Office of Fellowships CLS Overview

Who is eligible?

Applicants must:

• be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age, at the time of their application;
• be enrolled in college at the time of application (there are additional requirements if you are studying abroad or taking a leave of absence);
• have the necessary prerequires to apply for certain critical languages.

Due to their relationship to the U.S. Department of State offices under the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Academic Programs or the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, or the CLS program itself, some people are ineligible. Learn more about ineligibility for CLS funding on their website.

Does this application require endorsement by the college?

No. You will apply directly to the CLS program without seeking endorsement by the college. However, the Office of Fellowships will still offer essay feedback on your application. Even though you do not need to be endorsed, our office still strongly encourages to work with our staff as you complete your application.

How much funding is awarded and how can I use it?

Participants in the CLS Program will receive:

• 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;
• 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.

The following expenses will not be covered by the CLS Program:

• U.S. passport fees; and
• The cost of medical exams and any follow-up visits necessary to pass the medical review process, as determined by the CLS Program.

Who from Amherst has won this award?

Numerous Amherst students have won the CLS award. As you think about your own candidacy, read applications from some of our recent winners.

What is the CLS history and mission?

Since launched, the CLS program offers intensive overseas study of State Department-identified critical languages. The scholarship aims to increase participant's cultural and language competencies while supporting their academic and professional goals, and building relationships between the United States and host countries.

CLS is part of a wider government initiative to expand the number of Americans studying and mastering foreign languages that are critical to national security and economic prosperity. CLS plays an important role in preparing students for the 21st century's globalized workforce and increasing national competitiveness.