The deadline to apply for NSLI-Y 2010-2011 programs has passed.

Is this program for you?

Once you've determined that you meet the eligibility requirements, take some time to think about whether NSLI-Y is the right exchange program for you. The goal of NSLI-Y is to expose American youth to critical foreign languages and to encourage further study of these languages for those who have already had exposure. The ability to master an international language is essential to establishing ties with people from other cultures. The NSLI-Y program aims to guide American youth toward using language in their university and professional careers and hopes to encourage young Americans to dedicate themselves to a lifetime of language learning. Cultural understanding strengthened by the ability to speak a country's native language helps us to work in partnership with the rest of the world in order to solve shared problems and promote mutual understanding. NSLI-Y programs hope to inspire future generations to be active participants in the international community.

NSLI-Y scholars participate in intensive language courses whether they are on a summer, semester, or year program. These intensive language courses are complemented by cultural immersion activities inside and outside of the classroom, including a home-stay component, excursions, and local community service projects. Successful NSLI-Y participants are able to strive both academically by improving their language skills and culturally by gaining an understanding and appreciation for a new way of life.

Before deciding whether or not to apply, learn more about the program by exploring this website, visiting the links, and speaking with other students via networking sites such as Exchanges Connect and Facebook. Also, please take the time to speak with your parents and your school about studying abroad by discussing duration options and checking whether it is possible to gain academic credit for the program.

About the Application

The NSLI-Y Application requests the following information:

Personal Information
Contact information, passport information, family information

Language Experience
Languages, time studied, skill level

International Experience
Countries visited, duration, reason

A letter to prospective host family and language instructors
Self-introduction, and information about family, friends, hobbies, etc.

Essay questions
Essays are used to help determine your personal motivation and promise as an exchange student

Parent's statement
Parental support and assessment of student's personal motivation and promise as an exchange student

Teacher Recommendation
Teacher evaluation and assessment of student's academic motivation and promise as an exchange student

Copy of Transcript
Official copy submitted by mail.
List of all high school courses and grades, including grade point average

Photos
Photos of you, your family and friends that help to introduce you to a prospective host family

Placement Information
Information about allergies, religion, diet, etc. for home-stay placement purposes

Terms and Conditions (to be signed by you and your parents/guardians)
Lists program policies and student responsibilities if chosen to participate

Note: The above application information is subject to change depending on the needs of the program.

About the Selection Process

Each complete application is read by at least two evaluators who have been trained to evaluate and score NSLI-Y applications. Evaluators are asked to assess applicants' level of commitment and motivation for language learning and demonstrated cultural awareness and curiosity. Evaluators review a candidate's previous academic coursework, essays, the letter to host family, parent's statement, and teacher recommendation. Evaluators do not review a candidate's placement information or photographs.

Selection will be based on the applicant's enthusiasm for learning, a strong sense of character, and the will to succeed. Because NSLI-Y languages are the less commonly taught languages, the host locations have cultures that are significantly different from that of the U.S. Maturity and readiness for a challenging academic and international experience are very important. Applicants are also encouraged to clearly articulate how the study of a NSLI-Y language is linked to future academic or professional goals. Semi-finalists will be interviewed by local program volunteers. Semi-finalists will be contacted on a rolling basis regarding interviews starting January 4, 2010. Those not selected will be notified by February 15, 2010. Application materials and interview reports are then reviewed by a selection panel at American Councils headquarters in Washington, DC. All applicants will be notified by early April.

The selection committee seeks a diverse group of participants from across the United States and from a wide variety of language levels. Participants are recommended for approval by the U.S. Department of State and finalists are notified.