NSLI-Y Interactive Virtual Event — Managing Culture Shock Alumni Panel

On Tuesday, October 15, NSLI-Y Interactive hosted the virtual event “Managing Culture Shock in the NSLI-Y Program.” NSLI-Y Interactive hosted a panel of NSLI-Y alumni to share their NSLI-Y experiences, discuss unique challenges they faced on program, and share advice for current and prospective NSLI-Y students. This panel, which included… Read More
Two students stand with umbrellas looking at the ocean at the base of a cliff

Indonesian

Alumni Spotlight: Sofia Marchesini

Sofia has always loved learning about other cultures and knew very little about Indonesia and Bahasa Indonesia before participating in the NSLI-Y program. The daughter of Indian and Italian immigrants, Sofia has long valued multicultural environments and cultural immersion. She was curious to learn Indonesian to better understand Indonesian culture… Read More
A student looks back at the camera as she walks along a forest path

Arabic

From Court to Connection: How Sports Help Build Cultural Bridges

Reflecting on his summer abroad in Marrakesh as part of the 2023-2024 NSLI-Y Arabic Program, Ronak Majee found the experience transformative, both culturally and personally. His journey began with a long plane ride from Washington D.C. to Casablanca, followed by a bus ride to Marrakech. Upon arrival at the language… Read More
An Arabic NSLI-Y student and his host brother smile for the camera with a basketball

Russian

Друзья: How Friendships Shaped My NSLI-Y Experience

Maybe NSLI-Y was the friendships we made along the way. And I’m not kidding. The relationships that you build during NSLI-Y are priceless and can impact your learning in a way like no other. In the summer of 2023, I participated in NSLI-Y VSI (Hybrid) during my time at… Read More
Four Russian NSLI-Y students smile for the camera in front a lake

2025-2026 NSLI-Y Application Is Now Open!

Applications are now open for the 2025-2026 NSLI-Y summer and academic year programs! The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) is a merit-based scholarship funded by the U.S. Department of State. The NSLI-Y scholarship enables high school students to study a critical language abroad for a summer or an… Read More
six students sit on the edge of a wall overlooking a town set in the mountains

Chinese (Mandarin)

NSLI-Y and Flagship Alumnus Bradley Orr Pursues Masters in Taiwan

Hailing from rural Kentucky, Bradley was not familiar with Asian cultures or languages. However, when a teacher introduced him to the NSLI-Y program, he was immediately drawn to the idea of learning Chinese. Driven by a curiosity to explore something entirely new, Bradley saw studying Chinese as an exciting adventure… Read More
An alum poses with a Talent Taiwan sign