Middle East Studies

Deadline November 15 for Critical Language Scholarship

October 23, 2017

About the Program

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. Students spend eight to ten weeks abroad studying one of 14 critical languages. 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 CLS Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State.

How to Apply

The application for the 2018 CLS Program is now live. Apply online by November 15, 2017 for an opportunity to study abroad and learn a critical language!

Languages Offered

The CLS Program is part of a U.S. government effort to expand dramatically the number of Americans studying and mastering critical foreign languages. Students from all academic disciplines, including business, engineering, law, medicine, science, social sciences, arts and humanities are encouraged to apply.  

Program Benefits

The CLS Program covers most of the costs of participating in its overseas institutes, including:

  • International and domestic travel between the student's U.S. home city, Washington, D.C., and the CLS Program site
  • Related costs for a mandatory pre-departure orientation in Washington, D.C.
  • Visa fees, language instruction, room, board, program-sponsored travel within the host country
  • All entrance fees for program activities U.S. academic credit issued through Bryn Mawr College

For more information, please visit the Critical Language Scholarship.