UF Professor Receives Recognition from U.S. Department of State
University of Findlay associate professor of Japanese, Hiroaki Kawamura, Ph.D. has been recognized for his efforts with the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program, where he volunteered to evaluate candidates. Funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, the CLS Program is a nationally competed intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities.
Students in the program spend eight to ten weeks abroad studying one of over a dozen critical languages. They receive intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences designed to promote rapid language gains.
“For our summer 2024 program, we received over 5,000 applications and relied on the hard work and expertise of volunteers like Hiroaki Kawamura to evaluate each one fairly against our selection criteria,” said Becca AbuRakia-Einhorn, Director of the CLS program. “Engaging in the rigorous selection process offers reviewers like Hiroaki Kawamura a unique opportunity to actively shape the future of international education and language instruction, contributing significantly to the cultivation of a global community of knowledgeable and culturally aware citizens.”
Kawamura has served as a volunteer evaluator several times, reading through applications, and spending up to six hours discussing applicants. “The quality of most applications is very high,” he said. “It is just a joy to see many strong applicants who have a strong interest in studying a critical language.” Kawamura reviewed Japanese applications, taking into consideration the strict guidelines set by CLS. “CLS pays close attention to diversity – type of institution, geography, gender, etc. I truly believe that it reflects the value and vision of the U.S. education,” he said.
Respecting the program and seeing the value it provides to students, Kawamura plans to continue his efforts of supporting and volunteering within the program. “UF students should consider it as part of their UF education,” he said, encouraging students to contact him directly at kawamura@findlay.edu.
For more information about the CLS Program, visit their website at www.clscholarship.org.
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