2021 Critical Language Scholarship Program

The application for the summer 2021 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program will close in just four weeks on Tuesday, November 17 at 8:00pm Eastern. We welcome your students to apply now to learn a critical foreign language next summer on a fully-funded study abroad program.

The application is now live and available online at:  https://www.clscholarship.org/apply

The CLS Program, a program of the U.S. Department of State, is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Students spend eight to ten weeks abroad studying one of 15 critical languages including . The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural to both stud

enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains. Most languages offered by the CLS Program (9 of 15) do not require applicants to have any experience studying critical languages.

We have hosted a number of information sessions this fall, including sessions specific to our 15 separate language programs and a session for beginners who may not know where to begin when selecting a language for their application. Recordings of these webinars are available here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLc6m86vaPU3a8zJTLzmh0YEZ9etUmaQd5 

We have a limited number of upcoming live information sessions that are open

ents and advisors: https://clscholarship.org/events

Email templates are available on our web site to assist you in reaching out to your students: https://clscholarship.org/advisors/advisor-resources/email-templates

We count on university faculty and advisors to encourage all students who may benefit from learning a critical language to apply for the CLS Program! Our Azerbaijani, Bangla, Hindi, Indonesian, Persian, Punjabi, Swahili, Turkish, and Urdu programs are open to absolute beginners with no previous language experience; we hope you can help us to communicate the value of learning a less-commonly taught language with your students.

CLS, a program of the U.S. Department of State, 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.

We appreciate your consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions.