The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a summer study abroad opportunity for American college and university students to learn languages essential to America’s engagement with the world. Participants study one of 13 critical languages for approximately 8-10 weeks over the summer.
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 of diverse disciplines and majors are encouraged to apply. Participants are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period, and later apply their critical language skills in their future professional careers.
Each summer, CLS provides rigorous academic instruction in fifteen languages essential to America’s engagement with the world. CLS participants are citizen ambassadors, sharing American values and promoting American influence abroad.
Languages:
Arabic
Azerbaijani
Bangla
Chinese
Hindi
Indonesian
Japanese
Korean
Persian
Portuguese
Punjabi
Russian
Swahili
Turkish
Urdu
RIT students interested in applying for a CLS scholarship will work with the RIT Education Abroad and International Fellowships office on your application. Email jenny.sullivan@rit.edu.
At the time of application, applicants must be enrolled at an accredited U.S. degree-granting program at the undergraduate (associate’s, bachelor’s) or graduate (master’s, doctoral, or professional degree) level;
Funds approximately 8-10 week language immersion program, including travel, room, and board.