Critical Language Scholarship Program | News and Stories

News and Stories

Chelsea McGill

When Chelsea McGill went to Bangladesh on the CLS Program in 2011, it was her first time outside of the United States. After eight weeks navigating a completely new environment, culture and language, she knew that it wouldn’t be the last. “Looking back, my decision to apply for Bangla has really ch…

Alumni Profile — November 06, 2019


2020 CLS Alumni Ambassador Application

Are you interested in sharing your experience while supporting and promoting the CLS Program? The application to become a 2020 CLS Alumni Ambassador is now open! Who are CLS Alumni Ambassadors? CLS Alumni Ambassadors are recent CLS participants who take leadership roles as active and positive re…

CLS Program News — November 04, 2019


Rachel Sider

“CLS gave me the initial boost of confidence to make friendships in a foreign language, try new foods for which I only know the Arabic name and, eventually, dream in the language. This was the foundation on which my professional life in the Middle East has unfolded.” Rachel Sider participated in CL…

Alumni Profile — October 24, 2019


Critical Language winner ­goes from U-Hall to Jordan

Finish finals early. Move out of U-Hall. Go to Jordan. This was Clare VanSpeybroeck’s pre-summer checklist last June after winning the Critical Language Scholarship, CLS, a summer-intensive program targeting critical languages — non-Western European languages with critical demand, but limited access. With the scholarship, she travelled to Amman, Jordan for eight weeks, where she studied Arabic.

CLS in the Press — October 15, 2019


Jamal Russell Black

Jamal Russell Black was a CLS participant in 2016 in China, and is now the CEO and Head Researcher at Veridian Analytics in San Diego, California. His goal was always to work in international and economic development, and during his undergraduate program it became apparent to Jamal that learnin…

Alumni Profile — October 01, 2019