Apply for the Critical Language Scholarship Program
Applications are now open for the Critical Language Scholarship Program (CLS), a fully funded summer study abroad language learning program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State that provides intensive overseas language and cultural immersion.
Through CLS, participants spend eight to ten weeks in June – August abroad studying one of 12 critical languages and earn academic credit for their work. The scholarship includes travel expenses, coursework, group excursions, and a small stipend to cover daily living expenses. Most languages offered by the CLS Program do not require applicants to have previous study (Hindi, Indonesian, Persian, Portuguese, Swahili, Turkish, and Urdu); some (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian) require some amount of previous study.
You can learn more about the program through this recorded webinar, and you can also find more webinars specific to the language you plan to apply for here.
CLS is open to undergraduate and graduate students with U.S. citizenship, and students in all degree programs are eligible.
The application deadline is November 19, 2024, so if you are interested in applying, now is the time to get started!
To support your application, SU’s Center for Fellowship and Scholarship Advising (CFSA) will hold 3 writing workshops for students:
- Monday, October 28: Writing workshop from 1:00-2:30pm in Bowne 208
- Thursday, October 31: Writing workshop from 3:00-4:30pm in Bowne 208
- Wednesday, November 6: Writing workshop from 12:00-1:30 pm in Bowne 208
CFSA can also make one-on-one appointments to help you review your application essays. Please email cfsa@syr.edu if you would like to set up an appointment or get more information about how to prepare to be a competitive applicant for this program!
