Applications are now being accepted for the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program for intensive language study abroad in summer 2021. For more information and to apply visit https://www.clscholarship.org/apply. Applications are due Tuesday, November 17, 2020 by 8:00pm EST.

About the Program

The CLS Program is a fully-funded intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Students spend eight to ten weeks abroad studying one of 15 critical languages: Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bangla, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, and Urdu. Most CLS languages do not require previous study of the target language.

The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains. The scholarship program covers international airfare, tuition, and all program costs, as well as meals and living accommodations, often with a host family. The CLS Program seeks participants with diverse interests, and from a wide range of fields of study and career paths, with the purpose of representing the full diversity of the United States.

CLS, a program of the U.S. Department of State, is part of a wider government initiative to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering foreign languages that are critical to national security and economic prosperity. CLS plays an important role in preparing students for the 21st century's globalized workforce and increasing national competitiveness.

Where to Learn More

The CLS Program will host a series of webinars over the coming weeks for anyone who is interested in learning more about the program. Calendar and registration links here: https://clscholarship.org/events

Questions? Email CLS@AmericanCouncils.org