The Critical Languages Institute (CLI) at Arizona State University’s Melikian Center is a national training institute for less commonly taught languages, offering summer intensive courses and study-abroad programs around the world.
Language programs include:
Location(s)
- Locations vary by program
Schedule
- 7-week synchronous online program
- May 26 - July 10, 2026
- 4-week abroad extension programs
- July 13 - August 7, 2026
- 8-week abroad Intermediate/Advanced language programs
- June 15 - August 7, 2026
- 9-week Advanced (300+) Russian study abroad in Daugavpils, Latvia
- June 15 - August 14, 2026
Cost/Compensation
- Flat administration fee of $2,000 for credit-bearing courses
- Study abroad program fee ranges from $2,700 - $8,900
- Additional fees apply for individual study abroad programs
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Must be a U.S. citizen, or be in possession of a U.S. student visa
- Students under 18 need permission from parents or guardians
- For online programs, high school students from across the country can participate
- For study abroad programs, high school students must be in the metropolitan Phoenix area, and meet the age requirement for their desired course
- High school students and individuals under 18 must have a 3.00 cumulative GPA in Arizona Board of Regents competency courses to be considered for admission
Deadline
- Priority admission: January 31, 2026
- 8-week study aboard programs: March 14, 2026
- Online plus 4-week study abroad programs: March 31, 2026
- Online only programs: May 1, 2026
Application or Entry Requirements
- A completed online CLI application
- A completed ASU non-degree application
- Transcript
- Students currently enrolled in high school and persons under the age of 18 may be admitted as non-degree students by submitting
- An official high school transcript
- A letter of approval from a high school counselor or principal
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
- The Critical Languages Institute offers several scholarships to graduate, undergraduate, and non-student applicants.
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
The Melikian Center for Russian, Eurasian, and East European Studies is a research and training center at Arizona State University whose goal is to advance research, teaching, and outreach on the languages, societies, and geopolitics of greater Eurasia. The Center’s core mission is to enhance global awareness and cross-cultural understanding in the communities it serves. Through the Critical Languages Institute, the Melikian Center runs intensive in-person summer programs that help students from across the U.S. develop their linguistic and cultural competency rapidly and effectively.
