Program Overview
Program Background
U.S. leadership abroad—in commerce, global affairs, and security—rests on Americans who can navigate other languages and cultures with expertise and fluency. The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program delivers intensive summer language instruction to high-achieving undergraduate and graduate students, selected through a competitive, merit-based process. Offered in nine languages overseas or virtually, the program condenses a full academic year of language study into eight weeks of rigorous instruction and cultural immersion. Since 2006, the CLS Program has equipped more than 10,000 U.S. participants with the linguistic skills, regional knowledge, and global networks to advance U.S. interests worldwide.
Program Structure
Participants receive the equivalent of one year of college-level language study in eight weeks through intensive language instruction and cultural activities that reinforce language learning and intercultural competence.
Formal classroom language instruction is provided for a minimum of 18 hours per week. Extracurricular activities include regular one-on-one sessions with instructors, conversation practice with local language partners, and hands-on cultural activities and excursions to historic sites.
Program Benefits
All CLS participants will receive:
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Language & Cultural Exposure
Intensive language instruction and cultural enrichment experiences.
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Learning Materials
Textbooks and language learning materials.
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Certified Language Gains
Official certification of language gains through ACTFL OPI test.
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Academic Credit
Academic credit issued through Bryn Mawr College
Additional program benefits may be provided at a later date.
Additional benefits for participants in the CLS Program’s overseas institutes:
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International & Domestic Travel
International and domestic travel between the student's home city in the U.S. and the CLS Program site abroad.
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Visa Application Fees
Visa application fees, where applicable.
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Room & Board
Room, board, and program-sponsored travel within the host country or location.
Additional benefits for participants in the CLS Program’s virtual institutes:
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Supplemental Stipend
A stipend towards supplemental equipment and connectivity costs (for example, a web camera or microphone).
Other expenses, such as, but not limited to, will not be covered:
Passport Fees
U.S. passport fees (except for students who are eligible and apply for CLS Passport Assistance).
Medical Exams
Cost of medical exams and any follow-up visits necessary to pass the medical review process, as determined by the CLS Program.
Immunizations
Cost of immunizations required for entry, as well as costs for travel health clinical appointments.
The CLS Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by American Councils for International Education.
The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs' (ECA) mission is to create lasting people-to-people ties that make America stronger, safer, and more prosperous. ECA programs increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through educational, professional, and cultural exchanges. Exchange programs strengthen the national security of the United States through improved foreign relations, support U.S. international leadership, and provide a broad range of domestic benefits by breaking down barriers and by investing in American communities and organizations.
American Councils for International Education advances scholarly research and cross-border learning through the design and implementation of educational programs that are well grounded in key world languages, cultures and regions. It contributes to the creation of new knowledge, broader professional perspectives, and personal and intellectual growth through international training, academic exchange, collaboration in educational development, and public diplomacy. With a presence in the U.S., Russia and Eurasia for nearly four decades, in addition to representation in over thirty countries across Asia, the Middle East and Southeastern Europe, American Councils strives to expand dialog among students, scholars, educators and professionals for the advancement of learning and mutual respect in the communities and societies in which we work.
Founded in 1974 as an association for area and language professionals, American Councils has focused its expertise on academic exchange, professional training, distance learning, curriculum and test development, and research. In its four decades, American Councils has developed into one of the premier American education and international training organizations, offering quality-assured, intensive overseas language study and research programs for U.S. undergraduates, graduate students, teachers and scholars.
