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Apply today to learn language through an overseas immersion experience!

The application for 2012-2013 programs is closed. Applications will be available for 2013-2014 programs beginning in late summer, 2012.

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Questions? Need more info? Contact us at 866.790.2086 or nsliy@americancouncils.org

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Is the NSLI-Y program right for you?


Before filling out the online application, review the eligibility requirements below and read more about the process of learning a language through immersion.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • U.S. citizen
  • 15 - 18 years of age at start of the program (age varies by program - read more on the Languages and Programs page)
  • Enrolled in high school  at time of application (Gap year programs available)
  • GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent
  • Immediate family members of individuals who work with the NSLI-Y program at the U.S. Department of State, American Councils, or one of the implementing organizations are not eligible. Read more.


    U.S. Department of State Eligibility Policy for American Outbound Youth Programs

    The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) Youth Programs Division seeks to make youth exchange programs funded by ECA available to a wide and diverse American audience.  All individuals applying for ECA-funded youth exchange programs must meet the following eligibility criteria:

    Previous Participation 
    An applicant will be considered ineligible if s/he has previously traveled outside the United States on any ECA-funded program within the past three years or if s/he has accepted a scholarship for an impending U.S. Government-funded exchange program. NSLI-Y EXCEPTION:  An exception to this requirement is the National Security Language Initiative for Youth Program (NSLI-Y).  NSLI-Y programs aim to generate competence in languages critical to national security, therefore an applicant who has been on a U.S. Government-funded program, including a previous NSLI-Y program, is eligible to apply.

    One Award Per Participant Per Year
    Should an applicant be accepted for more than one ECA-funded program which takes place within the same calendar or an academic year, s/he must select only one program in which to participate.

    Family Members of U.S. Department of State Employees  
    Family members of employees of the U.S. Department of State whose official duties involve an ECA Youth Programs Division exchange program are ineligible for that program.   This is because there would be a conflict of interest or the appearance thereof if employees engage in official matters that affect the interests of their family members.  In circumstances where a family member other than a spouse or dependent child wants to participate in a program where the employee has official duties, the appropriateness of the employee engaging in such matters should be discussed with a Department Ethics attorney.  Family members include spouses and dependent children

    Family Members of Affiliated Private Sector Employees
    Family members of ECA-funded implementers of grant programs and U.S. Department of State contractors whose official duties involve a particular ECA-funded youth exchange program are technically ineligible for that program.  Family members include spouses and dependent children.

Click here to read additional eligibility criteria from the U.S. Department of State regarding participation in multiple outbound youth programs sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Previous language study is not a requirement. Students of all levels of language ability are encouraged to apply.

Students of all racial, ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as are students with disabilities.


U.S. Department of State Eligibility Policy for American Outbound Youth Programs

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) Youth Programs Division seeks to make youth exchange programs funded by ECA available to a wide and diverse American audience.  All individuals applying for ECA-funded youth exchange programs must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Previous Participation 
An applicant will be considered ineligible if s/he has previously traveled outside the United States on any ECA-funded program within the past three years or if s/he has accepted a scholarship for an impending U.S. Government-funded exchange program. NSLI-Y EXCEPTION:  An exception to this requirement is the National Security Language Initiative for Youth Program (NSLI-Y).  NSLI-Y programs aim to generate competence in languages critical to national security, therefore an applicant who has been on a U.S. Government-funded program, including a previous NSLI-Y program, is eligible to apply.

One Award Per Participant Per Year
Should an applicant be accepted for more than one ECA-funded program which takes place within the same calendar or an academic year, s/he must select only one program in which to participate.

Family Members of U.S. Department of State Employees  
Family members of employees of the U.S. Department of State whose official duties involve an ECA Youth Programs Division exchange program are ineligible for that program.   This is because there would be a conflict of interest or the appearance thereof if employees engage in official matters that affect the interests of their family members.  In circumstances where a family member other than a spouse or dependent child wants to participate in a program where the employee has official duties, the appropriateness of the employee engaging in such matters should be discussed with a Department Ethics attorney.  Family members include spouses and dependent children

Family Members of Affiliated Private Sector Employees
Family members of ECA-funded implementers of grant programs and U.S. Department of State contractors whose official duties involve a particular ECA-funded youth exchange program are technically ineligible for that program.  Family members include spouses and dependent children.


Is language learning through an intensive immersion experience right for you?


The goal of the NSLI-Y program is to expose American youth to critical foreign languages and to spark a lifetime of interest in language learning. NSLI-Y aims to guide students toward using language in their university and professional careers and hopes to encourage young Americans to dedicate themselves to continued language learning far beyond their time on the program.

NSLI-Y scholars participate in intensive language courses on both summer and academic year programs. These intensive language courses are complemented by cultural immersion activities inside and outside of the classroom, including home-stays, excursions, and local community service projects. Successful NSLI-Y participants dedicate themselves to language acquisition through both formal and informal learning opportunities. Participants strive to succeed both academically, by improving their language skills, and culturally, by gaining an understanding and appreciation for a new way of life.  Participants should expect to immerse themselves fully in the language and cultural experience; they should not expect to complete significant on-line academic work for their U.S. school while abroad.

Before deciding whether or not to apply, learn more about the program by exploring this website and speaking with other students via networking sites such as ExchangesConnect and Facebook. We encourage you to include your parents, as well as your teachers or school counselors in discussions about studying abroad through NSLI-Y, specifically regarding questions about receiving academic credit while abroad.