2025 NSLI-Y Alumni Representative Workshop Reflections​

Ava is an alumna of the 2024 Arabic Summer program in Amman, Jordan. She currently serves as a NSLI-Y Alumni Representative for Virtual Engagement and is from Kansas City. My experience studying Arabic in Amman, Jordan during the Summer of 2024 was incredibly enriching, both culturally and linguistically, inspiring me… Read More

Arabic

My Visit to My Host Family

After eight years, I knocked on my NSLI-Y host family’s apartment door in Amman. I have studied in Amman three times. The first time was during NSLI-Y in 2016. The second time was during study abroad in college. As for the third time, it was nearly eight years after NSLI-Y,… Read More
A view of Amman, Jordan

Russian

Alumni Spotlight: Eloise Herdegen

When I applied to NSLI-Y Russian in the fall of my senior year, I didn’t know how much my experience would change the next year and a half of my life. My summer in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan was an amazing experience, and the lessons I learned and the connections I made… Read More
A view of the mountains and a river in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

NSLI-Y Interactive Virtual Event — NSLI-Y and The Arts Alumni Panel

On Wednesday, November 20, NSLI-Y Interactive hosted the virtual event “NSLI-Y and The Arts.” NSLI-Y Interactive hosted a panel of NSLI-Y Chinese, Korean, and Arabic alumni who shared their experiences practicing and engaging with art abroad. From viola lessons in Taiwan to folk art in South Korea, attendees learned how… Read More
A studio full of paintings

Russian

15 Years Later: How My NSLI-Y Journey Continues to Shape My Life

Fifteen years ago, I took a leap with NSLI-Y, landing in Russia with no idea how to speak the language or understand the culture. From day one, I had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, relying on curiosity and a lot of trial and error. Through those daily efforts, I… Read More
A NSLI-Y alumna poses in front of a fountain and large building in Russia

Korean

International Education Week Alumni Spotlight: Breauna Oldham

Breauna was initially interested in Japanese as a high school student, but felt her interest blossom once she learned about Korean language and culture. She went from listening to Korean music and watching Korean dramas to self-studying Korean in the library after class. Her NSLI-Y experience confirmed her interest in… Read More
A NSLI-Y student poses in full traditional dress outside of a house in Korea