CofC Student Named a Critical Language Scholarship Finalist

College of Charleston senior Jack Watson has been named a finalist for the 2024 Critical Language Scholarship.

Operated through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Recipients spend 8–10 weeks abroad in intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment designed to promote rapid language gains and cultural proficiency in one of 14 critical languages.

Watson is majoring in international studies and French and Francophone studies and will be studying the CLS Arabic program in Amman, Jordan, this summer.

First-year student Michael Arambula, majoring in biology and minoring in neuroscience and computing in the arts, was named an alternate for the CLS Spark virtual program in Chinese. 

The CLS is a popular program nationwide, but a limited number of spots makes it a competitive application process.

“Only 15% of applicants will move forward to be considered for a finalist spot,” says Sidney Woram, associated director of the Office of National Competitive Awards. “Jack and Michael both put a great deal of time and effort into their applications, and I am pleased that CLS recognized the strength of their work.”

CLS is fully funded, meaning the participants receive room and board, instruction, books, airfare and more at no cost.

Applications for the Critical Language Scholarship will be due in November 2024. Interested students may contact Sidney Woram in the Office of Nationally Competitive Awards for more information.