The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a prestigious and fully funded study abroad opportunity offered by the U.S. Department of State. It is designed to expand the number of Americans mastering languages critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity. Through this immersive summer program, selected students gain intensive language instruction while living in regions where the target language is spoken.
Award Details
Award:
Fully Funded – Covers all major costs, including:
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International airfare
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Tuition and fees
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Housing and meals
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Visa fees
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Health benefits
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Cultural excursions
Program Length:
Typically 8–10 weeks during the summer
If you need more explanation or more information, you can book a consultation and speak to Happy Face
Program Highlights
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Language Instruction: Participants receive 20+ hours per week of intensive language classes, taught by native speakers at host institutions.
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Full Immersion: Students live with host families or in student housing and are expected to use the target language in daily life.
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Cultural Enrichment: Beyond the classroom, students participate in activities that deepen cultural understanding—from traditional cooking lessons to local excursions.
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Non-Traditional Languages: The program focuses on 13 critical languages that are less commonly taught in U.S. schools but are vital to global engagement. These include:
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Arabic
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Chinese
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Hindi
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Indonesian
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Japanese
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Korean
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Persian
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Portuguese
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Russian
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Swahili
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Turkish
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Urdu
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Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the CLS Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
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U.S. citizenship at the time of application
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Be enrolled in an accredited U.S. degree-granting program (undergraduate or graduate level)
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Be at least 18 years old by the start of the program
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Meet language prerequisites (varies by language; some require no prior study)
If you need more explanation or more information, you can book a consultation and speak to Happy Face
Application Process
Application Deadline: Typically opens in the fall and closes in November.
Requirements Include:
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Online application form
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Personal statement and short essays
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Transcripts
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Letters of recommendation
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Language experience, if applicable
Applicants are evaluated based on their commitment to language learning, ability to adapt to cultural differences, academic record, and potential to use the language in future careers.
