Languages
The information below pertains to the 2026 CLS Program and is subject to change in future application cycles.
Languages
| Language | Description | Location | Prior Study Required | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Arabic العربية |
Arabic is a high-priority language for careers in diplomacy, trade, and national security across the Middle East and North Africa. |
Middle East and North Africa |
One Year | View Language |
|
Chinese 中文 |
Mandarin Chinese is central to global trade, economic competitiveness, and national security engagement in East Asia and beyond. |
East Asia Pacific |
One Year | View Language |
|
Hindi हिन्दी |
Hindi is used extensively in government, media, education, and the entertainment industry. |
South and Central Asia |
None | View Language |
|
Japanese 日本語 |
Japanese proficiency is a competitive advantage for Americans working in trade, technology, defense, and diplomacy across the Indo-Pacific — one of the world's most economically dynamic and strategically significant regions. |
East Asia Pacific |
Two Years | View Language |
|
Korean 한국어 |
Korean proficiency supports U.S. engagement across a peninsula of enduring strategic and economic significance. |
East Asia Pacific |
One Year | View Language |
|
Persian فارسی |
Persian is critical for U.S. national security and diplomatic engagement across South and Central Asia. |
South and Central Asia |
None | View Language |
|
Portuguese Português |
Portuguese proficiency supports U.S. engagement with dynamic emerging markets across South America and Africa, making it a valuable asset for Americans pursuing careers in trade, investment, and diplomacy. |
Western Hemisphere |
None | View Language |
|
Russian Русский |
Russian is used in government, education, science, and media and continues to function as a regional lingua franca across much of Eurasia. |
Europe and Eurasia South and Central Asia |
One Year | View Language |
|
Swahili Kiswahili |
Swahili proficiency supports U.S. engagement across a region of growing economic and strategic importance, where trade, investment, and security interests are expanding. |
Sub-Saharan Africa |
None | View Language |
