NSLI-Y summer programs will be offered in all eight NSLI-Y languages. Academic year programs will be offered in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Korean, Russian, and Turkish.

Previous language study is not required. Students at all levels of language ability are invited to apply.

Click on the links below to learn more about programs for each language and duration:

Arabic Chinese (mandarin) Hindi Indonesian Korean Persian (Tajiki) Russian Turkish
Summer Learn More Learn More Learn More Learn More Learn More Learn More Learn More Learn More
Academic Year Learn More Learn More Learn More N/A Learn More N/A Learn More N/A

 

Age Eligibility Requirement

Use the dates below to identify which programs you are eligible for based on your age. For the 2023-2024 programs, your birth date must fall between the dates indicated by the chart for each language and duration:

Summer Program – Birthdate: July 10, 2004 – June 10, 2008
Academic Year Program – Birthdate: August 30, 2004 – June 30, 2008

Note: Applicants may indicate up to two language and program duration preferences on the NSLI-Y application. If selected, finalists are assigned to a language program and program site. Finalists will be informed of the assigned language and location at the time of scholarship notification. Applicants may not request a specific city or country, nor transfer to another city or country if selected.

Additional Program Information

Program Schedule

Summer programs last six to seven weeks and typically start in mid-June to early July and end in early to mid-August. Program dates will be specified at the time of finalist notifications (March-April). All students will be enrolled in language classes and receive at least 120 hours of classroom language instruction. If health and safety conditions allow, students typically receive about four hours of intensive language instruction five days per week. Afternoons are generally composed of cultural and peer language partner activities designed to enhance language skills. Students will be matched with local host families and will live with the host families through the duration of the program or combined with a supervised dormitory stay.

Academic year programs last eight- to ten-months and typically begin in late August or September. Approximate program dates will be specified at the time of finalist notifications (March-April). All students receive at least ten hours of intensive language instruction per week. If health and safety conditions allow, students also participate in classes and activities at local educational institutions in the host location. There will be opportunities for cultural, extracurricular, and volunteer activities throughout the school year. Students will be matched with local host families and will live with the host families through the duration of the program or combined with a supervised dormitory stay. The length of the academic year program allows for an in-depth immersion experience

Information on a typical day on a NSLI-Y program can be found here.

Pre- and Post Program Expectations

All participants are required to participate in pre-program language learning programs, guided by their implementing organization. Pre-program language study starts in mid-April and ends at the start of the programs. All participants must complete a pre-program survey, pre-program language assessments (except for those with no prior target language exposure), post-program surveys, and language tests.

Program Status During the Covid-19 Pandemic

In 2022-23, most NSLI-Y programs took place overseas as planned.  NSLI-Y has rigorous COVID-19 mitigation procedures to safeguard health and safety on program to the greatest extent possible.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to some extent, the feasibility of in-person programs will be evaluated in advance of the program start date on a case-by-case host location basis. If conditions do not allow for an in-person program, a virtual program may be offered.