April 24, 2025

Each year, the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS), granted by the U.S. Department of the State, allows students from across the country to spend up to 10 weeks abroad, where they study one of 12 critical languages. This year, Rachel Mueller, a junior anthropology and international studies double major, is one of the two awardees from the University of Missouri.

“I’m thrilled for our awardees because the CLS and CLS Spark Programs present excellent opportunities for them to broaden their language skills outside the classroom,” Lauren Pike, fellowships coordinator for Mizzou’s Office of Global and National Fellowships, said. “Each of our awardees and alternates worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and we’re proud of their efforts.”

As part of a wider government initiative aimed at expanding the number of Americans learning foreign languages, the program plays a key role in preparing students for the 21st century’s globalized and increasingly competitive workforce.