Arabic

Alumni Spotlight: Asma

Since completing NSLI-Y, Asma has continued her study of Arabic while pursuing a career in public service. Asma completed her bachelor’s degree in Arabic and Political Science at Swarthmore College. During college, Asma received a Critical Language Scholarship and a Boren Scholarship to continue language study in Oman and Jordan. Read More
Asma leaning up against a rock.

Chinese (Mandarin)

Reflecting on NSLI-Y’s Lasting Impact

When I left Taiwan at the end of my NSLI-Y exchange year in 2015, I knew I had learned a lot and that my experience would continue to benefit me in years to come. However, I did not realize the true depth of NSLI-Y’s impact on me as a person… Read More
Freya wearing a hat.

Arabic

Alumni Spotlight: Audrey Reflects on Continued Engagement with the MENA Region

Audrey became interested in Arabic and the MENA region when taking classes about Middle Eastern politics in high school. After studying Spanish and Latin, Audrey knew she enjoyed language learning and was excited about the prospect of trying a new language. Once in Morocco with NSLI-Y, she took a strong… Read More
Audrey as a camp counselor.

Russian

Abby Serves as Interpreter for VSI Ballet Cohort​

Abby Zhang served as the interpreter for the 2023 VSI Bolshoi Ballet Academy Russian Program. Having completed the NSLI-Y program twice, Abby brought a unique combination of participant experience, strong Russian language skills, and a passion for dance to the position. Abby notes that “serving as the channel through which… Read More
Abby dancing ballet.

Chinese (Mandarin)

Alumnus John Rindone Reflects on NSLI-Y Experience and Schwarzman Scholarship

A native Brooklynite, John grew up in a multicultural environment that exposed him to Chinese culture from a young age, but his language-learning journey truly began at New York City’s Regis High School, under the mentorship of excellent teachers that made it possible for him to think about continuing Chinese… Read More
John sitting in front of the Great Wall of China

Korean

Alumni Spotlight: Greta Received 2023 Rangel Summer Enrichment Scholarship

South Korea stood out to Greta due to its vibrant culture, cuisine, and media. From studying with a private teacher to attending a children’s Korean school in a local church, she avidly sought out opportunities to improve her language skills and engage with a language she describes as “beautiful to… Read More
A student wears traditional Korean dress