Language Levels and Prerequisites
The information below pertains to the 2027 CLS Program and is subject to change in future application cycles.
Review language offerings, locations, and prerequisite levels below.
IDENTIFYING your Program MODALITY
Your language and starting level determine your program modality. Beginner-level Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian are offered virtually; all other languages and levels take place overseas.
| Languages Offered | Beginner Level (Less than one year of prior study required) | Higher Levels (1+ years of prior study required or the equivalent) |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian | Virtual | Overseas |
| Hindi, Persian, Portuguese, Swahili | Overseas | Overseas |
Language Levels and Prerequisites
When applying for the CLS Program, applicants must select the level at which they intend to study. If you are currently enrolled in college-level language courses, choose the level you will achieve by the summer. For example, if you are taking introductory Chinese in the fall and plan to take another course in the spring, you will have completed one year of Chinese by the start of the program and should select Advanced Beginning in your application.
| Level | Experience Required |
|---|---|
| Beginner | Less than one year of prior study |
| Advanced Beginner | 1 year of prior study (or equivalent) |
| Intermediate | 2 years of prior study (or equivalent) |
| Advanced | 3 years of prior study (or equivalent) |
Applicants who have previously participated in the CLS Program may count each summer of participation as equivalent to one year of language study.
Have questions?
For further information on choosing your language level, prior study, or proficiency requirements, please refer to the Applicant FAQ.
Applicant FAQ