Tag: Critical Language Scholarships

  • Western Kentucky University Students Offered US Department of State Critical Language Scholarships

    Western Kentucky University Students Offered US Department of State Critical Language Scholarships

    Two WKU students have been offered Critical Language Scholarships for 2024, with two chosen as alternates. The Critical Language Scholarship Program (CLS), administered by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is an intense foreign language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in US schools and institutions.

    During the eight to ten-week program overseas, recipients receive intense language teaching and cultural enrichment to enhance their skill in one of fourteen vital languages. WKU’s awardees are among around 500 undergraduate and graduate students chosen from over 5000 candidates nationwide.

    WKU’s recipients for the 2024 Critical Language Scholarships: 

    Lilian Branch, a first-year Molecular Biotechnology and Chinese student and member of WKU’s Chinese Flagship Program, will study Chinese in Taipei, Taiwan. She is the daughter of Gwen and Clint Branch from Chattanooga, TN.Lilian aspires to work in research using her language talents to address global concerns such as antibiotic resistance and new infectious illnesses.

    Samuel Engel, a second-year Visual Arts and Graphic Design student, plans to study Portuguese in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Samuel Engel is the son of Alexandra and Kenneth Engel from Franklin.Last year, Samuel received a Lifetime Experience Grant from the Office of Scholar Development to attend a summer design workshop in Switzerland. With CLS, he aims to enhance his Portuguese language skills as the son of a native speaker and interact with artists in Brazil and other Portuguese-speaking nations.

    “Applying for CLS made me reflect on my role as a citizen diplomat,” he says. “Meaningful relationships I’ve made internationally have shaped me, brought me new perspectives, and made me who I am today. I look forward to those that await in Brazil.” 

    Alternates for Critical Language Scholarships may be improved if more spots become available in language institutes.

    Emma Harris, a second-year International Affairs and English student and member of WKU’s Chinese Flagship Program, has been recognized as an alternate for Korean.Emma graduated from Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science and spent a year in Taiwan with the US Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth program before enrolling at WKU. She aims to work as an intelligence analyst in the federal administration.

    Meghan Pierce, a fourth-year student studying International Affairs, Arabic, and Economics, is an alternate for Arabic.Meghan earned a CLS award last year.

    “Receiving a Critical Language Scholarship last year was so impactful in my journey to learn Arabic and to engage in cross-cultural communication. I am so thankful for that experience that I decided to apply again for the opportunity this year. Moving on in the selection process for a second year is truly an honor, and I cannot be more grateful.”

    After graduating this May, Meghan will pursue a master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy and a career in the U.S. Department of State Foreign Service.  

    Lilian encourages other students to give the Critical Language Scholarship and other nationally competitive scholarships a try.

    “Applying to competitive scholarships seemed very daunting to me, but when I heard the Office of Scholar Development staff say that applying for a scholarship is just like knocking on a door to see what’s there, I was encouraged,” she said. “I am very glad I took that chance to apply. You never know what awaits you.” 

    Applications for Summer 2025 Critical Language Scholarships open in September 2024, and the deadline is typically in mid-November. Students interested in intensive language study in Arabic, Azerbaijani, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, or Urdu should contact osd@wku.edu for more information.