Critical Language Scholarship
(CLS) Program
A Program of the U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Program Overview
Program objective: Broaden the
base of Americans studying and
mastering critical languages.
• Launched in 2006
• Target group: U.S.
undergraduate and graduate
students
• Over 5,500 applications
received and approximately
550 scholarships awarded
annually
What is CLS?
• Group-based summer program
– June – August
– 5 to 35 participants per
institute
• Intensive study
– 20 hours per week of class
– Language partners
– Cultural program
– Equivalent to one year of
college-level study
• Not a research, independent
study, or internship program
Thirteen Languages Offered
Language
Level
Arabic
Azerbaijani
Bangla
Chinese
Hindi
Indonesian
Japanese
Korean
Persian
Punjabi
Russian
Turkish
Urdu
Beginning
Advanced
Beginning
Intermediate
Advanced
Past Institute Locations
Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, Georgia, Russia, India, Indonesia, Japan,
Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Russia, South Korea, Tajikistan, and Turkey
Language Gains
2012 CLS Program OPI Scores, All Languages (N=620)
100
90
Pre-Program
Post-Program
80
Percent
70
60
60
51
50
40
39
35
30
20
10
5
10
0.2
0
Novice
Intermediate
Advanced
Superior
Proficiency Levels
• On average, CLS Participants gained two sublevels on the ACTFL
Oral Proficiency Interview, while covering roughly a year’s worth
of material.
• Participants have their language abilities certified by ACTFL, and
can share those scores later with schools and employers.
Eligibility Requirements
• U.S. citizenship;
• Enrollment as an undergraduate or
graduate student in U.S.-based university
degree program at time of application;
• Be at least 18 years old and have
completed at least first year of collegelevel study by beginning of CLS Program;
• All backgrounds/disciplines are eligible;
• Some programs require previous
language study;
• Participation is contingent on
certification of acceptable physical and
mental health and on securing a visa to
the host country.
Program Benefits
• Domestic travel to/from
Washington for the required
pre-departure orientation;
• International travel to/from
host country;
• Applicable visa fees;
• Group-based intensive
language instruction;
• Housing and meals;
• Cultural excursions and
activities in host country;
• U.S. academic credit through
Bryn Mawr College.
Participant Diversity Snapshot (2014)
• 10% are STEM majors
• Over 30% identify as students
of color
• Students come from public
and private institutions,
community colleges, and
minority-serving institutions
• Nearly all 50 states, DC and
Puerto Rico represented
• Undergraduate students
(77%); Graduate students
(23%)
• Women (57%); Men (43%)
Why Should You Apply?
•
Structured study abroad programs, such as CLS, make overseas & language immersion
experiences accessible and supportive to students from all backgrounds.
•
CLS offers the opportunity to make rapid gains in a critical-needs foreign language.
•
You can develop cultural expertise and intercultural skills.
•
Proficiency in a critical language opens doors to graduate research and employment
opportunities, including careers in government and national security.
Overcoming Challenges to Applying
• Is CLS for me?
– CLS is a structured group program with full-time staff support for students
from all backgrounds.
– CLS alumni are ready to share experiences and talk about what to expect.
• Concerns about financial means?
– CLS is fully funded!
• Concerns about academic progress?
– CLS is summer only, offers academic credit, and helps you to become more
competitive for other fellowships and grants.
• Concerns about career goals?
– CLS offers expanded opportunities for employment and funded graduate study,
including in government careers and related industries.
– Companies are looking for intercultural skills, experience overseas.
– CLS provides exposure to a great network of future professionals.
– The CLS Program is relevant to national security and to the U.S. role as a global
leader in STEM fields.
• Questions about campus resources?
– CLS hosts webinars in order to provide resources for students looking to apply
for CLS and staff & faculty working with students who may be on campuses
with limited resources.
– There are many potential resources on campus – think outside the box!
Application Becomes Available Mid-September
• Online application at
www.clscholarship.org.
• Apply for one language only.
• Application is for CLS
language.
– Not for a specific country or site.
• Applicants must prepare:
– Unofficial transcripts
– Two letters of recommendation
– Essay Responses
Key Elements of a Successful Application
• Make a clear connection between target language and
academic/career plans. Talk about:
– The importance of the language to your goals;
– Your plans to continue studying and using the language.
• Make it clear you can succeed in an intensive, group-based program.
Show that you are:
– Ready for intensive study;
– Ready for a group-based program
with a very busy schedule;
– Culturally adaptable and mature.
• Get good letters of recommendation:
– Letters from faculty or instructors
are preferred.
– Ask early! Be polite!
Resources for Your Application
Start your application early, and seek on-campus resources to help
you improve your essays:
• Office of Grants, Scholarships,
or Fellowships;
• Study Abroad or International
Education office;
• Writing tutor;
• Academic advisor, language
instructor or other faculty
member;
• Trade proofreading duties with
a friend!
Available CLS Webinars
Webinar #1
•
Topic: This webinar provides an overview of the CLS Program and its benefits, the
application process, and how institutions can recruit and support students studying critical
languages on their campuses (particularly underrepresented students in study abroad).
•
http://live.wiziq.com/aliveext/Recorded.aspx?SessionCode=pqXtXQvvpaE%3d
Webinar #2
•
Topic: This webinar focuses on possible obstacles that community college students face
when thinking about studying abroad and challenges these students may encounter while
on program (as well as the support they will receive from CLS staff before and during the
program).
•
http://live.wiziq.com/aliveext/Recorded.aspx?SessionCode=UBdsb5%2bZirI%3d
Webinar #3
•
Topic: This webinar provides information about the CLS Program, offers tips for a successful
application and give ample time for Q&A. This webinar focuses heavily on application tips
and will go into this topic in depth.
•
https://live.wiziq.com/aliveext/Recorded.aspx?SessionCode=alzxPCD22ow%3d
Selection Timeline
• Mid-September
– Application opens.
• Mid-November
– Application deadline.
• 1st round of selection
– Each application read by two independent
readers.
– Applicants are notified of advancement in
mid-January.
• 2nd round of selection
– Selection panels convene in Washington,
D.C. in early February.
– Final approval by U.S. Department of State.
• February/March
– Finalists and alternates are notified.
– Finalists must accept their awards by midlate March.
Stay Connected with CLS
Website:
www.clscholarship.org
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/CLScholarship
Instagram:
@clscholarship
Twitter:
@CLSscholarship
YouTube:
www.youtube.com/user/CLSscholarship
Phone:
(202) 833-7522
Email:
cls@americancouncils.org
Other State Department programs:
exchanges.state.gov