Critical Language Scholarship

The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Students spend eight to ten weeks abroad studying one of 14 critical languages.The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains.


The CLS Program covers most of the costs of participating in its overseas institutes, including: International and domestic travel between the student’s U.S. home city, Washington, D.C., and the CLS Program site, Visa application fees, Costs associated with the mandatory pre-departure orientation in Washington, D.C., Language instruction, room, board, program-sponsored travel within the host country, All entrance fees for program activities, Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) language assessments, U.S. academic credit issued through Bryn Mawr College.


Eligibility: First-year Undergraduate (Freshman), Second-year Undergraduate (Sophomore), Third-year Undergraduate (Junior), Fourth-year Undergraduate (Senior), Alum (undergraduate), Alum (Graduate), Graduate Student
Minimum GPA: N/A
Deadline month: November
Program Website