Vonderau is one of 500 U.S. undergraduate and graduate students selected for the 2025 CLS Program. Finalists were chosen from an impressive pool of over 5,000 applicants from colleges and universities in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

“Receiving the Critical Language Scholarship means a lot to me,” said Vonderau. “The scholarship is something that I hope to use not only as an opportunity to drastically improve my Russian skills, but also as a steppingstone to eventually pursue a career in the international relations field – specifically relations between the United States and Russia and other former Soviet bloc states.”

The CLS Program – sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, funded by the U.S. government and administered by American Councils for International Education – is an intensive overseas language and cultural immersion group-based program where students spend eight to 10 weeks abroad studying one of 14 critical languages.

“The scholarship recognizes and rewards Alex's dedication to studying Russian. The CLS program enables him to further enhance his Russian language skills beyond the two years of courses offered at USD,” said Ilmira Dulyanova, M.A., director of online graduate programs & coordination and an instructor of Russian. “Alex is committed to academic excellence and actively seeks opportunities to better prepare himself for graduate studies and professional career.”

Vonderau will live in Kyrgyzstan’s capital city of Bishkek and is eager to immerse himself in the culture, experience the beautiful geography and enhance his Russian language skills.

“Having multiple ethnic groups, religious groups and a variety of cultural traditions, Kyrgyzstan is a very interesting and diverse country,” Vonderau said. “Situated within the Tian Shan mountains, Kyrgyzstan has unique and beautiful geographic features that I am excited to experience.

“While classroom instruction is great for learning languages, immersion is what truly helps you take flight on your language learning journey,” Vonderau continued. “With four semesters of Russian in addition to some out-of-class training, I am ready to take the leap of faith into immersion.”

Vonderau is a sophomore at USD pursuing a double major in international studies and political science with a minor in Russian studies.

Originally from Rapid City, South Dakota, Vonderau is involved in the Political Science League, the Rotaract Club and the Luther Center.

He attributes his achievement in part to faculty mentorship, particularly the mentorship he received from Dulyanova.

“Through thick and thin, Ilmira has always been a great professor, in and out of class,” said Vonderau. “From giving me additional tutoring out of class, fine-tuning my Critical Language Scholarship application with me, to delivering Meals on Wheels with me with the Rotaract Club, nothing is too tall of a task for her. I would never have achieved this, or even been brave enough to pursue the Russian minor without her help: she goes far beyond what is required of her as a professor and is truly one of the most motivating people I have met.”

After graduation, Vonderau plans to pursue a graduate degree in international relations, with intentions to either work for the foreign service or become a professor.

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