Arabic

A Head Start to a Life of Diplomacy

“Virtual NSLI-Y introduced me to new people both from across America and the world and helped me practice the social skills required to forge those connections.” – Blaise Kern As a diplomat, one must exhibit strong interpersonal skills, a passion for international relations, and a love… Read More
An image of a NSLI-Y student

NSLI-Y Storytelling Workshop: Alumni Reflections

During this long weekend in Washington D.C., the alumni attended a training hosted by The Moth to learn how to craft their stories and then had the opportunity to record their own unique stories about their NSLI-Y experiences. Throughout the training, alumni learned the importance of telling stories authentically in… Read More
A group of students pose in front of the gate at the White House

Turkish

Life & Leadership: Reflections on Atatürk & Turkish History

Fiona Finch, from Conover, North Carolina, is an alumna of the 2021-22 Turkish Academic Year program. After spending what felt like hours in the school’s printing room, my friends and I raced around the school to hang up our posters. Everyone was already in class and the empty halls sent… Read More

Russian

Nostalgia Beyond Borders

“If I start feeling homesick, I’ll find a violet in the snow…” Home. That was what it felt like. It felt warm, welcoming, and reassuring. The song felt like home. Languages have diverged long ago. Where we once had a single, unifying language, we now have hundreds of different language… Read More
Image of wrapped Russian candies

Korean

A Harmonious Bond

Gabriela, from Boca Raton, Florida, is an alumna of the 2021 NSLI-Y Korean summer program. In music, harmony is created when at least two musical chords combine and create one cohesive sound. Reflecting on my NSLI-Y experience in South Korea, I found harmony with my host family. One night, my… Read More
A black and white image of a student sitting for a portrait with her host family

Korean

Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy as an Absolute Beginner

Standing in front of the Korean consulate before picking up my long term student visa to return to Korea. It may be cliche, but participating in NSLI-Y changed my direction in life and allowed me to pursue opportunities I didn’t think possible. 안녕하세요! 제 이름은 Dominic Phillips이고 2019년 여름에 NSLI-Y… Read More
Dominic with his host family in Korea