Four Salve students awarded Beatrice S. Demers Foreign Language Fellowships

Four students from Salve Regina University have been awarded Beatrice S. Demers Foreign Language Fellowships. The program, administered by the Rhode Island Foundation, supports students, educators at any college in Rhode Island as well as any Rhode Island resident who wishes to pursue foreign language study. The awards, ranging from $1,000 to $20,000, contribute to covering tuition, fees, travel, housing and other expenses. 

The students shared with us their plans for and thoughts on the fellowships. 

Adison Caufield '28

Double-majoring in European history and global studies with a Hispanic studies minor, Caufield will use the fellowship to support her fall 2026 semester study abroad in Sevilla, Spain. 

"I hope to use my Spanish skills in my future career of human rights protection," Caufield said. "The ability to communicate with people in their native language and correctly advocate for those who need it most is important to me, both on a personal and professional level. From the history side of things, the ability to work with Spanish sources and not rely on translations will greatly enhance any scholarship I do on topics interacting with the Spanish language."

Meghanne Cheevers '29

Cheevers, double-majoring in Hispanic studies and elementary education, will use the fellowship to support her spring 2027 semester abroad in Spain on her journey to becoming a Spanish teacher. 

"Through my own language education, I have been able to grow in my understanding of diverse cultures. I believe that this skill has led me to become a more compassionate and empathetic human as it gives me an opportunity to see the world through multiple perspectives," Cheevers said. 

She offered, "In a politically divided time, effective communication is the most important skill to hold, as communication is the key to connection. I hope to be able to play a part in continuing language education for others, as it has greatly impacted my personal ability to connect with others, and my overall view of our world." 

Eliana Koenig '26

Double-majoring in Hispanic studies and psychology, Koenig will use the fellowship after graduation, to return to Spain in summer 2026 to study medical Spanish for use in her profession. 

She said, "This fellowship has given me one of the best opportunities to enhance my knowledge of the Spanish language and the intimate knowledge of specifically medical Spanish. Without this scholarship I would never have had the opportunity to continue my education and learn the skills needed to pursue a career in health psychology in the future." 

Koenig encourages all students studying languages to pursue the Demers Fellowship. "It is such an important resource that not many students know about, and it can facilitate the continuance of language learning and provide students with the opportunity to study abroad and fall in love with foreign languages and cultures. My recommendation for students looking to study abroad is to go for it. Going abroad changed the trajectory of my life for the better and I can't wait to return to Spain and learn more!"

Isabella Meier '25

Meier is double-majoring in Hispanic studies and psychology and will graduate in December 2026. She is currently studying abroad in Spain and will use the fellowship to study Portuguese in Lisbon in spring 2027 to further her research on the Sephardic Jewish diaspora. 

Meier said, "Learning Portuguese is important to me because I've been a research assistant in the Department of Modern Languages at Salve for the past two years and I've had the amazing opportunity to work with many Spanish and Portuguese speakers on collaborative research projects. Regularly hearing Portuguese spoken and working with Portuguese documents in my research inspired me to look at applying to Spanish and Portuguese graduate programs, and to do that, I need to learn Portuguese. The Demers scholarship has given me an opportunity to be immersed in the language and learn more than I ever could have here in an English-speaking country."

To other students considering applying for this fellowship or similar programs, Meier offered this guidance, "Just do it! I had reservations about applying because I didn't think I had a chance, and I almost didn't. If I hadn't, I would never have the opportunity that I have now to study abroad for a second time. You never know what could happen – just apply and see."

Fellowships fund opportunities for students to conduct research, teach or study abroad, and/or engage in graduate studies. There are dozens available to Salve students – some as early as sophomore year. Experts in our Center for Global Education and Fellowships are here to help every step of the way.