Watch the Fall ’23 – ’Winter 24 webinar to learn more about Virtual NSLI-Y and how to apply.
Review our answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Virtual NSLI-Y.
Share our Winter 2024 program flyer with interested students!
Explore stories about Virtual NSLI-Y participant experiences on NSLI-Y Interactive.
The Virtual NSLI-Y Winter 2024 application is now open!
Click here for information about how to apply.
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Available Languages for Beginner-Level Virtual Language Learning:
Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Korean, Russian, Turkish
Language Level Goal:
Novice Low. This program is designed for true beginners, so don’t worry if you have no prior language-learning experience! All you need is a strong commitment to language-learning and an interest in other cultures.
Cost:
Please refer to the FAQ for details on what the scholarship covers.
Duration:
10 weeks
Dates:
Virtual NSLI-Y will be offered in Fall 2023 (Sept – Nov) and in Winter 2024 (Jan – March). See the Application + Timeline web page for details.
Eligibility:
Please check the eligibility requirements on the Eligibility + Participation Requirements tab.
Schedule Options:
- Mondays and Wednesdays: 6:30 – 8:00 PM Eastern Time
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7:00 – 8:30 PM Eastern Time
- Wednesdays: 6:30 – 8:00 PM Eastern Time and Saturdays: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Eastern Time
- Thursdays and Sundays: 7:30 – 9:00 PM Eastern Time
Program Components:
Virtual NSLI-Y operates in the spirit of the long-standing NSLI-Y goals. Virtual NSLI-Y programs may include the following elements:
- Interactive target language instruction from an experienced language teacher via live videoconference classes
- Instruction and class participation on a collaborative online learning platform
- Listening/speaking practice and video recitations
- Worksheets for reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar
- Homework, quizzes, and language assessments
- Skits, roleplays, video entries, and final projects
- Cultural and language learning opportunities, including featured guests such as:
- NSLI-Y alumni
- U.S. government representatives or private sector employees who use language and cultural skills
- Peers, professionals, or guest speakers in 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
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. Additional optional meetings for student community-building and cultural opportunities will be offered outside of regular class times.
Sessions will be 90 minutes each, twice per week. Attendance requirements will apply.
Virtual NSLI-Y applicants will indicate their preferences for class times in the application by ranking all schedule options. Preferences are not guaranteed as class placement will depend on teacher availability and other factors. Selected participants will receive class placement information in the finalist notification.
Virtual NSLI-Y sessions will not take place on U.S. federal holidays. Required schedule adjustments will be communicated to students in advance.
Questions? Please contact virtualnsliy@americancouncils.org