Dairen Castro Selected for Prestigious Critical Language Scholarship
Dairen Castro, a member of the Carleton College class of 2028, has been awarded the 2026 Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) by the U.S. Department of State, a significant achievement that underscores her dedication to language acquisition and cultural understanding. Out of a competitive selection process involving over 4,500 applicants, Castro emerged as one of the 315 chosen students, continuing the distinguished tradition of Carleton students participating in this esteemed program. This summer, she will embark on an enriching educational journey at the Arab American Language Institute located in Meknes, Morocco, where she will immerse herself in Arabic language studies.
Castro’s journey with the Arabic language began during her freshman year of high school, and she is now eager to enhance her proficiency through a combination of focused classroom instruction and cultural immersion experiences. "I’m really excited to come out of this program having learned a lot more Arabic speaking skills and cultural norms," Castro expressed. While she acknowledges that she may not achieve perfection, she views this scholarship as a pivotal step in her language learning journey.
Immersive Learning Experience in Morocco
Castro is fully committed to maximizing her scholarship experience, even if it requires her to converse primarily in Arabic. She stated, "I will be studying in the classroom, as well as staying with a host family. There is also the option to take an oath to only speak Arabic for the entirety of the program, which I hope to partake in. That really tests your limits and makes you practice your Arabic for the entire time." This level of commitment reflects her determination to not only learn a language but to live it.
With her sights set on a career that leverages her Arabic skills, Castro is currently majoring in political science and international relations, complemented by a minor in Arabic. Her interest in this path has evolved over the years, shifting from a focus on immigration law to a broader interest in international relations and diplomacy. She recognizes that both fields present opportunities to utilize her language skills in meaningful ways. "Before freshman year of high school, I knew I wanted to work in immigration law or something of the sort. Now, I’ve started to have more interest in international relations and diplomacy. So, either field would incorporate my passion to use Arabic in a career setting," she explained.
As she prepares for her time in Morocco, Castro is particularly enthusiastic about learning Darija, the Moroccan dialect of Arabic, and engaging with the local culture, society, and political landscape. "I am really grateful for the opportunity to not just be able to practice my language skills, but also have the privilege to immerse myself in the culture and the people," she remarked. The experience promises to be invaluable, providing her with the chance to apply her language abilities in real-world scenarios.
For students inspired by Castro’s journey and interested in pursuing the Critical Language Scholarship in the future, it is advisable to connect with the Office of Student Fellowships for guidance and support.
As reported by carleton.edu.
