CLS is part of a U.S. government initiative to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering foreign languages that are critical to our national security and prosperity. These critical languages are less commonly taught in U.S. schools, but are essential to America’s positive engagement with the world.
CLS plays an important role in preparing U.S. students for the 21st century’s globalized workforce, increasing American competitiveness, and contributing to national security. CLS scholars also serve as citizen ambassadors, representing the diversity of the United States abroad, dispelling stereotypes about Americans, and building lasting relationships with people in their host countries.
Students representing the diversity of the United States, including students of all backgrounds and academic disciplines and those with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. Participants are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period, and apply the critical language skills in their future academic and professional careers.
CLS is offered in the following languages:
- Arabic
- Azerbaijani
- Chinese
- Hindi
- Indonesian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Persian
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Swahili
- Turkish
- Urdu
Program Length
8-10 weeks in the summerEligibility and Application Overview
Public applications are accepted.Eligibility Requirements:
- All applicants must be U.S. citizens
- Be enrolled in an accredited U.S. degree-granting program at the undergraduate (associate, bachelor's) or graduate (master's, doctoral, professional degree) level
- Applicants must be 18 by the beginning of the CLS program
- Undergraduate students must have completed at least one year of college coursework by program start date
- Applicants must meet the language requirements of the program to which they apply.
- Applicants may only apply once, for one language and for one model (i.e., in-person or virtual), each year
For more information on CLS, visit clscholarship.org
For other study abroad opportunities visit StudyAbroad.state.gov
