Impact

Summer and Academic Year Impact

 NSLI-Y alumni report significant success in their academic, professional, and community service pursuits post-program.  

According to NSLI-Y alumni surveys:

• 100% of NSLI-Y alumni improved their competencies in the language they studied and improved understanding of the daily life and culture of their host countries. 
• Nearly 100% of NSLI-Y alumni report that they increased their personal and professional skills due to their program participation. 
• Nearly 90% of alumni report using language skills gained through their program experience to advance their career, education, or volunteer work 
• Over 85% of alumni agreed that the NSLI-Y experience led to a professional expertise they would otherwise not have developed. 
• Over 80% of alumni report that NSLI-Y had a significant impact on their educational and/or professional goals.

Language Gains

NSLI-Y participants achieve notable language proficiency gains through immersive experiences and formal instruction.

Proficiency in a language critical to national security, especially when obtained through immersive learning, is an asset in many careers. 

Geographic Representation

NSLI-Y participants have represented all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Alumni Network

NSLI-Y has over 10,000 alumni. NSLI-Y supports program alumni by providing information, opportunities, and resources after the program to facilitate connections, continued learning, and professional growth. NSLI-Y alumni also have the opportunity to join the U.S. Department of State Exchange Alumni network.

Before doing this program I wanted to do international business but was unsure on really where and how to specifically apply that. After this program, I have a more clear picture of what exactly I want to do internationally.

Alexander, NSLI-Y Russian Alumnus

Virtual NSLI-Y Impact

Established in 2019, Virtual NSLI-Y is designed for true beginners. No prior language-learning experience is necessary.

Accessible Foreign Language Experience

Participants engage in interactive language classes and cultural activities from their own home, building confidence and preparing them for further language study. Students with limited prior overseas travel experience are priority candidates for this program.

Why Virtual NSLI-Y?

Virtual NSLI-Y alumni report significant success in their academic, professional, and community service pursuits post-program. Virtual NSLI-Y alumni survey results indicate:  

• Nearly 100% of alumni survey respondents said the program was significant to their educational goals.
• Nearly 80% of respondents reported their overall academic motivation increased during the program.
• Nearly 80% of respondents continued studying their target language following the program’s conclusion.

Geographic Representation

Virtual NSLI-Y participants have represented 49 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Participating in Virtual NSLI-Y has improved my knowledge of Chinese language and culture, giving me a head start in my Chinese learning journey. The program has inspired me to incorporate Chinese language and culture into my life, which I will continue to integrate into my future career and academic goals.

Alondra, Virtual NSLI-Y Chinese Alumna