The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program provides immersive summer programs for U.S. undergraduate and graduate students to learn languages of strategic importance to the United States’ national security, economic prosperity, and engagement with the world. Since its inception in 2006, the CLS Program has supported nearly 10,000 participants to gain critical language skills and intercultural competence, which are in demand in a globalized workforce and increase a student’s competitiveness across career fields. CLS alumni represent all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Each summer, CLS Scholars enrolled at colleges and universities across the United States spend approximately eight weeks studying one of a dozen languages either overseas or virtually. Participants gain the equivalent of one year of language study, as the CLS Program maximizes language and cultural instruction in an intensive environment.
Program Length
Approximately eight weeks in the summer.Eligibility and Application Overview
Public applications are accepted.Eligibility Requirements:
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Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or national.
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Applicants must be at least 18 years old by May of the program year.
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Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. degree-granting program at the undergraduate or graduate level at the time of application.
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Applicants may apply once, for one language and for one model (i.e. in person or virtual).
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Undergraduates must have completed at least one year of college coursework by program start date.
For more information visit the Critical Language Scholarship Program website.
