The CLS Persian Program is hosted by American Councils in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan. The academic program is designed to meet the needs of students at all proficiency levels and backgrounds, from beginners to advanced learners polishing their command of the language for professional use. Classroom instruction focuses primarily on Persian Farsi, but students enhance their language skills with a limited number of class hours devoted to Tajiki—the local Persian dialect.

In addition to formal classes, students also participate in cultural excursions, lectures, and activities designed to reinforce language acquisition and deepen familiarity with the host culture. Past activities have included cooking classes, visits to museums, cultural, and sports centers, and lectures by journalists and artisans. Previous CLS students have also pursued their own interests outside of the classroom by enrolling in martial arts classes, musical instrument lessons, and independent studies with calligraphers.

Participants live with host families where they share meals and gain access to a wide network of extended family members. Past students have commented on the warmth of their host families who serve as the center of social life. Host families often help students manage daily life in Dushanbe, from navigating public transportation and signing up for gym memberships to shopping for traditional outfits and celebrating holidays and birthdays together.