The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is a highly competitive, fully funded summer study-abroad initiative of the U.S. Department of State. The program provides intensive language instruction and cultural immersion in languages that are essential to U.S. global engagement and national security, including Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, and more. CLS participants complete the equivalent of one full academic year of language study in an immersive eight-week program overseas. The scholarship covers all major costs, including travel, tuition, housing, and cultural programming.
Eligibility
CLS is open to U.S. citizen undergraduate and graduate students in any major who are committed to language learning, global awareness, and future leadership in international fields.
Career & Job Opportunities
Participation in the CLS Program significantly enhances students’ competitiveness for a wide range of careers, particularly in fields that value language proficiency, intercultural communication, and global experience. CLS alumni are highly sought after in:
• National Security & Intelligence
• Homeland Security & Emergency Management
• U.S. Department of State (Foreign Service & Civil Service)
• U.S. Department of Defense
• Federal Law Enforcement Agencies
• International NGOs & Human Rights Organizations
• Global Business & International Development
• Cybersecurity & International Technology Policy
The CLS Program is recognized nationwide as a pipeline to prestigious federal scholarships, fellowships, and government service programs such as the Boren Awards, Fulbright, Pickering, Rangel, and Presidential Management Fellows.
Campus Advisor
Lamar University’s official CLS Advisor is Dr. Sanaz Alasti, Professor of Criminal Justice and Director of the Center for Death Penalty Studies. Dr. Alasti provides advising, application support, and informational sessions for students interested in applying to the CLS Program.
Contact
Dr. Sanaz Alasti
CLS Campus Advisor
Email: salasti@lamar.edu
Learn More:
For full program details, visit: https://clscholarship.org/