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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.
Contact
Questions? Need more info? Contact us at 866.790.2086 or nsliy@americancouncils.org
Connect
Apply today to become a NSLI-Y participant!
The application for 2012-2013 programs is now closed.
Applicants: Thank you for submitting an application for the NSLI-Y 2012-2013 program! To view your submitted application, click here.
Click here to skip to the application timeline.
Click here to skip to the selection process.
About the application
The following information is requested on the NSLI-Y 2012-13 Application Form. Click here for a SAMPLE pdf of the application.
Personal Information- Contact information for you and your family
- Passport information
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Language Experience
Include any languages you've studied, skill level and duration -
International Experience
Include countries visited, duration and reason for travel
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Letter to your prospective host family and language instructors
Include a self-introduction, information about your family, friends, hobbies, etc. -
Essays
Essay topics vary year to year. Essays are used to determine your personal motivation and promise as an NSLI-Y participant
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Parent Statement
Used to determine parental support, as well as personal motivation and promise as an NSLI-Y participant -
Teacher Recommendation
Used to determine academic motivation and promise as an NSLI-Y participant -
Copy of Official Transcript
Must include all high school courses and current GPA -
Photos of you, your family and friends
Used to introduce you to a prospective host family -
Placement Information
Include information about allergies, religion, diet, etc. for home-stay placement purposes -
Terms and Conditions
To be signed by you and your parents/guardians
Send Participant Agreement and Grade Transcript documents to:
ATTN: NSLI-Y Processing (#1100)
American Councils
1828 L ST NW STE 1200
Washington, DC 20036-5136
Note: The above application information is subject to change depending on the needs of the program.
Application timeline
Now!
Ask your teacher if they will complete a recommendation for you.
Discuss the program with your parents. Review the application process together and ask them to complete the parent statement.
Mid - Late October
Verify with your teacher that they know the deadline for the recommendation is November 3. Remind them that American Councils is unable to accept recommendations after this date. Recommenders must use the on-line NSLI-Y recommendation form. Mailed, faxed, or e-mailed recommendations will NOT be accepted.
October 20
If you believe you will be unable to complete the application online, you must contact American Councils by this date to request alternative accommodations.
Application deadline extended to November 8, 2011
NSLI-Y Application Deadline. If you haven’t already, submit your application! Late submissions will not be accepted.
Late November
Remind your parent/legal guardian to complete their statements in time for the December 1 deadline. Parents/legal guardians must use the on-line NSLI-Y parent statement form. Mailed, faxed, or e-mailed recommendations will NOT be accepted.
December 1, 2011
Parent Statements, signed Terms and Conditions, and official transcripts are due.
December
American Councils will notify semi-finalists that they have been selected to move on in the selection process. Applicants not selected as semi-finalists will also be notified. Notifications will be emailed to the primary e-mail address provided in your application.
If you have been selected as a semi-finalist, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a physical. Schedule one with your dentist, too.
December-February
An AFS-USA coordinator will be in touch with all semi-finalists to schedule their interviews. Interviews take place in December, January and February.
February
If you haven’t done so already, apply for your passport. It will be too late to wait until final notifications to apply.
March 1, 2012
Medical evaluation forms are due.
April
Final decisions will be emailed to all semi-finalists to the primary e-mail address provided in your application.
Selection process
The selection of NSLI-Y finalists is based on the applicant's enthusiasm for learning, strong sense of character, and will to succeed. Maturity and readiness for a challenging academic and international experience are very important factors. Applicants are also encouraged to clearly articulate how the study of their chosen NSLI-Y language is linked to future academic or professional goals.
In addition to the written portion of the application, students selected as semi-finalists will be asked to complete an interview with local program volunteers. Semi-finalists will be contacted on a rolling basis regarding interviews starting in December.
Each complete application is read by at least two individuals who have been trained to evaluate and score NSLI-Y applications. Evaluators are asked to assess applicants' level of commitment, motivation for language learning, demonstrated cultural awareness, and curiosity. Evaluators review a candidate's previous academic coursework, essays, letter to host family, parent statement, and teacher recommendations. Evaluators do not review a candidate's placement information or photographs. Following the semi-finalist interview, all application materials and interview reports are reviewed together by a trained selection panel.
The selection committee seeks a diverse group of participants from across the United States and from a wide variety of language levels. Final selection and notification will be completed in April.
