Virtual NSLI-Y

Virtual National Security Language Initiative for Youth (Virtual NSLI-Y), a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), introduces U.S. high school students to languages critical to U.S. national security in an interactive online format. Virtual NSLI-Y is a 10-week, beginner-level foreign language and culture experience in line with the ACTFL World Readiness Standards. In addition to language learning, Virtual NSLI-Y introduces participants to the people and culture of places where the target language is spoken and fosters intercultural understanding, with program components designed in line with Asia Society’s Four Domains of Global Competence.

Virtual NSLI-Y participants are placed into a virtual classroom of approximately 10 students and meet two times per week for 90-minute sessions with an experienced language teacher.

I realized how much I enjoy learning about cultures different from my own, my love for language and how it connects us, and the logic behind learning a new alphabet.

-Ben, Virtual NSLI-Y Hindi alum

Virtual NSLI-Y has greatly influenced my drive towards both my academic and future career goals. It has helped me not only expand my academic prowess but also heightened my confidence in what I can achieve in the future.

-Freya, Virtual NSLI-Y Turkish alum

Before partaking in NSLIY, I was unsure if I wanted to formally study language at University. Now, I am confident that I want to major in Russian Language and Literature!

-Megan, Virtual NSLI-Y Russian alum

The Virtual NSLI-Y program has provided me with a unique opportunity to connect with people from different parts of the world and learn from their experiences. Through our virtual classrooms and group discussions, I was able to engage in meaningful conversations about global issues, exchange ideas, and build relationships with fellow language learners and Arabic-speaking instructors.

-Uma, Virtual NSLI-Y Arabic alum

Virtual NSLI-Y was great and guided me on my Korean language learning journey. I was able to be immersed in an environment where other people my age had the same interest and motivation of learning the language. It pushed me to work harder toward my goals and become a better student! I met amazing people and was able to utilize what I learned!

-Ana, Virtual NSLI-Y Korean alum

The Virtual NSLI-Y Winter 2025 application is now closed.

Watch the Fall ’24 –Winter ‘25 webinar to learn more about Virtual NSLI-Y and how to apply.

Review answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Virtual NSLI-Y.

Download and share our Winter ’25 program flyer.

Explore stories about Virtual NSLI-Y participant experiences on NSLI-Y Interactive.

Languages available for Beginner-Level Virtual Language Learning: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, Russian, Turkish

Language Level Goal: Novice Low.

This program is designed for true beginners, so no prior language-learning experience is necessary.

Cost: Please refer to the FAQ for details on what the scholarship covers.

Duration: 10 weeks

Dates: Fall 2024 (Sept – Nov) or Winter 2025 (Jan – March). See the Application + Timeline web page for details.

Eligibility: Please check the eligibility requirements on the Eligibility + Participation Requirements tab.

Schedule Options:

1. Mondays and Wednesdays: 6:30 – 8:00 PM Eastern Time

2. Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7:00 – 8:30 PM Eastern Time

3. Wednesdays: 6:30 – 8:00 PM Eastern Time and Saturdays: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Eastern Time

4. Thursdays and Sundays: 7:30 – 9:00 PM Eastern Time

Program Components:

• Interactive instruction from an experienced language teacher via Zoom and Canvas

• Conversation practice

• Homework, quizzes, and language assessments

• Skits, roleplays, video entries, and projects

• Cultural and language learning opportunities, featuring guests such as:

৹ Experts on traditional arts and cuisine

৹ NSLI-Y study abroad alumni

৹ Government or private sector employees who use language and cultural skills in their careers

৹ Peers or professionals from countries where the target language is spoken

• Virtual tours of sites of historic or cultural significance like museums or markets

• Videos related to cultural learning or grammatical concepts in the target language

• Optional community-building activities like game nights, icebreakers, and supplementary information sessions

Time Commitment:

• At least 30 hours of formal, live instruction

• 3 hours of pre-program preparation before the first session (student orientation, pre-program assignments/surveys, and a test session)

• Up to 3 hours of assignments or homework per week outside of language classes

• Optional meetings for student community-building and cultural opportunities may be offered outside of regular class times

Sessions are 90 minutes each, twice per week and attendance is required.

Questions? Please contact [email protected]