Scholarship details
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a prestigious and competitive initiative offering American students the opportunity to learn critical foreign languages abroad. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the CLS Program aims to increase the number of Americans proficient in languages essential to national security, diplomacy, and economic competitiveness.
About the Host Organization
The CLS Program is managed by the American Councils for International Education and funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs within the U.S. Department of State. Since its inception in 2006, CLS has provided intensive language instruction and cultural enrichment experiences to thousands of students from diverse academic backgrounds.
Mission and Goals
The primary goal of the CLS Program is to broaden the base of Americans studying and mastering critical languages while fostering mutual understanding between different cultures. The program aims to train a new generation of American professionals who can effectively engage with global communities.
Program Structure
Each year, around 600 undergraduate and graduate students receive fully-funded scholarships to participate in an intensive summer language institute abroad. The program covers tuition, travel, housing, meals, visa fees, health benefits, and a small stipend for incidental expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for CLS, applicants must be U.S. citizens currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs at accredited U.S. institutions. They should demonstrate a commitment to learning foreign languages and a clear plan for how they will use their language skills in their future careers.
Insights into Host Countries
Each year, CLS participants are placed in various countries where they immerse themselves in both language learning and cultural exchange. Host countries include China for Mandarin Chinese learners, Jordan for Arabic learners, India for Hindi learners, Kazakhstan for Russian learners, among others.
Why These Countries?
These host countries are carefully selected based on their geopolitical significance and rich cultural landscapes, offering students immersive experiences beyond classroom learning.
Cultural Immersion
Participants don’t just attend classes; they live with host families or stay in dormitories with local students. This enables them to practice their language skills in real-life situations while gaining a deeper understanding of local customs, traditions, and societal norms.
China: A Gateway to Mandarin Mastery
One of the primary destinations for CLS participants is China—a country with an ancient civilization characterized by its rich history and rapid modernization.
Beijing: The Heartbeat of China
In Beijing—the political capital—students find themselves immersed in both historical grandeur and contemporary dynamism. Visits to iconic sites like the Great Wall or Tiananmen Square are often complemented by strolls through bustling markets where they can practice Mandarin with vendors.
Academic Excellence
Chinese universities hosting CLS programs are renowned for their rigorous language courses designed specifically for foreign students. The curriculum includes speaking and reading traditional texts, which add depth to linguistic comprehension.
Networking Opportunities
China’s cities offer networking opportunities through interactions with local professionals during seminars organized as part of cultural activities, benefiting students long-term in their careers.
Jordan: The Oasis of Arabic Linguistics
Jordan serves as another pivotal location offering unparalleled immersion into Modern Standard Arabic alongside exposure to colloquial dialects spoken in daily life situations, making it an ideal destination for mastering this complex yet beautiful language.
Amman: Where Tradition Meets Modernity
Amman represents a perfect blend of centuries-old heritage and urban development, providing a conducive learning atmosphere for aspiring linguists from across the globe.
Experiential Learning
Experiences extend beyond classrooms with visits to Petra, the Dead Sea, and Wadi Rum, fostering holistic development that encompasses cognitive, emotional, and spiritual growth.
India: A Melting Pot of Languages and Cultures
India epitomizes diversity and unity, with a multitude of languages spoken across the nation. Hindi remains the predominant language, linking a tapestry of cultures and traditions spanning millennia.
Delhi: An Enigma of Past, Present, and Future
Delhi embodies the essence of India, reflecting every facet of life with historical architectural marvels alongside cutting-edge infrastructure symbolizing progress and resilience.
Rigorous Curriculum
Indian institutions are renowned globally for their stringent academic standards and hands-on experiential methodologies, ensuring comprehensive education that blends theory and practice seamlessly.
Kazakhstan: Bridging Continents and Cultures
Kazakhstan, strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, embodies a fusion of diverse influences, creating a unique cultural mosaic.
Almaty: The Jewel of Central Asia
Almaty stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Kazakh people, preserving rich heritage while embracing modernity. This city provides a harmonious environment for aspiring linguists, future global leaders, diplomats, and entrepreneurs alike.
Conclusion
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for American students to gain proficiency in critical languages while immersing themselves in diverse cultures. By fostering mutual understanding and equipping participants with essential language skills, the CLS Program contributes to building a more interconnected and harmonious global community.
