Critical Language Scholarship Deadline Approaches
The United States Department of State offers the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program annually. The application deadline is Tuesday, November 19, 2019 by 8:00pm EST.
What is the Critical Language Scholarship?
The CLP Program is a fully funded intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for both undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Students spend eight to ten weeks abroad studying one of the following 15 critical languages: Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bangla, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, and Urdu.
Is previous study in a target language required?
For most of the languages, the answer is NO! The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains. The scholarship program includes 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. Participants are selected based on their commitment to language learning and plans to apply their language skills to their future academic or professional pursuits.
CLS 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.
Download a one-page CLS flyer here.
Questions? Email CLS@AmericanCouncils.org