170 likes | 375 Views
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program. A program of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Program Overview. Program objective: Increase the number of Americans studying and mastering critical foreign languages Launched in 2006
E N D
Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program A program of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Program Overview • Program objective: Increase the number of Americans • studying and mastering critical foreign languages • Launched in 2006 • Target group: U.S. citizenundergraduate and graduatestudents • About 5,000 applications • submitted and approximately • 600 scholarships awarded • in 2013
What is CLS? • Group-based summer program • June through mid-August • About 10 to 40 CLS participants live and study at each overseas institute location • Intensive study • One year of college language instruction in 7-10 weeks • 20 hours per week of classroom study • Language partner and cultural program • Not a research, independent study, or internship program
Institute Locations 2013 Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Russia, South Korea, Tajikistan, and Turkey.
Why Should You Apply? • Make impressive gains in language proficiency • Develop cultural expertise and intercultural skills • Gain experience to help you pursue future academic and professional goals
Eligibility Requirements • U.S. citizen • Enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in U.S.-based university degree program at time of application; • 18 years old and have completed at least first year of college-level studyby beginning of CLS Program; • All backgrounds/disciplines are eligible; • Some programs require previous language study; • Participation is contingent on certification of acceptable physical and mental health and on securing a visa to the host country.
Program Benefits • Domestic travel to/from Washington for pre-departure orientation (required) • International travel to/from • host country • Applicable visafees • Group-based intensive language instruction • Housing and meals • Cultural excursions and activities in host country • U.S. academic credit through Bryn Mawr College
Participant Diversity Snapshot (2013) • 11% are STEM majors • 30% identify as students of color • Students come from public and private institutions, • community colleges, and minority- • serving institutions • All 50 states, DC and Puerto Rico represented • Undergraduate students (68%);graduate students (32%) • Women (57%); Men (43%)
Application ProcessApplication Due November 15, 2013 • Online application at clscholarship.org • Apply for one language only • Application is for CLS language– not a specific country or site • Unofficial transcripts • Two letters of recommendation • Language evaluation form • Applicants at the beginning level do not need to submit this • Essays
Key Elements of a Successful Application • Make a clear connection between target language and academic/career plans. • Talk about: • Importance of the language to your goals; • Plans to continue studying and using the language. • Make it clear you can succeed in an intensive, group-based program. • Show that you are: • Ready for intensive study; • Ready for a group-based program with a • very busy schedule; • Culturally adaptable and mature. • Get good letters of recommendation. • Letters from faculty or instructors • are preferred. • Include language reference, if above • beginning level • Ask early! Be polite!
Resources for Your Application • Start your application early, and seek on-campus resources to help you improve your essays: • Office of Grants, Scholarships, or Fellowships • Study Abroad or International Education office • Writing tutor • Academic advisor, language instructor or other faculty member • Trade proofreading duties with a friend!
Selection Timeline • November 15, 2013 • Application deadline • 1st round of selection • Each application read by two independent readers • Notification of advancement in mid-January • 2nd round of selection • Selection panels convene in Washington, D.C. in early February • Final approval by U.S. Department of State • February/March • Finalists and alternates are notified • Must accept award by mid-late March
Stay Connected with CLS • Website: • clscholarship.org • Facebook: • facebook.com/CLScholarship • Twitter: • @CLSscholarship • YouTube: • www.youtube.com/user/CLSscholarship • Phone: • (202) 833-7522 • Email: • cls@americancouncils.org • Other State Department programs: • exchanges.state.gov