Critical Language Scholarship Program | News and Stories

News and Stories

Zala Ahmadzaa

Why did you want to study your CLS target language? I am deeply fascinated with the Urdu language. I find it diverse, challenging and beautiful. What are your educational and/or professional goals? I hope to attain a graduate degree in International Affairs and pursue a career dealing with Pa…

Alumni Profile — April 27, 2015


Zabe Shafi

Why did you want to study your CLS target language? When I first went to Turkey in 2007 with my family, I fell in love with the country and really was drawn to the "East meets West" culture. Then, after starting undergraduate as a Physiology major, I wanted to take some classes that were not scien…

Alumni Profile — April 27, 2015


Ryan Mandado

Why did you want to study your CLS target language? In the summer of 2010, I taught English in a rural Chinese city in Hunan. I did not know a single word of Mandarin but the friendships that I made developed my love for the Mandarin language. What are your educational and/or professional goals? I …

Alumni Profile — April 27, 2015


Rebecca Mueller

Why did you want to study your CLS target language? My graduate work is focused geographically on Southeast Europe (Albania and the countries of the Former Yugoslavia). I chose to study Turkish language because Turkish civilization is a major historical influence in this region, and contemporary Tu…

Alumni Profile — April 27, 2015


Mariam Waqar

Why did you want to study your CLS target language? As a STEM Education major, I wanted to study Indonesian because I'm interested in teaching in South-asia after I graduate. Currently, I am a Fulbright Applicant for Indonesia. I would like to use the inquiry-based teaching methodologies I've lear…

Alumni Profile — April 27, 2015


Madeline Ruid

Why did you want to study your CLS target language? I originally became interested in Turkish after learning more about the country and language when watching the 2010 FIBA World Cup, which took place in Istanbul. I quickly became even more interested because of its rich history and geographic div…

Alumni Profile — April 27, 2015


Leah Berkebile

Why did you want to study your CLS target language? After taking a plethora of science classes, I wanted to diversify my course of study by taking classes in a language that I knew almost nothing about. After a semester of studying Arabic I was given the opportunity to study abroad in Dubai and co…

Alumni Profile — April 27, 2015


Kathy Kim

Why did you want to study your CLS target language? One of my academic focuses lies in the research and analysis of the conflict in the Koreas. In consideration of differing perspectives, I found it difficult to assess Korean sentiments by only reading news written in English by Western news media…

Alumni Profile — April 27, 2015


Kate Wallner

How did you find out about the CLS Program? I heard about CLS from a former University of Wisconsin – Madison student. At the time we met I was studying in India, and the she had just finished her summer learning Hindi in Jaipur. She enthusiastically explained the CLS Program to me, and I thought…

Alumni Profile — April 27, 2015


Joshua Trinidad

Why did you want to study your CLS target language? My interest in Japanese language stems from a strong interest in all aspects of the traditional Japanese culture – architecture, music, clothing, martial arts, etc. What are your educational and/or professional goals? In Fall of 2015 I'll be …

Alumni Profile — April 27, 2015