CLS Spotlight: Oscar Kemp
After graduating from VCU in May 2023, School of Social Work alum Oscar Kemp spent the summer abroad learning Swahili in Arusha, Tanzania, fully funded by the Critical Language Scholarship. Read on to learn about his experience with the application process and his time in Tanzania!
What language did you choose and why?
“I chose to study Swahili to learn more about diplomacy and culture in East Africa, where Swahili is spoken most. Swahili is the national language of Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. I felt that studying Swahili was an opportunity to learn about many cultures.”
In what ways did your CLS experience inform your future goals?
“My CLS experience helped me realize the kind of impact that I want to make in public service by challenging me to adapt to a culture I came to enjoy learning about. The feeling of building relationships across cultural boundaries motivates me to pursue a career abroad as a Foreign Service Officer.”
What made you want to apply for CLS in the first place?
“Participating in the Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) fellowship program made me want to apply to CLS. PPIA introduced me to the first U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan, Susan Page, whose stories about her career in East Africa inspired me.”
What is your favorite word or phrase to say in the language you learned?
“”Shikamoo” is the proper way to greet elders in Tanzania. Elders are revered in Tanzanian culture. The elders enjoy visitors and love discussing their experiences.”
What advice would you give to prospective CLS applicants?
“Research the region and cultures in which your CLS language of choice is spoken. Enjoy the culture shock that will occur as you immerse yourself in meeting new people. You will experience it more as you use the language to learn more about cultures.”
The Critical Language Scholarship is a highly competitive scholarship funded by the U.S. Department of State for the study of twelve languages deemed critical to the United States’ diplomatic and national security interests. Recipients will spend the summer abroad intensively studying their target language.
VCU’s National Scholarship Office (NSO) assists students and recent alumni with applying for the Critical Language Scholarship and other esteemed awards. To learn more about external funding opportunities, schedule an appointment with a member of the NSO staff.
Some text was edited for clarity.
Categories Critical Language Scholarship