NSLI-Y summer programs are expected to be offered in all eight NSLI-Y languages. Academic year programs are expected to be offered in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Korean, and Russian.
Click on the links below to learn more about programs for each language and duration:

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-range Eligibility Requirement

Use the colors and dates on the chart below to identify which programs you are eligible for based on your age. For the 2020-21 programs, your birth date must fall between the dates indicated by the color in the chart above for each language and duration:

Birthdate: July 10, 2001 – June 10, 2005

Birthdate: August 30, 2001 – June 30, 2005

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

Additional Program Information

Pre- and Post-Program Expectations

All participants will be required to participate in pre-program language learning programs, as guided by their implementing organization. This will require time, mid-April through mid-June, before the program starts in mid-June and is critical to having an effective learning environment for all participants at the program location. All participants will be required to complete a pre-program survey, pre-program language assessments (if requested), and several post-program surveys and language tests.

Please note that programs, host locations, and schedules are subject to change.

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 revealed at the time of finalist notifications (March-April). All students will be enrolled in language classes and will receive at least 120 hours of classroom language instruction during the program. Students typically receive about four hours of intensive language instruction five days per week. Afternoons are generally composed of cultural activities designed to enhance language skills, community service, and peer language partner activities. On weekends and evenings, students can expect to spend time with host families and completing homework.

Academic year programs offer a unique eight- to ten-month language immersion experience. Students receive at least ten hours of intensive language instruction per week. Students also participate in classes and activities at local educational institutions in the host location. There will be opportunities for cultural and volunteer activities throughout the school year.

Pre- and Post Program Expectations

All participants will be required to participate in pre-program language learning programs, as guided by their implementing organization. This will require time, mid-April through mid-June, before the program starts in mid-June and is critical to having an effective learning environment for all participants at the program location. All participants will be required to complete a pre-program survey, pre-program language assessments (if requested), and several post-program surveys and language tests.