Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Information Session & Alumni Panel

Curious about fully funded opportunities to study abroad and immerse yourself in a new language? Join us on Wednesday, October 1, from 6:30–8:00 pm in McMillan Café for an information session on the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program, a prestigious U.S. Department of State initiative that offers intensive overseas study in 13 critical languages across South America, Africa, and Asia.

The CLS Program is one of the most competitive study abroad opportunities in the country, open to undergraduate and graduate students as well as military veterans. Some languages, such as Arabic, Russian, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, and Japanese, require prior study, while others are open to beginners with no experience.

This session will be hosted by Global Studies junior and CLS Alumni Ambassador Ian Gomez, who participated in the Turkish (2024) and Arabic (2025) institutes. He will be joined by other WashU CLS alumni for a panel discussion, interactive activities, and an open Q&A where you can hear firsthand about their experiences abroad and get tips for the Summer 2026 application cycle.