure their letter as they see fit. The template and successful applications are references only.
2. Applicants need to provide a letter of acceptance or equivalent for the Study Abroad program demonstrating that this is a recognized institutional Canadian-organized German language or cultural studies program. If a letter of acceptance is not available, then students should provide details of which program they have applied for. The letter of acceptance or equivalent should be a Word or PDF file and can be attached to the online application.

Adjudication:
Applications will be adjudicated by the Waterloo Centre for German Studies Awards Committee. Successful applicants who are not Canadian citizens and need a visa for their exchange need to provide evidence of having met all visa requirements before the Stork Award can be released.

If you are unable to participate in your Study Abroad Exchange Program and have already received your award payment, you commit to returning the money immediately to the Waterloo Centre for German Studies. Please contact the Administrative Assistant at wcgs@uwaterloo.ca to begin this process.

Award recipients are expected to write a one-page informal report about their experience (in the style of a "thank you letter" to the Stork family). They must submit this to the Waterloo Centre for German Studies, at the latest, one month after completing their program.