April 21, 2026
Two years ago, University of Missouri senior Rachel Mueller spent the summer refining her Korean language skills while on vacation with her father in South Korea. She learned enough to order at a restaurant and make purchases at various stores and soon began searching for further opportunities to expand her Korean language abilities.
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) provided her that opportunity, and Mueller spent last summer in Gwangju, South Korea, through the program. She followed that work with a study abroad experience to Seoul, South Korea. Now, she plans to return to South Korea this summer as a two-time CLS recipient.
“To be honest, I was not expecting to apply for the award again,” said Mueller, who is majoring in anthropology and international studies in the College of Arts and Science and is also pursuing the Honors College Certificate. “However, during my study abroad semester in Seoul, I networked with several CLS Korean alumni. They spoke about how refined and elevated their language skills were after a second round. They encouraged me to apply.”
Around 315 undergraduate and graduate students from across the country were selected for the 2026 CLS Program from a pool of more than 4,500 applicants. Being a two-time recipient is quite uncommon.
The scholarship is granted by the U.S. Department of the State. As part of a wider government initiative aimed at expanding the number of Americans learning foreign languages that are foundational to national security and economic prosperity, the program plays a key role in preparing students for the 21st century’s globalized and increasingly competitive workforce.
“Opportunities like CLS provide a kind of education no classroom can provide,” Mueller said. “Being in the country and experiencing everyday life in your target language can help develop skills in independence, communication and citizen diplomacy, which are essential abilities in our world today. Additionally, CLS introduces you to so many wonderful people in your cohort and host country, and it is truly inspiring to be surrounded by such a talented, driven group all summer.”
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