By joining the NSLI-Y Alumni Association and the U.S. Department of State Exchange Alumni community, NSLI-Y alumni can find the resources they need to build on the impact of their NSLI-Y program and continue their academic and professional development.

The NSLI-Y program equips alumni with valuable skills for a wide range of careers in government, STEM, business, and other sectors, and offers access to vast networks and valuable resources.

NSLI-Y alumni who join the NSLI-Y Alumni Association and the NSLI-Y Alumni Facebook group benefit from information about networking events, language learning opportunities, and professional development seminars.

NSLI-Y alumni who join the Exchange Alumni website, a dynamic and interactive networking platform managed by the U.S. State Department for alumni of U.S. government-funded or sponsored exchange programs, can form connections, participate in events, collaborate in discussions, and find different careers. This dynamic global network includes notable alumni like current and former heads of state, Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and Olympic athletes, award-winning artists, community leaders and changemakers. Membership grants access to:

  • Professional development resources
  • Information about job opportunities
  • Network with fellow alumni around the world
  • Team up with fellow alumni for projects and competitions
  • Find the latest research in a variety of academic disciplines 
  • Develop plans for an alumni association, or find an association to join
  • Share experiences with a global audience
  • Read alumni success stories

Alumni Resources

Study abroad opportunities of particular interest to NSLI-Y language learners include:

  • The Language Flagship is a federally funded initiative that offers language programs at higher education institutions across the United States to help undergraduate students attain a high level of proficiency in critical languages such as Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, and Russian. Flagship programs include a year-long Overseas Capstone component for students to use their language skills in a variety of formal and informal settings.
  • Boren Awards for International Study provides scholarships (undergraduate) and fellowships (graduate) to U.S. college and university students to study abroad or conduct research in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests.
  • Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) is an immersive summer opportunity for American college and university students to learn critical languages that are essential to America’s engagement with the world.

Additional Opportunities:

  • The Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards scholarships to U.S. graduating college seniors, graduate students, young professionals, and artists selected through a national, merit-based competition for study and research abroad. Academic fields include the social sciences, humanities, and the sciences. The Program emphasizes leadership development.
  • The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program places U.S. students (, primarily new college graduates), as English teaching assistants in schools or universities overseas, where they increase foreign students’ English language abilities and knowledge of the United States. In addition to their teaching responsibilities, ETAs pursue individual study/research and improve their foreign language skills and knowledge through integration in the host country/location.
  • The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program supports study abroad by talented American undergraduates with financial need. The Program emphasizes non-traditional language study as well as study in non-traditional foreign destinations.
  • U.S. Department of State exchange programs for U.S. citizens.

Resources:

  • LinkedIn (NSLI-Y Alumni group) is a resource for NSLI-Y alumni to connect with each other and share career-related resources and scholarship and job opportunities. Connect with us on social media for outreach updates, NSLI-Y participant and alumni insights, alumni opportunities, and much more.
  • Host an International Exchange Student – NSLI-Y alumni often report that their host family experience was one of the most valuable components of their program, and . hosting an international high school exchange student is a great way to build on that experience and bring the world into their American homes, families and communities. The U.S. Department of State brings over 12,500 high school exchange students to the U.S. each academic year.
  • Volunteer to interview NSLI-Y semi-finalists – Alumni over 21 years old may serve as a volunteer interviewer for NSLI-Y semi-finalists. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Connect and volunteer with the organizations below:

  • Global Ties U.S. is a network of over 100 nonprofit organizations across the United States that connect leaders in U.S. communities with leaders from all around the world. This network helps shape U.S. foreign relations by opening avenues for increased understanding and greater cooperation, security and prosperity.
  • World Affairs Councils of America represent and support a national non-partisan network of local councils that are dedicated to educating, inspiring and engaging Americans in international affairs and critical global issues.
  • Sister Cities International serves as the national membership organization for individual sister cities, counties, and states across the United States. This network unites tens of thousands of citizen diplomats and volunteers in programs in 140 countries on six continents. Sister Cities International advances peace and prosperity through cultural, educational, humanitarian, and economic development.

Join the NSLI-Y Alumni Association

NSLI-Y summer and academic year program alumni can network and stay engaged by joining the NSLI-Y Alumni Association. Complete the online form today to register!

Alumni Association Signup