Summer 2021 Participant Handbook
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Summer 2021 Participant Handbook Compiled and edited by CLS Program staff Critical Language Scholarship Program American Councils for International Education Copyright 2021 American Councils for International Education 1828 L Street NW, Suite 1200 Washington, D.C. 20036 The Critical Language Scholarship Program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. Government. It is supported in its implementation by American Councils for International Education. 1 CLS Participant Handbook Congratulations on receiving a U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship! As a recipient of this award, you will have the opportunity to live and study this summer in your host country. You will be able to improve your language skills, learn about local culture, make new friends, and become a more independent person with a broader perspective on the world. This handbook has been compiled by American Councils staff to provide you with information that will help you make your overseas experience a success. It is designed to answer many of the questions you may have before departure, as well as questions you may have about the program while you are studying and living in your host country. If you have a question that is not covered in the handbook, is of a personal nature, requires immediate attention, or cannot be resolved through online discussion, please contact your CLS Program Officer. 2 Contents CLS Participant Handbook ............................................................................................................................. 2 CLS Program .................................................................................................................................................. 4 Program Overview - What to Expect ........................................................................................................ 4 Language Policy ......................................................................................................................................... 4 CLS Program Staff ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Before You Go ............................................................................................................................................... 8 Accepting your CLS Award ........................................................................................................................ 8 Planning for Your Health and Safety ....................................................................................................... 10 Getting Ready .......................................................................................................................................... 13 Planning for Your Time Abroad ............................................................................................................... 14 Support for Participants .......................................................................................................................... 17 Things To Do Before Leaving the U.S. ..................................................................................................... 18 Mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) in Washington, D.C. ....................................................... 19 While Abroad .............................................................................................................................................. 20 On-site Orientation ................................................................................................................................. 20 Academics ............................................................................................................................................... 20 Health and Safety .................................................................................................................................... 21 Policies .................................................................................................................................................... 26 Harassment & Unwanted Attention ....................................................................................................... 29 Emergency Procedures ........................................................................................................................... 31 Maintaining Your Identity Abroad .......................................................................................................... 32 Returning Home .......................................................................................................................................... 37 Flying to the U.S. ..................................................................................................................................... 37 Re-Entry Resources ................................................................................................................................. 37 Post-Program Requirements ................................................................................................................... 37 Joining the CLS Alumni Community ........................................................................................................ 38 Appendix A: CLS Packing List ...................................................................................................................... 41 Appendix B: CLS Terms and Conditions ..................................................................................................... 44 3 CLS Program Welcome to the “CLS Program” section of the CLS Participant Handbook! The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. The program includes intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains. In this section you will find more details about the major elements of the CLS Program and information about the CLS staff who will support you before, during, and after the program. Program Overview - What to Expect Academics CLS is first and foremost a rigorous academic program. In the span of one summer, institutes typically cover the amount of material that would be covered in an academic year at a U.S. college or university. You will have approximately twenty hours of language class per week, with two to three hours of homework each night. Language Policy The more often you speak a foreign language, the faster your language skills improve. For this reason, you will be required to sign the CLS Language Policy during your on-site orientation stating that you agree to use the target language at all times in certain settings. These locations may vary by site but will likely include: • In CLS classes • When speaking with local instructors, staff, and officials • On the grounds of the CLS institute, in all facilities (including classrooms, hallways, and all common areas) • On group excursions and trips • With your language partner and with your host family or roommate While you are required to speak the target language only in these certain circumstances, you should make an effort to use the language at all times. As a recipient of a Critical Language Scholarship, you are expected to adhere to the spirit of the language policy, even when you are not at home, on campus, or involved in formal program activities. We understand that sometimes you may be frustrated and tired of speaking the target language. Occasionally, you might even feel that you are not improving. We urge you to be patient and keep trying. You will make progress if you constantly use the language. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the language policy, we encourage you to reach out to your Resident Director for advice and support. “I am thankful for the language pledge! I am confident that this aspect made my Arabic a lot stronger today than it would have been otherwise and it definitely helped me achieve my personal goals.” 2016 Amman participant 4 Group-Based Program As a CLS participant, you will be part of a group ranging from 5 to 30 students, depending on the language and location. Participants in your group will come from all regions of the United States and will have diverse backgrounds and identities. CLS is a good opportunity to expand your network of people across the United States who share an interest in your target language. It’s also a great way to learn about the diversity of the United States, as you get to know other Americans with perspectives and backgrounds different from your own. During the CLS Program, all your classes and activities will be done in groups, and everyone will share the same general schedule. Everything on the program is designed for language learning in a group setting. Please be aware that you may have less flexibility with your schedule than you are used to, and activities and topics may not always align directly with your field of study or your personal interests. The CLS Program is intended to be a cooperative experience, and it is important that all cohort members support one another’s learning throughout the program. Positive and respectful group dynamics will help everyone in the cohort focus on advancing their language skills and make the most of their cultural immersion experience. Remember that you will likely cross paths with members of your cohort after the program in your personal,