Since 2019, Okayama University has held the prestigious distinction of being the only Japanese host institution for the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program. The program provides intensive study of another country’s language and culture to top-level undergraduate and graduate students selected by the State Department. Okayama University will host 25 undergraduate and graduate students from across the U.S. for eight weeks from June 14 to August 8 this year.

At the opening ceremony held on June 14, after the opening remarks by Executive Director for Academic Affairs, SUGA Seiji, President NASU Yasutomo said, reflecting on his own study abroad experience, “All the experiences I had during my study abroad are valuable and have a great impact on me today. I hope that you will enjoy your various experiences in Okayama and make use of them in the future.”

Following introductions by university officials and CLS students, Ms. Lyla Maya Normand, speaking on behalf of the CLS students. She expressed, “Although each CLS student has a different background, we are all going to challenge ourselves in the same environment with the common goal of improving our Japanese language skills. If you work hard, you can achieve anything. Let’s work hard together.”

Subsequently, video messages were sent from CLS alumni: Ms. Angel Bryant, a 2023 graduate who will commence graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University in fall of 2024, and Ms. Emmy O’Brien, a 2021 graduate currently studying as a Japanese government-sponsored international student at the University of Tokyo.

Finally, Executive Director YOKOI Atsufumi, Vice President, concluded the ceremony with closing remarks.

In addition to Japanese language classes, this program provides opportunities for CLS students to interact with Okayama University students as language partners. Throughout the program, participants will reside in Okayama University’s International Student Share House with Japanese roommates. Furthermore, as extracurricular activities, participants will learn about Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that Okayama University is promoting, such as community development at Kyoyama Community Center, industrial waste issues in Toyoshima, and collaborating on historical town development in Yagakecho. The participants will also think about a sustainable society through their classwork, interviews with community members, and presentations.

CLS Program:
The CLS program is implemented by the U.S. Department of State to develop human resources in 13 languages, including Russian, Chinese, and Japanese, which play an important role in terms of national security and economic development. The program is administered by the American Councils for International Education, a non-profit organization specializing in international education and exchange.