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Story by Logan Jackson
Two years ago, Rachel Mueller spent the summer refining her Korean language skills while on vacation with her father in South Korea. She learned enough to order at a restaurant and make purchases at various stores and soon began searching for further opportunities to expand her Korean language abilities.
The Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) provided her that opportunity, and Mueller spent last summer in Gwangju, South Korea, through the program. She followed that work with a study abroad experience to Seoul, South Korea, and will now have the chance to return to South Korea this summer as a two-time CLS recipient.
“To be honest, I was not expecting to apply for the award again,” said Mueller, a senior anthropology and international studies (east Asian studies) double major who is also pursuing the Honors College Certificate. “However, during my study abroad semester in Seoul, I networked with several CLS Korean alumni. They spoke about how refined and elevated their language skills were after a second round. They encouraged me to apply.”
Todd VanPool, professor and chair of anthropology, Mueller’s faculty mentor at Mizzou
“Ms. Mueller is a bright, intellectually curious student. Her scholarly pursuits exemplify her potential as a U.S. cultural ambassador. Her experience as an anthropologist and historian provides her with the sensitivity and skills necessary to grasp the cultural intricacies vital for global representation.”
Around 315 undergraduate and graduate students from across the country were selected for the 2026 CLS Program from a pool of more than 4,500 applicants. Being a two-time recipient is quite uncommon.
“To be named a finalist for the second year in a row is a great honor, and I am so grateful for the opportunity,” Mueller said. “CLS is a unique scholarship because of its emphasis on speaking and cultural immersion, and now that I have almost six months of experience in the country, I anticipate refining my skills and exploring the country more effectively.”
The scholarship is granted by the U.S. Department of the State. As part of a wider government initiative aimed at expanding the number of Americans learning foreign languages that are foundational to national security and economic prosperity, the program plays a key role in preparing students for the 21st century’s globalized and increasingly competitive workforce.
“Opportunities like CLS provide a kind of education no classroom can provide,” Mueller said. “Being in the country and experiencing everyday life in your target language can help develop skills in independence, communication and citizen diplomacy, which are essential abilities in our world today. Additionally, CLS introduces you to so many wonderful people in your cohort and host country, and it is truly inspiring to be surrounded by such a talented, driven group all summer.”
Mueller is pursuing three minors at Mizzou: Native American and indigenous studies, history and archaeology. The scholarship will allow her to build upon those interest areas, too.
“It is unbelievably exciting,” Mueller said. “This round, I look forward to honing my communication skills in my chosen field of study, anthropology. I plan on networking with Korean archaeologists, exploring historic sites and making the most of my time in the country.”
Mueller’s faculty mentor at Mizzou is Todd VanPool, professor and chair of anthropology.
“Ms. Mueller is a bright, intellectually curious student,” VanPool said. “Her scholarly pursuits exemplify her potential as a U.S. cultural ambassador. Her experience as an anthropologist and historian provides her with the sensitivity and skills necessary to grasp the cultural intricacies vital for global representation.”
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