National Deadline: November 14, 2023
Office Hours
Learn more about CLS and CLS Spark or bring drafts of their essays to review during these designated times:
- October 26, 3:00-5:00 p.m., Leavey Suite I
- October 31, 3:00-5:00 p.m., Leavey Suite I
- November 6, 1:00-3:00 p.m., Zoom
- November 8, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Leavey Suite I
- November 13, 4:00-6:00 p.m., Zoom
Book here to reserve an appointment.
Description
The CLS Program provides opportunities for American college and university students to study languages and cultures essential to America's engagement with the world.
Each summer, American undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities across the country, spend eight to ten weeks learning one of fourteen languages at an intensive study abroad institute. The CLS Program is designed to promote rapid language gains and essential intercultural fluency in regions that are critical to U.S. national security and economic prosperity.
CLS Spark, an initiative of the CLS Program, provides opportunities for American undergraduate college and university students to study Arabic, Chinese and Russian virtually at the beginning level.
Languages and Levels
The CLS Program offers instruction in thirteen critical languages:
| No Previous Study Required |
|---|
| Two Years of Study Required |
|---|
Eligibility
- Be a U.S. citizen or national at the time of application.
- Be at least 18 years old
Benefits
- Language instruction and cultural programming;
- Textbooks and language learning materials;
- Language gains certified using the widely recognized ACTFL OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) assessment;
- Non-competitive eligibility for U.S. government employment for up to three years after program completion;
- Academic credit issued through Bryn Mawr College
- International and domestic travel between the student's home city in the U.S. and the CLS Program site abroad;
- Visa application fees, where applicable; and
- Room, board, and program-sponsored travel within the host country or location.
Application Resources
2024 CLS Program Application Tips, 2024 CLS Spark Application Tips