Kira Southworth

Kira Southworth participated in the 2024 CLS Persian Program in Dushanbe, Tajikistan and in the 2022 CLS Russian Program in Tbilisi, Georgia. Kira is currently pursuing her MA in international relations with a focus on security, statecraft and strategy in the Middle East and Eurasia at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies. She graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2024 with a BA in individualized studies and Russian and Eastern European Studies. Kira was also awarded a 2023 Boren Scholarship for Russian in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and interned at the U.S. Mission to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Vienna, Austria. Caroline aspires to work in national security and intelligence—and hopefully continue to use the language skills she gained from CLS. 

Why Persian and Russian? 

I chose my CLS target languages for three reasons: first, my interest in international relations and national security; second, I absolutely love a challenge, and third; good decision-makers know how to ask good questions--and cultural understanding and personal experience are key to asking good questions. 

A Favorite Idiom 

Кто не рискует, тот не пет шампанское - which translates to the one who does not risk, does not drink champagne. Learning to take risks is essential, and the CLS Program offers a valuable opportunity to learn from mistakes in high-pressure situations with the guidance of qualified staff. 

Career Goals 

I intend to work in national security, both to complete my Boren service obligation and to help address critical problems. My language studies have helped me learn to ask informed questions related to national security, and I hope to continue building my skills as part of my career. Breaking into government service is notoriously difficult, and while I may not use my language skills immediately, I plan to continue practicing so that I’m ready when the opportunity arises. 

CLS’s Impact 

CLS was a valuable experience for my personal growth—I developed greater flexibility, resilience, and cultural understanding. It also strengthened my résumé. In a competitive landscape, CLS helps you stand out by showcasing skills that aren’t measured by certificates or grades. In my opinion, CLS played a significant role in my success with Boren and graduate school admissions.