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

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

Arabic Chinese (Mandarin) Indonesian Korean Persian (Tajiki) Russian Turkish
Summer Learn More Learn More Learn More Learn More Learn More Learn More Learn More
Academic Year 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 2025-2026 programs, your birth date must fall between the dates indicated by the chart for each language and duration:

Summer Program – Birthdate: July 10, 2006-June 10, 2010
Academic Year Program – Birthdate: August 30, 2006-June 30, 2010

Applicants may indicate up to two language and program duration preferences on the NSLI-Y application but may not request a specific city or country. If selected, finalists are assigned to a language program and a program site, which will be indicated in the scholarship notification. Finalists may not 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 total of classroom language instruction (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. 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 host families through the duration of the program or combined with a supervised dormitory stay. Academic year programs participants may be required to participate in a re-entry orientation in Washington D.C. as a concluding activity.

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 activities, guided by their implementing organization, which start mid-April and end at the start of the programs. All participants must complete pre-departure orientation activities, pre-program survey, pre-program language assessments (except for those with no prior target language exposure), post-program surveys, and language tests.