Professional Development
Professional Development Opportunities for CLS Alumni
CLS alumni have access to a range of opportunities designed to support continued language learning, professional growth, and meaningful connections within the CLS community. From virtual language instruction to alumni‑led networking and peer mentorship, these offerings help alumni build on their CLS experience long after the program ends.
CLS alumni play a vital role in advancing the mission of the CLS Program by sharing their experiences with prospective applicants, finalists, and campus and community audiences across the United States. Participating in alumni outreach allows alumni to further develop professional skills while serving as representatives of critical language learning and international exchange.
Through outreach activities such as information sessions, classroom presentations, application workshops, mentoring conversations, and participation in panels or conferences, alumni strengthen skills in public speaking, leadership, mentorship, and cross‑cultural communication. These experiences offer meaningful opportunities to translate language study and international experience into professional competencies valued across career fields
CLS Refresh is a virtual language learning opportunity for CLS alumni who wish to maintain and strengthen their critical language skills after completing the program. Offered on a periodic basis and contingent on funding, CLS Refresh provides selected alumni with no‑cost, individualized virtual language instruction delivered by CLS overseas institute partners.
All CLS alumni in good standing are eligible to apply during open application cycles, including alumni located outside the United States. Applicants are asked to reflect on how they have used their CLS language since the end of their program and how additional instruction would support their continued language development.
The Alumni Resource Directory connects current CLS finalists with alumni who have volunteered to share advice, experiences, and guidance as finalists prepare for their upcoming CLS summer. Alumni in the directory represent a wide range of languages, program years, academic backgrounds, and professional fields.
Finalists can use the directory to identify alumni by language, year, industry, or mentoring interests and reach out directly via email or LinkedIn. Alumni have opted into this resource specifically to support finalists, and many participants report that speaking with an alum is one of the most helpful steps in preparing for the CLS experience.
Access to the directory is limited to current finalists and participating alumni and is intended solely for use within the CLS community.
The Critical Language Scholarship Alumni Society (CLSAS) is an independent, alumni‑led organization formed with support from the CLS Program to provide CLS alumni with opportunities for professional development, community engagement, and language retention.
CLSAS organizes alumni‑driven programming throughout the year, including virtual and in‑person events, networking opportunities, professional development workshops, and an annual conference. Through these activities, the Alumni Society supports alumni as they navigate academic pathways, career transitions, and continued engagement with critical languages and international exchange.
Participation in CLSAS is optional and open to alumni who wish to take an active role in shaping the CLS alumni experience.
