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One UNH student and one recent graduate received Critical Language Scholarships (CLS) this spring, giving them both the opportunity to participate in immersive language study. Jacob Remick 鈥�19 鈥�24G will take part in the overseas program 鈥� studying in Tajikistan 鈥� while Cooper Mee 鈥�28 will participate in the CLS Spark virtual program, studying Japanese thanks to facilitation from the LTL Language School in Tokyo.

The CLS Program that Remick was chosen for is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities. Students spend eight to 10 weeks over the summer studying one of 12 critical languages (Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Swahili, Turkish, and Urdu).

CLS Spark, meanwhile, is a virtual initiative for U.S. undergraduate students like Mee to learn languages essential to America鈥檚 engagement with the world.听CLS听Spark provides the opportunity to study critical languages virtually when they may not have access to studying these languages on their campuses. Students spend approximately eight weeks during the summer learning either Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, or Russian through online classes and activities facilitated by native speakers at a听CLS听partner institution abroad.

Beyond developing a strong foundation in the Persian language, Remick says he hopes to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation fo the Persian-speaking world through the CLS program. He also would like to refine his ability to navigate unfamiliar environments with cultural sensitivity 鈥� skills 鈥渢hat have served me well in past international experiences and will be invaluable in my career,鈥� he says.

鈥淚 am eager to experience daily life in Tajikistan 鈥� interacting with locals, exploring historical sites and gaining a deeper understanding of the country鈥檚 traditions,鈥� Remick says. 鈥淗aving previously lived and worked in Kosovo and Italy, I know that the most meaningful insights often come from direct engagement with people. I am excited to build relationships that will enhance my understanding of both the language and culture.鈥�

The language skills Remick will be honing will play a critical role in his professional pursuits, as he hopes to forge a career in national security, intelligence or diplomacy. His experiences as a graduate of the National Security Intelligence Analysis master鈥檚 program and an officer in the Army National Guard have already provided some valuable insights into the ways in which this opportunity could benefit him.

鈥淚 understand the critical role that regional expertise plays in shaping effective policy and decision-making,鈥� Remick says. 鈥淧ersian is a strategic language for U.S. foreign policy, and gaining proficiency will directly support my ability to analyze complex global issues and engage with Persian-speaking communities.鈥�

Beyond the educational opportunities, Remick says he is looking forward to exploring Takikistan鈥檚 鈥渞ich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes.鈥�

鈥淕rowing up in rural New Hampshire instilled in me a love for mountains and the outdoors, and I look forward to exploring the natural beauty of the Fann Mountains while immersing myself in daily life in Dushanbe,鈥� he says. 鈥淪tudying in a region with such a unique blend of Persian, Central Asian and Soviet influences will broaden my global perspective and prepare me for a career that requires deep cultural awareness.鈥�

Mee won鈥檛 be traveling to Japan as part of the CLS Spark program, but he鈥檚 visited in the past, having spent time there during the summer after his senior year in high school. He had an outstanding experience, he says, and is looking forward to putting what he learns through the CLS program into practice, both with peers he met during his initial visit and in order to make new acquaintances when he ultimately returns.

鈥淚 want to improve my understanding of the Japanese language so I can return to Japan, have a richer experience, and make more friends,鈥� Mee says. 鈥淚 am most excited to learn the Japanese language so I can better converse with the friends I made in Japan last summer.鈥�

Mee just wrapped up his freshman year as a student in UNH鈥檚 Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics. His long-term goals are to earn his degree and build a career in business, one in which he believes the skills and knowledge he obtains through CLS will make a significant difference.

鈥淚 think learning another language will help me foster new connections and bolster my resume for future businesses to hire me,鈥� he says.

Interested in pursuing a Critical Language Scholarship? Learn more about this and other opportunities available through the听Office of National Fellowships.