Participation Requirements

The CLS Program is rigorous and immersive, requiring full commitment from participants. Reasonable accommodations are provided.

Participation Requirements

The CLS Program is rigorous and immersive, requiring full commitment from participants. Reasonable accommodations are provided.

Participants in all CLS Program institutes must be able to:

• Stay alert and focused for several hours at a time during classes, cultural activities, and when receiving staff instructions;
• Attend the pre-program orientation and all required classes and activities, as dictated by the program schedule and for the duration of the program (program dates will be announced prior to the deadline for accepting the award, if offered);
• Work effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions. This may require problem solving on an interpersonal or group level as well as a willingness to accept differences;
• Contribute to a safe learning environment. No inappropriate verbal or physical behavior toward others, either in person or online, is tolerated for any reason; and
• Communicate ideas and concerns on an individual and group level.

Participants in the CLS Program's overseas institutes must:

• Perform necessary self-care, including maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration, dressing appropriately for environmental conditions, maintaining personal hygiene, and managing known medical conditions;
• If taking prescription medications, be able to maintain proper dosage without assistance from instructors or others (except in emergency situations);
• Follow detailed instructions on travel, risk management, and personal care; and
• Navigate transportation independently between housing and the institute site (up to one hour each way).

Participants in the CLS Program's virtual institutes must:

• Have reliable Internet and access to a device capable of supporting live online instruction; and
• Be able to participate in live classes weekly using a camera and microphone.

Program dates may overlap with academic terms, requiring participants to coordinate with their institutions.

Medical Review

Participants in the CLS Program's overseas institutes must submit a medical information form and physician's statement for review by an independent medical professional contracted by the CLS Program. Participants must also inform the program of any changes in their health status between submission of these forms and the start of the program in order to participate. Falsifying or omitting medical information may result in revocation or termination of the CLS award at any time prior to, or during, the program. Students who are not medically cleared by both their own medical professional and by the CLS-contracted medical professional may not be allowed to participate in the CLS Program.

Passports, Visas, and Entry Requirements

Participants in the CLS Program's overseas institutes must enter the host country using a U.S. passport. Dual citizens may face restrictions if host country laws require entry on the local passport. Applicants are responsible for determining whether they hold, or are eligible for, dual citizenship with the host country, and addressing any potential consequences before accepting a CLS award. Failure to obtain a valid U.S. passport by the specified deadline may result in visa denial and disqualification from the program.

Participants must secure an appropriate visa, if required, and meet all local entry requirements, including vaccinations and/or health tests.

• Visa issuance is at the discretion of the host country.
• Finalists may be required to work closely with program staff to complete visa paperwork well in advance of regular deadlines. This may include submitting passports for visa processing in the spring before the program begins, which could require canceling or rescheduling planned international travel.
• If traveling with a valid U.S. passport with an X sex marker, participants should check the travel advisory for immigration regulations at their destination, as acceptance may vary. The United States government cannot guarantee entry or transit through other countries. Participants should consult the foreign embassy or consulate in the United States for more information.

Passport Assistance

The CLS Program is proud to announce the availability of limited funds to support U.S. passport procurement for students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The CLS Program will issue a reimbursement of $165 for U.S. passport application fees (excluding fees to expedite processing and shipping costs) for CLS finalists applying for a first-time passport or a passport renewal in order to participate in the CLS Program. Please note that fees to expedite the application process and costs related to shipping or traveling to procure a passport are not reimbursable.

For more information on CLS Passport Assistance and how to apply, please review the CLS Passport Assistance guidelines.

Military Affiliation

The CLS Program welcomes applicants with affiliation to the U.S. armed services. All applicants with military affiliation, including all U.S. Department of Defense military and civilian personnel, service academy cadets, service members of active and reserve components, as well as inactive service members, including members of the Individual Ready Reserves (IRR), may be subject to passport or visa requirements, special waiver requirements, prohibition of travel to the host country, and/or other restrictions. Applicants affiliated with the U.S. armed forces should consult their commanding officer regarding travel restrictions and requirements, and review the CLS Program guidance provided in the Applicant FAQ. 

Additional Requirements

Selected participants must agree to the CLS Program's terms and conditions, which are updated annually.