Researcher ORCID Identifier

0009-0003-1350-7097

Graduation Year

2026

Date of Submission

12-2025

Document Type

Campus Only Senior Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

International Relations

Reader 1

Jordan Branch

Reader 2

Mara Barbosa

Rights Information

2026 Alexandra M Perez Pleitez

Abstract

The Trump administration has made budget cuts to study abroad and language learning programs because it believes they do not provide sufficient benefits to U.S. national security and foreign policy. This thesis will examine the crucial role cultural competency and language learning play in strengthening U.S. foreign relations and national security.

I have participated in the Critical Language Scholarship before the funding cuts, and it has been one of the most memorable experiences in my life. I was able to create friendships abroad, strengthen my Korean skills, and understand Korean culture much better than before. These are the goals these programs are meant to accomplish in order to reinforce foreign relations and national security back to the United States.

These programs are long-term investments that enhance U.S. interests by creating individuals who can navigate different cultures, interpret information correctly, and provide knowledge to create correct foreign policy decisions.

The advancement of technology is also acknowledged, since many wonder if language learning will still be needed. I explain their benefits, but also the ways they are limited when it comes to interpreting high-stakes situations where human abilities are essential.

Proving that these programs do, in fact, correlate to having a stronger national security and foreign relations in many ways, is exactly why we should not be cutting these programs and instead continue providing support for them.

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This thesis is restricted to the Claremont Colleges current faculty, students, and staff.

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