Okayama University has served as the sole host institution in Japan for the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program since being selected in 2019. The CLS Program brings together outstanding undergraduate and graduate students from across the United States to undertake intensive study of foreign languages and cultures. This year, 25 undergraduate and graduate students from universities throughout the United States have come to Japan and will spend the summer at Okayama University studying the Japanese language and culture.

The opening ceremony was held on June 11 at the International House for International Students and Researchers. Following opening remarks by Executive Director for Academic Affairs and Senior Vice President SUGA Seiji, President NASU Yasutomo delivered a congratulatory address. Reflecting on his own study abroad experience in the United States, President NASU encouraged the participants, saying:

“Experiences abroad can have a profound impact on one’s future life and career. I hope that your studies and exchanges at Okayama University will become a meaningful and rewarding experience.”

He also expressed his hope that the students would actively engage with Okayama University students and local community members, in addition to their Japanese language studies, and fully enjoy their time in Okayama.

Following introductions of university representatives and program instructors, each of the 25 CLS participants introduced themselves.

Representing the students, Ms. Mia Escobar, a computer science major at the University of California, Berkeley, delivered a speech. Ms. Escobar explained that her interest in learning Japanese began through interactions with her host family during a study abroad experience in Japan after high school. She also shared how she continued her studies while overcoming various challenges during her time at community college. Looking ahead to the program, she stated:

“I hope this summer will be an opportunity not only to improve my language skills, but also to deepen cultural understanding and learn from one another.”

She encouraged her fellow participants by emphasizing that overcoming challenges and limitations can open the door to new possibilities.

The ceremony also featured video messages from Mr. Gabe Baskin, a graduate of the 2024 CLS Program, and Ms. Michelle Wong, a graduate of the 2025 CLS Program. They reflected on their experiences and personal growth through the CLS Program and offered words of encouragement to this year’s participants.

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks by Vice President for Global Engagement YOKOI Atsufumi, who serves as Executive Director of the CLS Program at Okayama University.

In addition to intensive Japanese language instruction, the CLS Program offers a wide range of learning opportunities, including language partner activities with Okayama University students, exchanges with Japanese students, and community engagement programs. Over the course of approximately eight weeks, participants will work to strengthen their Japanese language proficiency while deepening their understanding of Japanese society and culture.

○About the CLS Program
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and aims to develop individuals with advanced proficiency in languages considered critical to national security and economic development. The program has operated in Japan since 2010 and is administered by the American Councils for International Education, a U.S.-based non-profit organization specializing in international education and exchange.

○Photos by Associate Professor TIM CLEMINSON (Faculty of General and Global Studies Division)

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