CRITICAL LANGUAGE SCHOLARSHIP

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains.
CLS 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.
The Critical Language Scholarship Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by American Councils for International Education.

Who Can Apply

1. Must be a U.S. citizen at the time of your application. Non-citizens including Permanent Residents are not eligible, even if they anticipate naturalization by the beginning of the program.
2. Be enrolled in an accredited U.S. degree-granting program at the undergraduate (associate’s, bachelor’s) or graduate (master’s, doctoral, professional degree) level at the time of your application.
3. Be at least 18 years old by May 15, 2021.
4. If in an undergraduate program (associate’s or bachelor’s), complete at least one full year of study (two semesters or three quarters) by the beginning of the CLS Program in summer 2021.
5. You may only apply once, for one language program, each summer. Applicants who submit multiple applications will be considered ineligible.
6. Participation is limited to a total of two CLS awards for any individual. Applicants who have been selected for and participated in the CLS Program one time may apply for a second award. Applicants who have successfully completed the CLS Program two or more times in overseas locations are not eligible to apply again. This limitation does not include participation in a CLS Virtual Institute.

The CLS Application for the 2021 Summer Programs is now available!
Start your application online now. Applications are due November 17, 2020 at 8:00pm Eastern