Language Study with NSLI-Y

Language learning is the focus of NSLI-Y and participants advance their proficiency through rigorous language instruction and coursework.

NSLI-Y participants abroad are required to take part in pre-program language learning activities and tests as guided by their implementing organization. Participants with prior target language exposure must complete pre-program language assessments.

My NSLI-Y experience set the groundwork for everything I’ve done since. NSLI-Y gave me the confidence to travel far from home, immerse myself in a foreign culture, and persevere in learning difficult languages. Without NSLI-Y, I would not be where I am today.

John, NSLI-Y Russian Alumnus

Summer Abroad

Summer programs abroad last 6 to 7 weeks. They typically start in mid-June to early July and end in early to mid-August. Participants are enrolled in language classes and receive at least 120 hours of classroom language instruction during the course of the program (about four hours a day, five days per week).

Afternoons generally include cultural and peer language partner activities designed to enhance language learning.

Academic Year Abroad

Academic year programs abroad last 8 to 10 months and typically start in late August or September. Participants receive a minimum of 10 hours of intensive language instruction per week. These programs also provide cultural, extracurricular, and volunteer activities throughout the school year to improve language skills. 

Virtual NSLI-Y

Virtual NSLI-Y participants join a virtual classroom with approximately 10 students and meet twice a week for 90-minute sessions. They receive interactive instruction from an experienced language teacher via Zoom and Canvas. Participants practice their target language through conversation, projects, quizzes, and other language assessments, and should expect up to 3 hours of homework each week outside of language classes. 

Teacher at white board with three students participating in discussion at ellow table.

FAQ

NSLI-Y and Virtual NSLI-Y teachers have experience teaching the target language to second language learners. They are also very familiar with, or native to, the region where the language is spoken.  

All NSLI-Y programs include instruction in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Classes are interactive and participants must be ready to actively participate. 

NSLI-Y programs abroad provide extensive formal and informal language practice in an immersive setting. After the program, language proficiency is evaluated through a nationally recognized language assessment. For information on average gains in language proficiency, please see the Impact page.

Virtual NSLI-Y is for beginners only and participants don’t take a formal post-program language assessment. Teacher evaluations show that most students reach novice-low or novice-mid proficiency on the NCSSFL-ACTFL proficiency scale by the end of their program.

NSLI-Y programs abroad support students at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. For summer and academic year programs abroad, participants are placed in classes at a language level based on responses in the application form and pre-program language assessments.

NSLI-Y does not offer an individualized curriculum.

Virtual NSLI-Y is for complete beginners in the target language.

Yes. Students who are interested in studying the language of their birth country or cultural heritage can apply for NSLI-Y programs abroad, or for Virtual NSLI-Y if the student is a complete beginner. Applicants should reflect on how study of the target language is linked to their future academic or professional goals, rather than their family ties to the culture.

Heritage language learners should not expect to:

  • Receive individualized instruction; or
  • Seek out relatives or their place of birth.

Summer abroad participants complete approximately 120 hours of formal language study.  Academic year abroad participants complete a minimum of 10 hours of formal language study per week. Virtual NSLI-Y participants complete approximately 30 hours of formal language study.

NSLI-Y provides study abroad participants with an official certificate indicating their language level as assessed by the Oral Proficiency Interview. Some schools and universities may accept such certifications for academic credit. 

Note: Credit requirements vary from school to school. Applicants should discuss academic credit details with their school administration.

For NSLI-Y programs abroad, classes include no more than 12 students (usually 5-9 students). Virtual NSLI-Y classes include no more than 10 students.

Yes. All NSLI-Y programs require homework and study outside of class. The amount of homework may vary by week and is at the discretion of teachers.

[Virtual NSLI-Y] was challenging, and yet incredibly engaging and fulfilling. Every single class, day after day, I left wanting to learn more.

Aidan, Virtual NSLI-Y Korean Alumnus

Learn More

Language learning is at the core of all NSLI-Y programs. Learn about the program’s rigorous approach to language study and what a typical day on NSLI-Y is like. 

Impact Typical Day