Two University of Alabama students have been offered Critical Language Scholarships to study overseas this summer.
The Critical Language Scholarship, a program of the U.S. Department of State, provides immersive summer study experiences that give undergraduate and graduate students a year’s worth of language learning in just eight weeks through intensive instruction and cultural activities.
Alex Chairez, a computer science major from Madison, was selected to study Japanese in Okayama, Japan. Chairez is a member of the Air Force ROTC, Japanese Language and Culture Club, and Run UA. Alex plans to be an Air Force cybersecurity officer stationed in Japan to bridge relations between U.S. and Japanese military personnel.
Jack Carpenter, an international studies major pursuing an MBA from Fort Collins, Colorado, was selected to study Russian in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Carpenter is part of the Blount Scholars Program and a National Merit Scholar. Jack plans to work with the U.S. Foreign Service after graduation.
The CLS program offers scholarships to study in one of nine critical languages, including Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian and Swahili.
Since its inception in 2006, the CLS Program has supported more than 10,000 participants from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico in building critical language skills and intercultural competence.
The Capstone International Center provides advising for CLS award. Interested students should contact Dr. Tayler Kent at tmkent@ua.edu.