By U.S. Senator Deb Fischer

**Due to the Senate’s state work period, there is no audio recording of this week’s column**

There are many ways to say “hello.” Along the dirt roads of Kenya, people greet one another with “hodi.” Deep in the mountains of Turkey, locals welcome you into their home by saying “merhaba.” In Baku, Azerbaijan, you will hear exchanges of “salaam” while wandering through the medieval walled city. Traveling west on the volcanic islands of Indonesia, “halo” is the polite custom to recognize a friend. The sheer number of languages and unique cultures across the globe is both fascinating, and remarkable. 

Our world is growing and evolving rapidly in the 21^st century. Advancements in technology and transportation allow us to connect instantly with anyone on any continent. From commerce and trade to foreign relations and higher education, the need to communicate across borders has never been more important. 

Young Nebraskans are embracing these demands and taking advantage of new programs that immerse them in the world’s languages and cultures. In 2015, four outstanding Nebraska students participated in an initiative known as the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Program. Sponsored by the State Department, the CLS Program is celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year. Students who are accepted to this prestigious program spend their summers expanding their horizons by traveling overseas to study a new language. 

Peter Oster, a student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, lived in Russia for a summer. Kyle Rohrich, a native of Pierce and a student at Tufts University, studied two hours west of Peter in Vladimir, Russia. Sandra Adams of Omaha spent her summer in Gwangju, South Korea. She is currently an undergraduate at William Jewell College in Missouri. Another Nebraskan, Marguerite Wedeman, lived in a city called Dalian on the coast of China during a summer away from George Washington University. 

Each of these Nebraskans lived with host families in their respective countries. This experience allowed them to immerse themselves in the local culture. Peter, Kyle, Sandra, and Marguerite were able to engage in an incredible cultural exchange and improve their language skills. They also served as strong representatives on behalf of Nebraska and the United States. 

The State Department launched the CLS Program in 2006 as part of a new initiative to encourage more Americans to learn foreign languages and build relationships between the United States and other countries. Nebraska began sending representatives to the program in 2007. Today, the program has grown to include over a dozen countries throughout Asia, Eurasia, and the Middle East. 

Today’s young men and women are the leaders of tomorrow. They are future entrepreneurs, public servants, and community leaders. Through the CLS Program, American students are given the opportunity to take their skills and learn to compete in the global workforce. Successful candidates must also demonstrate how they will apply their skills into future academic or professional careers. Many past participants are now thriving with vocations in diplomacy, academia, business, and other exciting fields. 

The CLS Program breaks down every barrier outside the classroom. Young students from across our country are finding themselves surrounded in cultures they have only read about or viewed on a movie screen. It takes great courage and determination to travel so far from home, and I’m proud to see this dedication grow in our young Nebraskans.   

While our nation faces many challenges, we can take heart in the motivation of future generations. Initiatives like the CLS Program are providing Americans with both experiences and opportunities that will make our country better prepared for the road ahead. 

Due in large part to young people who want to learn about, and engage in, the world around us, our best days are still ahead. If you or someone you know is interested in programs like this, I encourage you to research it online and consider applying. There is a whole world waiting to say hello.   

Thank you for participating in the democratic process. I look forward to visiting with you again next week.