PHX Reporter

Paradise Valley Community College philosophy student Lia Williams will embark on a journey to study Japanese as part of the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program. Williams is among 500 students chosen from over 5,000 applicants nationwide for this immersive summer opportunity.

The group of scholars dedicated to mastering critical languages will partake in this program, which is an integral part of the U.S. government’s initiative to enhance American proficiency in critical foreign languages and aims to equip students with linguistic and cultural skills essential for U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.

“I am extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to study Japanese overseas,” Williams said. “When I applied, I never thought I would be chosen. I am excited to take what I learn abroad back to America and become a better president for the Japanese Culture Club, and improve my language abilities.”

As a CLS scholar, Williams will spend eight to ten weeks immersed in intensive language instruction and cultural enrichment experiences in Japan. The CLS Program partners with universities and nonprofits worldwide, providing students the unique opportunity to study in environments where the target language is commonly spoken. Through this immersive experience, Williams will not only advance her Japanese language skills but also gain a deep understanding of Japanese culture.

“Lia’s selection for the CLS Program is a testament to her dedication and academic excellence,” said Mike Ho, student life and leadership manager. “Her achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a proud moment for our college, showcasing PVCC’s commitment to fostering academic and cultural growth among its students.”

The CLS Program is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and transformative impact on participants. By focusing on critical languages such as Arabic, Azerbaijani, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, and Urdu, the program prepares students to apply their newfound language skills in their future careers.

Recipients of the 2024 CLS awards represent a diverse group from all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The cohort includes students from over 200 institutions of higher education including public and private universities, community colleges, liberal arts colleges,military academies,and minority-serving institutions.This diversity enriches the learning experience by allowing students exchange ideas perspectives peers various backgrounds.

To learn more about the CLS Program or other exchange programs offered by the U.S.Department State Bureau Educational Cultural Affairs visit CLS Scholarship Study Abroad For additional information about PVCC its programs visit our website