National Security Language Initiative for Youth
The NSLI-Y program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)

Who am I?
Applied in 2011 – selected as a finalist for the 2012 China Summer Program.
Applied in 2012 – selected as a finalist for the upcoming 2013-2014 China Academic Year program.
After NSLI-Y, heading to George Washington University to study International Affairs with a concentration in East Asian Affairs and Chinese.

My NSLI-Y Experience

Language, Program duration and year, Program organization
Most memorable experience:
Benefit of my study abroad experience:
Favorite target language word that I learned on my NSLI-Y program:

NSLI-Y Program Overview

Designed to increase ability of Americans to communicate with foreign cultures and foster interest in foreign language

Sponsored by the Department of State and administered by American Councils for International Education and other exchange organizations

Scholarships for study in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Korean, Persian (Tajik), Russian, and Turkish

Academic year (8 to 11 months) or summer programs (6-8 weeks)

Components of NSLI-Y Scholarship
What does the NSLI-Y Scholarship cover?
Domestic Flight to Gateway PDO
International Flight (and baggage)
Host Family Accommodations
3 Meals each Day
In-Country Cultural Excursions
Host Country Visa
Comprehensive Medical Insurance
Program Stipend (typically $150)
In-country Cell Phone
Tuition and Academic Materials

What will I need to pay for?
Extra Spending Money (How much do I need?)
Passport

Eligibility
U.S. citizen
15-18 years old at the start of the program

2.5 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent)
Enrolled in high school at time
of application
Not an immediate family member of an
employee of ECA Youth Programs Division
or an administering organization
Not a previous participant in an ECA,
Department of State sponsored program
outside the U.S., with the exception of a
NSLI-Y Summer program.
Previous language study is not a requirement
See website for more information

Key Components of NSLI-Y
Language Study
International Friendships
Cultural Discovery

Language Study
Daily (weekday) formal language classes
Summer programs will complete 120 hours of language study over 6-8 weeks; Academic Year programs will have at least 10 hours of language instruction per week

Discovering Foreign Cultures
Unique opportunity to be immersed in the cultural landscape of the target language
Exploration of a variety of cultural aspects, from eating traditional meals to observing traditional religious functions


Visits to historical, national landmarks and cultural sites
New understanding of the country through the language and from the perspective of its citizens

International Friendships
Most students will live with a host family, though some programs use a dorm stay or combination thereof

Host families provide the opportunity to enhance language learning and experience “real” daily life

Living with a family helps form cross-cultural friendships and ties to the country after the program ends

Community service is a feature of most NSLI-Y programs

Being a NSLI-Y alum
Become more competitive for other language scholarships and university admissions

Develop relationships with fellow participants and host country friends

Enjoy numerous alumni benefits, including invitations to networking events

Components of NSLI-Y Application
Personal Information
Contact information for you and your family
Passport information
Language Experience
International Experience

Written Portion
Letter to your prospective host family and language
instructors
Two Essays

Additional Documents
Parent Statement
Teacher Recommendation
Copy of Official Transcript
Photos
Placement Information
Participant Agreement -Terms and Conditions

NSLI-Y Application Deadline
November 1, 2013 7:59 PM EST

Supplemental documentation is due December 4, 2013.

NSLI-Y Application Timeline
Semi-finalists notified: December 2013
Interviews: December 2013 - February 2014
Final notification: April 2014
Departure dates: vary by program
In general:
Summer: mid- or late- June
Academic Year: late-August/ early-September
see website for more details

Resources
Main NSLI-Y website: www.nsliforyouth.org

ExchangesConnect: http://connect.state.gov

State Department Resources:
http://exchanges.state.gov

Information and announcements can also be found on NSLI-Y’s Facebook and Twitter pages

Any questions?
For further inquiries: nsliy@americancouncils.org