Critical Language Scholarship 2027: Fully Funded Summer Language Institutes Abroad for US Students
Could one summer give you a full year’s worth of a new language?
- Fundingtravel, visa fees, room and board, instruction and materials
- Duration8 weeks (summer 2027)
- Who can applyUS citizens or nationals only
- Application feeFree
Overview
Applications for summer 2027 close on 17 November 2026.
CLS is an intensive summer language program for American students. In eight weeks, participants cover roughly a full academic year of language study through classes and cultural immersion, either overseas or online.
What Will You Do?
- Take intensive daily language classes for eight weeks.
- Join cultural enrichment activities in the host country (or online).
- Have your progress measured with an official proficiency test.
At a glance
About
- Opportunity type
- Exchange Program (Summer Language Institute)
- Host organization
- Critical Language Scholarship Program (administered by American Councils)
- Location
- Overseas institutes or virtual
- Format / mode
- In person overseas, or virtual (virtual open to undergraduates only)
- Duration
- 8 weeks (summer 2027)
- Start date
- Summer 2027
Funding
- Funding / financial support
- Fully funded (overseas): travel, visa fees, room and board, instruction and materials
- Stipend / salary
- Virtual participants: stipend toward equipment and connectivity; overseas: not specified by the host
- Application fee
- Free
Eligibility
- Nationality
- US citizens or nationals only
- Degree required
- Enrolled in an accredited US undergraduate or graduate degree program
- Age
- 18 or older by 15 May 2027
- Work experience
- Not required
- Fields / areas
- Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Swahili
Who can apply
- Nationality: US citizens or nationals at the time of application (permanent residents are not eligible).
- Degree: Enrolled in an accredited US degree program, from associate and bachelor’s to master’s, doctoral or professional.
- Year: Undergraduates must finish a full year of study by summer 2027; graduating seniors and one-year master’s students can apply.
- Age: At least 18 by 15 May 2027.
- Enrolment: Enrolled in fall 2026 and spring 2027 (unless graduating in December 2026).
- Language: Some languages have prerequisites; you may apply for only one language per year.
What you get
- Overseas: international and domestic travel, visa fees, room and board, and program travel in the host country.
- At least 18 hours a week of formal language instruction plus cultural activities.
- Textbooks and learning materials.
- Official ACTFL OPI certification of your language gains.
- Academic credit through Bryn Mawr College.
- Virtual: a stipend toward equipment and connectivity.
- Not covered: passport fees (unless approved for passport assistance), medical exams and immunisations.
Fields & areas
- Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean
- Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Swahili
More programs that take you abroad are in our exchange programs section.
How to apply
- Check the eligibility rules and the prerequisites for your chosen language.
- Create an account on the American Councils application portal.
- Complete and submit your application for one language before the deadline.
Full details are on the official CLS Program website.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Critical Language Scholarship 2027 open?
Yes. The 2027 application is currently open and closes on November 17, 2026 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
Is CLS fully funded?
For overseas institutes, CLS covers major participation costs including travel, language instruction, room and board, applicable visa fees and programme-sponsored activities. Some personal expenses, such as passport fees, medical examinations and immunizations, are not covered.
Can international students apply?
No. CLS is specifically for U.S. citizens and nationals enrolled at eligible U.S. institutions.
Do I need to study a specific major?
No. Students from all academic fields are encouraged to apply.
Is work experience required?
No minimum work experience is required.
Can I apply for multiple languages?
No. Applicants may apply for only one language per year.
Do I need previous language experience?
Not necessarily. Some 2027 languages accept beginners, while other language levels require prior study or equivalent experience.
Do I need a recommendation letter?
No. A recommendation letter is not required as part of the CLS application.
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