Russian

A Passport to Possibility

What comes next? That seems to always be the question before a big step. You prepare to take a leap of faith but what comes after that remains a nagging question. When choosing to participate in the 2021 NSLI-Y Virtual Summer Intensive (VSI), the path of opportunity ahead of me… Read More
Riga Skyline from the Radisson Blu Hotel

Korean

My NSLI-Y Journey to Seoul, South Korea in a Nutshell!

My NSLI-Y experience was an unforgettable dream from start to finish. I cannot begin to explain how rewarding and inspirational this trip was for me. In less than two months I went from, “I am not good at Korean, and should practice more,” to having full-on conversations in Korean with… Read More
Arianna looking out over the city

Chinese (Mandarin)

Opening Doors to Other Possibilities

Participating in NSLI-Y in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, was undoubtedly a transformative experience that opened doors to opportunities I had never imagined. As I reflect on my time in Taiwan, I am filled with gratitude for the profound impact it had on my life and the subsequent path it paved for me… Read More
Erika visiting Taipei for the first time with her host family.

Arabic

Exploring the Impact of the Virtual NSLI-Y Experience

“I’ve always enjoyed opportunities to meet and interact with people from all backgrounds, especially if we’re united by a passion for language.” Eshaan shares a powerful motivation for joining Virtual NSLI-Y. In April 2022, Eshaan volunteered at a refugee enclave in Houston, TX where he taught nutrition and fitness… Read More
Eshaan headshot photo

Russian

Выходные на даче — Weekends at Dacha

When I first moved in with my Estonian host family in Narva, my Russian was not where I expected it to be. I froze up and forgot the whole language when I was spoken to, despite starting the program at an intermediate low level. This is why, when my host… Read More
Samantha stands on a road in the forest.

Russian

A Summer in Russia

Forty-five kilometers south of St. Petersburg, the city is best known for The Great Gatchina Palace. Built-in 1766 under the guidance of Catherine the Great, it was a favorite summer home of the Romanovs. My host family and I often walked the expansive grounds, marveling at the captivating architecture, ornate… Read More
The Great Gatchina palace from the front.