Sean Hagan, a University of Iowa student from Coralville, Iowa, who will earn a BA in Russian and international relations this May, has been awarded a U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) to study Russian this summer in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
The CLS scholarship is a U.S. Department of State program designed to broaden the base of Americans studying and mastering critical languages while fostering relationships between people of the U.S. and other countries.
Hagan’s interest in the Russian language and region began early and was shaped by international experience.
“Since childhood, I’ve been interested in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe,” said Hagan. “Right after graduating from high school, I decided to study in Batumi, Georgia. I had very little prior experience with Russian, but I quickly fell in love with the language.”
That experience led Hagan to major in Russian and pursue additional study abroad opportunities while at Iowa, including a six‑week program in Riga, Latvia, and a semester in Tbilisi, Georgia.
“These experiences were invaluable for my personal and academic growth,” said Hagan. “Because of that, I decided to apply for CLS because I felt qualified and recognized the value of international education.”
Hagan views the CLS experience as an important step toward his future academic and professional goals. He is currently applying for a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Georgia and an MA in higher education and student affairs at the University of Iowa, with the goal of working in international education.
“CLS will help me prepare for both by strengthening my Russian language skills and developing my professional experience,” Hagan said.
Offering advice to other students pursuing similar scholarships, Hagan emphasized the importance of taking the initiative and using campus resources.
“If you’re interested in CLS or any other prestigious international program, you have to just go for it,” shared Hagan. “Iowa has a great support staff in International Programs who will help you prepare. The only way you know for certain that you won’t get these opportunities is if you never try. Even if you don’t feel ready, jump on every opportunity you can. You may be surprised by what you can do. Talk to the International Programs office and just go for it.”
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.