National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
Program Details
Detailed Language Program Information
The NSLI-Y program offers short-term (6-8 week) summer and long-term (8-10 month) academic year programs in the following languages:
| Language/Location | Academic Year | Summer |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic/Morocco or Jordan |  |
|
| Chinese (Mandarin)/China or Taiwan | |
|
| Hindi/India | |
|
| Indonesian/Indonesia | |
|
| Korean/South Korea | |
|
| Persian (Tajiki)/Tajikistan | |
|
| Russian/Russia, Estonia, Latvia, or Moldova | |
|
| Turkish/Turkey | |
Participants live and study in a country where the target language is spoken, and can expect a rigorous overseas language immersion programs at beginning, intermediate, or advanced levels. NSLI-Y programs immerse students in the language and culture of the host country through formal and informal education and daily interaction with host families and communities.
NSLI-Y experiences vary across program sites and from year to year. In general, NSLI-Y summer programs are quite structured. Participants attend language class for 3 to 4 hours a day, converse with language partners, participate in cultural activities and community service, and often spend time in the evenings and on weekends with their host families.
Academic year programs have intensive language classes, but allow participants more time to explore the host country. Participants receive at least 10 hours of formal language instruction per week at a local school or post-secondary institution, but may take other academic or enrichment classes. Just like summer programs, the schedule allows time for participants to converse with language partners, and participate in cultural activities and community service. Host family stays are for all or a portion of the program, depending on the program site. Participants often spend time working on an in-depth semester and/or year-long project.
Now more than ever, linguistic skills and cultural knowledge are important building blocks for American citizens to be leaders in a global world.
A network of support through experienced international exchange organizations, field staff, trained volunteers, and carefully selected host families helps ensure a successful exchange experience. For more detailed information, visit the NSLI-Y website.
For other study abroad opportunities, visit StudyAbroad.state.gov.
