The Institute of Critical Languages and Cultural Exchange is the recipient of the $99,962.00 STARTALK grant for June 27-August 7, 2008. The grant is administered by the National Foreign Language Center at the University of Maryland. The summer Institute will select 25 students from around the United States to learn standard Arabic and earn Carnegie units, which are equivalent to two semesters of high school foreign language classes. Most importantly, the students will explore the rich and diverse aspects of the Arabic culture through presentations and lectures given by scholars and researchers from the Middle East, North Africa, and the United States. The program will include an array of enriching activities, including art and architecture projects (arabesque), computer proficiency skills to continue learning Arabic, and field trips to local Arabic restaurants and places of worship. The scholarship includes books and supplies, room and board, all meals, $300 stipend for spending money, and use of all facilities at Louisiana State University. Students will only be responsible for providing transportation from their homes to the University and vice versa. Individuals or companies who sponsor any of the 25 students' transportation costs will receive a document from ICLCE Inc. for a tax deduction.