Okayama University has functioned as a program site for the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) program since 2019 and offers an intensive study course focusing on Japanese language and culture to outstanding university and graduate students from the US who have been selected by the US Department of State. Due to the ongoing global impact of the coronavirus pandemic, students are not able to travel to Japan for the program; however, for an eight-week period from June 14 to August 6, Okayama University will host an online language course for 23 students from the United States.

The summer course’s opening ceremony was held online on June 10 via a videoconferencing application connecting the university, American representatives, and participating students. In his opening remarks, President MAKINO Hirofumi introduced the Zen proverb “Juju Mujin no En”, saying “Everything you do now will eventually bear fruit, and everything is connected by fate. I hope that your participation in the CLS program will be a starting point for you, and that it will lead you to a bright future and bear fruit in various ways”. Then, CLS students were introduced to Okayama University personnel and asked to give a brief self-introduction. Afterwards, CLS program alumni David Anderson (AY2019 participant), who is currently enrolled in Okayama University, and Natalie Montecino (AY2020 participant), who will study at Okayama University from September of this year, encouraged the 2022 summer course participants, stating “Do your best to study Japanese and cherish the relationships that you build with other participants and those you meet through the program”.

Apart from online language classes, the CLS online program also provides opportunities for students to interact with language partners from Okayama University. Additionally, under the theme of the SDGs, students can participate in live sessions and virtual experiences, including joint classes at Okayama University, an introduction to Yakage Town and kagura (traditional dance) in an interactive online session with students from Yakage High School, online activities hosted by Kyoyama Community Center, and a virtual tea ceremony led by a tea ceremony master.


● CLS program
The CLS program is a US Department of State initiative aimed at encouraging young Americans to become proficient in one of 15 languages, including Russian and Chinese, which have been recognized as critical to America’s national security and economic prosperity. Domestic acceptance to the program began in 2010, and the program is run by the American Councils for International Education, a US non-profit organization specializing in international education and exchange.