Alumni Outreach

As a CLS alum, you play a vital role in expanding awareness of the program and inspiring future applicants. Many students across the U.S. have never heard of CLS - and your story could be the one that helps them see themselves as potential scholars.

Your firsthand experience brings the program to life in a way that brochures and websites simply can’t. Whether you're speaking to a class, hosting an info session, or chatting one-on-one, your voice helps CLS reach communities and campuses that staff alone can't.

If you have questions or want support with your outreach, feel free to contact us at 202-833-7522 or via email. We’re here to help!

Getting Started with Outreach

Most outreach takes place on college and university campuses, where students are actively seeking opportunities like the CLS Program. In addition to promoting CLS on your own campus, consider connecting with nearby institutions, especially those without a study abroad or scholarships office, or those with few recent CLS alumni.

Step 1: Check for a CLS Campus Advisor

Before planning outreach, find out if the institution has a designated CLS campus advisor. You can search by institution.

Step 2: Build Partnerships

Collaborating with campus offices can help you reach a wider audience and make your outreach more effective. Offer to host an information session, visit a class, or participate in a study abroad or scholarships fair. Many offices are eager to support alumni-led initiatives.

Here are some offices you might consider reaching out to:

Office of Study Abroad, Education Abroad, or International Programs
Office of Scholarships, Fellowships, or Nationally Competitive Awards
Undergraduate Honors Program
On-campus Fulbright Program Advisor (search here)
Language Departments
Language Lab or Language Learning Center

Your experience and enthusiasm can make a lasting impact. Thank you for helping grow the CLS community!

Holding an Information Session

Hosting an information session or visiting a classroom - virtually or in person - is a great way to introduce students to the CLS Program. As an alum, your personal experience is one of the most powerful tools you have to inspire future applicants.

You don’t need to be an expert on every detail of the program. What matters most is your firsthand experience. Sharing that, along with basic program information, can have a big impact. If students ask questions you’re unsure about, that’s okay. Just direct them to the CLS website, or encourage them to contact CLS directly via email at cls@americancouncils.org.

Presentation Tip: Aim for a 15–20 minute talk, followed by plenty of time for questions and discussion.