By Zoe Friese
When I arrived at Tulane University, I knew that learning a language inside the classroom just wasn’t enough. Developing a real connection with the language (and the courage to speak it) happens outside the classroom in unscripted, “real world” conversations. Before college, I took several years of high-level Spanish courses, even passing the AP Spanish exam in my senior year. Even with this accomplishment, however, I failed to speak Spanish outside the classroom’s safety bubble. I was too embarrassed that I would make a mistake, so I shielded my pride and stuck with my native language. In the real world, no teacher can force you to speak your second language—instead, you must push yourself outside your comfort zone. I wanted to learn whether I could do precisely this, navigating a much different language and culture than my own. Ready to take on a new challenge, I applied for the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program.
The CLS Program is an eight-week experience of intensive language learning overseas. Through the program, university and graduate students receive full funding to study one of 13 languages in an immersive environment. CLS places language learners of all ages around the world—from Morocco, Brazil, and Tanzania to Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, and South Korea—to live with local host families and attend language courses only in the target language. I spent last summer learning Mandarin Chinese at Taiwan’s National Cheng Kung University, a sprawling green campus tucked in the center of Tainan City. After class, I spent the warm afternoons exploring this ancient capital’s boba tea shops, street food stalls, and Confucian temples. On weekends, I hopped on Taiwan’s high-speed train to experience the island beyond Tainan City, visiting urban centers like Taipei, charming townships like Chiayi, and peaceful beaches in Hualien. All the while, I maintained my promise to a strict language pledge, exclusively speaking Mandarin Chinese wherever I traveled.
Diving headfirst into life in a second language is far from easy. Without my native language, even the smallest tasks became an intimidating challenge. To order a meal, ride the subway, or ask a question, I needed to summon my courage and swallow my pride. Nevertheless, the difficulties of navigating a new language and environment, even when uncomfortable, made daily life exciting. What once felt like a mundane chore in the United States was suddenly an exhilarating adventure. I fell in love with the sense of purpose and confidence that overcoming small challenges granted me. Nothing felt more rewarding than successfully conversing with a stranger or forming a new friendship—the euphoric highs made the disappointing lows worth the effort.
Now, speaking a new language does not feel as terrifying as before. Completing the CLS Program gave me the courage to study abroad in Cambodia, a new country altogether, where they speak the Khmer language. I also returned to Taiwan alone through an independent grant this summer, relying on the confidence and knowledge that I gained one year ago studying there. I renewed old friendships with my teachers and host family, demonstrating that eight short weeks was enough to build lasting connections. Without participating in this rigorous language program, I would never know I was capable of these achievements.
Are you looking for a challenging adventure this summer, too? Applications to the 2024 CLS Programs are due on November 14, 2023, so get to writing! Even if intensive language and cultural exchange feels daunting, I encourage you to take a leap of faith—trust yourself and your ability to succeed. Anything is possible is a little open-mindedness, adaptability, and dedication.
To learn more about program expectations and eligibility, please visit the CLS website. For support drafting your application, reach out to Tulane University’s Office of Fellowship Advising. Feel free to connect with the Office of Study Abroad and our website to learn more about other opportunities to experience language immersion overseas.
