A Program of the 
Support for Participants
There are several ways for CLS finalists to connect with other finalists, CLS alumni, and CLS staff before departing on the CLS Program.
Getting to Know Your Cohort
Because CLS is a group-based program, participants spend the majority of their time abroad studying, learning, and practicing the target language with their CLS peers. Finalists have the opportunity to connect with their peers through each cohort’s CLS Canvas site. While many finalists will be traveling to their host country or location for the first time during the CLS Program, a cohort could also have participants who have visited the host region before and can provide information or advice to first-time travelers. Participants with greater experience studying the host language are encouraged to support beginners or participants with less experience before and during the program, such as by providing tips for key words or phrases to practice prior to departure.
CLS Alumni
One of the CLS Program’s most significant resources for participants is the deep pool of CLS alumni. Their diverse experiences on the CLS Program and the lessons they have learned are valuable tools to be shared with finalists.
In the spring, finalists receive a directory of alumni who have volunteered to speak with them about a variety of topics, both sensitive and routine. Finalists are highly encouraged to take advantage of this resource; CLS alumni look forward to sharing their experiences and answering questions about everything from packing and staying mentally and physically healthy on the program to representing diverse perspectives and navigating identity abroad. Participants are encouraged to refer to these directories and reach out to the alumni listed in them before the program as well as throughout their time abroad.
If finalists have questions about contacting alumni, they can reach out to the CLS Alumni Engagement Officer at clsalumni@americancouncils.org.
Social Media
CLS finalists can engage with the greater CLS community through a variety of online media.
- CLS Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CLScholarship. Finalists can join CLS Facebook language groups to connect with other participants and alumni of their language program.
- CLS Instagram: @CLScholarship.
- CLS Twitter/X: @CLSScholarship.
- CLS Website: www.clscholarship.org. The CLS website is a great resource for participants and alumni. Finalists are encouraged to review the FAQ page for participants, which can be found at https://clscholarship.org/applicants/frequently-asked-questions.
Additional Resources
In addition to resources provided by the CLS Program, finalists are expected to seek out other materials and opportunities to learn about their host country or location and what it is like to live there. Finalists should make sure to consult the U.S. Department of State’s travel page for their host country or location. Below are some additional resources to consider as finalists prepare for their summer abroad:
- U.S. Department of State website for travelers with special considerations (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations.html)
- Diversity Abroad (https://www.diversityabroad.com/): The leading international education organization that provides articles covering various diversity topics and information and tips to support underrepresented students planning to study abroad.
- Rainbow SIG (NAFSA: Association of International Educators – Rainbow Special Interest Group, https://www.rainbowsig.org/resource-center/study-abroad/): Resources to support study abroad students who are LGTBQ+.
- Mobility International USA (https://www.miusa.org/): A non-profit organization serving people with a broad range of disabilities and provides country accessibility information, travel tips, and student testimonials.
CLS Staff
Finalists who need support or have any questions or concerns they would like to discuss can reach out to their Program Officer directly at any time in the spring, as well as during the summer program. Finalists may also email cls@americancouncils.org or call American Councils at 202-833-7522 or the CLS Program directly at 877-257-9922 (toll-free within the U.S.; international calling charges apply).