Critical Language Scholarship

The CLS Program provides opportunities for American college and university students to study languages and cultures essential to America's engagement with the world. 

Each summer, American undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities across the country, spend eight to ten weeks learning one of thirteen languages at an intensive study abroad institute. The CLS Program is designed to promote rapid language gains and essential intercultural fluency in regions that are critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity.

The following languages are offered in 2027:

• Arabic
• Chinese
• Hindi
• Japanese
• Korean
• Persian
• Portuguese
• Russian
• Swahili

Eligibility Requirements

Selection Criteria for the CLS Program

Award recipients for the CLS Program overseas will be selected on the basis of merit with consideration for the following:

Connection between language and goals; Contribution to the CLS Program goals of citizen diplomacy and mutual understanding; Preparation for the CLS Program; Adaptability, sensitivity, and resilience; and Commitment to language learning.

All other factors being equal, the CLS Program gives preference to veterans of the United States armed forces.

All other factors being equal, applicants are selected with the goal of representing geographic diversity and a diversity of institutions and fields of study.

Preference may be given to candidates with limited or no previous study abroad experience.

More Information

The CLS Program will host frequent webinars, Q&A sessions, and alumni panels for students and advisors throughout the fall. A full calendar with these events and corresponding registration links is available at: https://clscholarship.org/events.

The CLS Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by American Councils for International Education. It is part of a wider government initiative to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering foreign languages that are critical to U.S. national security, economic prosperity, and engagement with the world.

The CLS Program plays an important role in preparing students for the 21st century's globalized workforce and increasing national competitiveness.If you have any questions, please contact the CLS Program team at: clsadvisors@americancouncils.org.