Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) ProgramA Program of the U.S. Department of StateBureau 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 graduatestudents

• 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 Beginning Advanced

Beginning Intermediate Advanced

Arabic ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Azerbaijani ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Bangla ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Chinese ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔

Hindi ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Indonesian ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Japanese ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔

Korean ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Persian ✘ ✔ ✔ ✔

Punjabi ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Russian ✘ ✘ ✔ ✔

Turkish ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Urdu ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Past Institute Locations

Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, Georgia, Russia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Russia, South Korea, Tajikistan, and Turkey

Language Gains

• 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.

Novice Intermediate Advanced Superior0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

39

51

105

60

35

0

Pre-Program Post-Program

Proficiency Levels

Per

cen

t

2012 CLS Program OPI Scores, All Languages (N=620)

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 college-level 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 mid-late

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