University of Iowa international relations and French (Arabic track) major Adelaide Brooks of Ankeny, Iowa, has been awarded a 2024 U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) to study in Meknes, Morocco, this summer for an intensive Arabic language program.

The CLS scholarship is a U.S. Department of State program and is intended to help broaden the base of Americans studying and mastering critical languages while building relationships between people of the U.S. and other countries.

This isn’t the first time language studies has taken Brooks abroad.

“CLS opens many opportunities for me to explore after my undergraduate studies at Iowa. Participating in this program after I graduate this May enables me to focus solely on Arabic while immersed in Arab culture before I begin my career in the federal service.”

Inspired by her mother's student exchange in Germany, and her tales of art school and travel, Brooks developed a love for languages and exploring different cultures. In 2019, she participated in a French language exchange in Saint Quentin, France.

“That experience, along with teachers and professors motivating me to pursue language studies, and in conjunction with my interest in foreign policy, pushed me to study languages in the sphere of international relations,” said Brooks. “In Arabic class at Iowa, I learned about study abroad options and other international fellowships. During my junior year, I had the amazing opportunity to study in Jordan for nine months through the Boren Award, provided by the National Security Education Program. While similar to the Boren Award, CLS provides a language learning structure that I was drawn to, enabling me to improve my vocabulary and path to fluency. After attending an information session with Dr. Karen Wachsmuth, that’s when I decided to apply for CLS!”

CLS participants are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship period, and later apply their critical language skills in their future professional careers.

“CLS opens many opportunities for me to explore after my undergraduate studies at Iowa,” shared Brooks. “Participating in this program after I graduate this May enables me to focus solely on Arabic while immersed in Arab culture before I begin my career in the federal service.”

For Iowa students curious about applying for a CLS, Brooks says it’s never too early to apply. 

“Even if you are a freshman and new to a language, apply!” Brooks exclaimed. “The worst that can happen is you get some application writing practice. Awards like CLS are for anyone who wants to improve in a foreign language; there is no recommended major or previous experience needed for most of the languages offered. Be curious, go to the info sessions, and apply in the fall!”

Learn more about the Critical Language Scholarship

International Programs (IP) at the University of Iowa (UI) is committed to enriching the global experience of UI students, faculty, staff, and the general public by leading efforts to promote internationally oriented teaching, research, creative work, and community engagement.  IP provides support for international students and scholars, administers scholarships and assistance for students who study, intern, or do research abroad, and provides funding opportunities and grant-writing assistance for faculty engaged in international research. IP shares their stories through various media, and by hosting multiple public engagement activities each year.