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

Korean

Tips for Returning Home

Going to South Korea over the summer through NSLI-Y was – I thought – a solution to all my problems I was facing in my senior year of high school. Fights with friends, the pressure of university looming, and a need to escape from my hometown were all reasons why… Read More
NSLI-Y Korean participants stand next to an elevation marker on top of a mountain in Korea with a town and mountains in the background far below

A Typical NSLI-Y Breakfast

From Carson Krueger, a 2024 Arabic Summer alum who studied in Jordan: This is a very traditional Jordanian/ Middle Eastern breakfast spread that includes falafel, bread, hummus, and tea! From Kaitlynn Ng, a 2023-2024 Chinese Academic Year alum who studied in Taiwan: A typical breakfast for me includes toast with… Read More
An image of traditional breakfast (tea, a flat bread, and porridge)

Persian (Tajiki)

Alumni Spotlight: Davin Khan

The idea of being placed in a different environment with new surroundings was what piqued Davin’s interest in the NSLI-Y Tajikistan program. Stemming from his curiosity for Iranian and Persian culture, Davin’s goal was to immerse himself in a way of life completely different from his own. While reviewing the… Read More
A Persian NSLI-Y alum sits on a rock wall overlooking a valley

Chinese (Mandarin)

Reflections on a Year in Taiwan

Hello everyone! My name is Sasha, and I studied Mandarin Chinese in Kaohsiung, Taiwan this year. My NSLI-Y experience was nothing short of incredible. For me, NSLI-Y was a year of transformation, but it was even more so one of community and connection. Many of my favorite NSLI-Y memories revolve… Read More
Students pose in front of a misty overlook on a hike in Taiwan

Hindi

Alumnus Jay Philbrick Awarded Truman Scholarship​

Growing up in rural Maine, Jay strove to take advantage of every opportunity to learn more about government and politics, including participating in the U.S. Senate Youth Program and serving as a Senate Page. His interest in NSLI-Y stemmed from his desire to learn more about governance internationally as well… Read More
A NSLI-Y alum poses for the camera