U.S. Department of State
Experience immersive Russian language and culture through language instruction, engaging cultural activities, and meaningful practice opportunities.
Russian
Available Russian Programs
NSLI-Y offers summer, academic year, and virtual programs for the Russian language.
Summer Abroad
6- to 7-week summer program that advances language proficiency through intensive classes, host family stays, cultural activities, and immersion in a host community.
FAQ
No, prior language study is not required and students with all levels of language learning experience may apply. Students must be passionate about language learning.
NSLI-Y summer abroad Russian programs may take place in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, or Latvia. The NSLI-Y academic year abroad Russian program takes place in Kyrgyzstan.
Please note that NSLI-Y applicants can indicate up to two language preferences, not country preferences. Those selected for the program will learn of their placement and program location in their finalist notification.
No. Program locations and student placements are determined by NSLI-Y.
The primary focus of NSLI-Y is language learning and language classes, though students may also have an opportunity to attend academic classes in other subjects in the target language. U.S.-specific subjects such as English and World History are unlikely to be offered at an equivalent level or at all. The participant’s U.S. high school makes the final decision on whether to grant academic credit. Students may want to arrange to take certain required courses prior to or after participation in the NSLI-Y program.
As a rigorous immersion program, NSLI-Y requires the full attention and effort of participants, and they should not plan on completing academic study or internships for their U.S. schools while on-program.
Finalists will receive a variety of pre-program information, which may include language study materials. Finalists must participate in various required pre-program preparation activities, as determined by the implementing organization.
Go to the Dates and Deadlines page for more information about program timelines.
Jennifer, NSLI-Y Russian Alumna
Growing up in a rural Texas town where such languages were not offered in school and where exposure to foreign cultures or studies abroad was not possible nor encouraged, the NSLI-Y program transformed my career path and exposed me to a world of opportunity.