Title VIII Opportunities at ASU’s Critical Languages Institute
The Department of State's Title VIII program funds graduate students with U.S. citizenship to study the less commonly taught languages of Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union.
Arizona State University offers intensive summer instruction in less commonly taught languages of Russia, Eurasia, and East Europe. Established in 1991, CLI features experienced and innovative native-language instructors and small class sizes. Our 7- or 8-week programs provide 8 credits, equivalent to a full two-semester sequence during the academic year. All classes beyond the introductory level are offered in-country, and for most languages, the program also offers students completing their introductory 8-credit course an additional 3-credit overseas module, to put their learning into action. ASU’s program also offers online and in-person components providing cultural and geopolitical context, including a 1-credit online graduate class specifically designed for Title VIII recipients, which connects students on different language programs, provides comparative perspectives on the post-Soviet world, and builds professional capacities in communicating their expertise to audiences beyond their academic specialty.
Students who apply for an online-only program may receive up to $5,500.
Students who apply for an online program with the 4-week abroad extension may receive up to $10,500.
Students who apply for an 8-week study abroad program through CLI may receive up to $10,500.
Languages currently eligible for Title VIII support are Albanian, Armenian, Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian (BCS), Macedonian, Polish, Russian (3rd year or higher), Tatar, Ukrainian, and Uzbek.
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled (or accepted for Fall 2025) in master's or doctoral programs of study at credentialed higher education institutions. Past CLI Title VIII fellows can be awarded the fellowship up to two more times, for a maximum of up to 3 fellowship awards, as long as they maintain their graduate student eligibility.
