Nicholas Dotson Awarded Prestigious Critical Language Scholarship

Nicholas Dotson, a student in the Executive M.S. in International Relations, has been selected for the prestigious Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program, marking an exciting new chapter in his academic and professional journey. The CLS Program, sponsored by the State Department, offers fully funded immersive summer experiences to undergraduate and graduate students seeking to master languages which are strategic for national security and global engagement.

From June 18 to August 18, Nick will be participating in an eight-week immersion program to learn Indonesian in Malang, Indonesia. His journey to this opportunity began through a long-standing interest in Southeast Asian languages and culture, rooted initially in his undergraduate study and Peace Corps service, where he learned Tagalog and noticed similarities with Bahasa Indonesia (the national language of Indonesia). Further encouragement came during a counterterrorism program in Denpasar, where he conversed in Bahasa Indonesia with local counterparts, prompting him to pursue more rigorous, in-person language training.

Professionally, Nick’s career has consistently intersected with international education and diplomatic service. His undergraduate experiences tutoring exchange students sparked an interest in international affairs and language education, motivating him to obtain a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certification and serve in the Peace Corps in the Philippines. Additionally, his role at the U.S. State Department’s Special Issuance Agency and the Department of Justice’s Asia-Pacific team further shaped his interest in this field. Currently, his work with the DOJ involves capacity-building programs addressing trafficking, counterterrorism and cybercrime across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.

Nick stated,

I'm excited to learn more about Indonesian culture and to meet my American CLS cohort. We’ll be learning the language, but also traditional dances, how to cook Indonesian dishes. I’m also excited to travel around the country and connect with Indonesian language partners and my host family.

He firmly believes the CLS experience will significantly impact his future through enhancing his current professional role by providing valuable language skills. Long-term, Nick intends to apply these linguistic and cultural insights to a career as a foreign service officer with the U.S. State Department, continuing to foster diplomatic relationships in Southeast Asia. Additionally, he is considering further language study through the Boren Fellowship, highlighting his dedication to deepening his expertise in the region.

The Critical Language Scholarship is a challenging and unique experience, which has given Nick a strategic pathway towards his goals of continuing his service in international diplomacy and cultivating cultural exchange. 

Categories: Arts and Culture, Nation and World