Critical Language Scholarship Program Launches New Language Initiative

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American Councils is excited to announce that the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) program has launched a pilot initiative to make critical language learning more accessible so come and apply here in the Critical Language Scholarship. CLS Spark, a program of the United states. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, provides virtual opportunities for American undergraduate students to further their language learning journey for the students so come and join this Critical Language Scholarship. Offering courses in Russian, Chinese, and Arabic, CLS Spark encourages students to study languages essential to America’s engagement with the world for the students in the Critical Language Scholarship.

CLS Spark will offer Arabic and Russian for students with no previous experience in these languages, and Chinese instruction for students with one year of experience (advanced beginners) for the eligible candidates in the Critical Language Scholarship. The program will be offered in the academic year 2022/2023 with approximately 18 hours of virtual language instruction offered per month over two eleven-week terms, as well as monthly cultural activities for the students in the Critical Language Scholarship.

Details About the Critical Language Scholarship

“This program really is about access,” says Jeanette Owen, Director of the CLS program for the students. “We are excited to share the expertise our overseas partners have with virtual programs to new audiences who may not otherwise be able to study critical languages or have that international exchange experience in the Critical Language Scholarship for the students. It just opens so many doors for the students.”

Participants will receive a full scholarship covering all instruction and a $300 stipend for the eligible candidates in the Critical Language Scholarship. Courses will be provided by native speakers at a host institution abroad for the students in the Critical Scholarship. With inclusive support provided by CLS program staff, students will improve their skills in all four modalities in these languages (listening, speaking, reading, writing) so all the candidates must apply here in the Critical Scholarship.

CLS Spark students can participate in virtual cultural activities once a month and make connections with members of their host country’s community and their peers for those candidates who are wanted to join the Critical Scholarship. Students will also receive automatic consideration as semifinalists for the 2023 CLS summer overseas program to continue their language studies for the students in the Critical Scholarship.

Who is eligible for CLS?
Be a U.S. citizen. Be enrolled in an accredited United sates degree-granting program at the undergraduate or graduate level for the students in this Critical Language Scholarship. Be 18 by the beginning of the CLS program for the students. Undergraduate students must have completed at least one year of college coursework by the program start date for the students in this Critical Language Scholarship
What is CLS spark?
CLS Spark is a pilot virtual initiative for United States undergraduate students to learn languages essential to America’s engagement with the world for the students in theoretical Language Scholarship
How do I apply for CLS Program?

Download the CLS Supplemental Form to upload with the application for the students.

Within the online application, it will ask for information including for this scholarship:

  1. A list of current and planned courses.
  2. School and community activities.
  3. Work and volunteer experiences.
  4. Special recognition and honors.
  5. Recommendations.
  6. Essay.

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How to Apply

 Please see the CLS Spark website for more information.