What program did you participate in?
I received the CLS Russian Language Award after being selected for and participating in the US Department of State-operated scholarship program in Summer 2026. This rigorous academic and cultural immersion program took place in Daugavpils, Latvia. I was placed in a cohort of 27 students from all over the US to study the Russian language at Daugavpils University and a separate institution called Learn Russian in the EU (LREU). I had classes Monday through Friday from 8 am to about 3 or 4 p.m. every day. The course curriculum included reading and grammar, but it emphasized speaking above all else. I had about 2-3 hours of homework each night, plus bi-weekly presentations and a research project that I prepared throughout the program and presented at the end of the 2 months I was there.
Also, almost every weekend, the entire program went on cultural excursions. We explored churches, fortresses, and war memorial sites; we learned to make холодник and cheese on a nearby farm; and we traveled to many other interesting spots around the country. One of the most remarkable experiences I had during the program was celebrating Līgo, which is Latvian Midsummer. I made a traditional flower crown (вынок), ate holiday cheese with caraway seeds, and listened to beautiful Latvian folk music. It was truly unforgettable!
Everyone was placed with a host family. I was fortunate to be housed with a very kind бабушка (grandmother), who was a fabulous chef, in a lovely Soviet-style apartment with a cat and a dog. I loved exploring Daugavpils and learned a great deal about the complexities that shape Latvian history/culture while strengthening my Russian language skills. Before the program began, I took an oral exam for my Russian language proficiency and scored as low intermediate. By the end of the program, I was tested again, and my score had moved into the advanced level. This program was definitely a massive aid in strengthening my speaking ability and overall confidence.
Learn more about the CLS Program here
What was the highlight of your time abroad?
One (among many) of my favorite memories during my time abroad was an after-class trip to the Daugava River with some classmates. We ate a great lunch (soup and шашлык), drank too much kvass, then sunbathed and laughed until our stomachs ached. I made some truly wonderful friends during my time abroad this summer. Latvia is a spectacular country, and I am truly privileged to have been placed there for my CLS experience.
What is something you are proud of from your time abroad?
The CLS program has a language pledge that every participant must follow from the start to the end of the scholarship. This was a bit of a challenge for me. Going to a foreign country and taking an oath to speak nothing but a language that isn't my native tongue was a hardship and definitely frustrating at times, but the rewards of my strengthened learning were well worth the effort.
Do you have any advice for other students?
My advice to anyone thinking about participating in CLS is to have no expectations. Living abroad will not be what you think, so rather than try to formulate scenarios in your head as mental preparation (something I am often guilty of), go into the program with an open mind and genuine curiosity. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, embarrass yourself when speaking, and step out of your comfort zone; these are truly the best ways to learn and make genuine memories that will last a lifetime. Welcome challenge and unfamiliarity with optimism and excitement. CLS is not just an opportunity to learn a new language, but also to learn about yourself and your capabilities as a person.
