Sample Programs

National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Program

Introduction of the Program

The NSLI-Y program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, provides merit-based scholarships for eligible high school students and recent high school graduates to learn less commonly taught languages in summer and academic-year overseas immersion programs.

Program Dates:
The program is six weeks in duration and typically starts in mid-June to early July and end in early to mid-August;

Language Class Hours:
Minimum of 120 hours during the program;

Accommodations:
Host families or a combination of group housing and host family stays;

Academic program:
The program aims to enhance students’ ability to communicate with confidence in Chinese. The program increases students’ Chinese language proficiency through intensive in-class language instruction, cultural presentations and activities, and host family stays. 

Volunteer service activities:
Volunteer service activities provide students with diverse opportunities to practice their language skills. Students also are expected to practice with community-focused organizations and cultural activities such as cooking, Chinese arts and crafts, and martial arts classes to complement classroom learning;

Pre-and-post program expectations:
All participants will be required to participate in pre-program language learning programs and complete a pre-program survey, pre-program language assessments, and several post-program surveys and language tests.

Sample Schedule 
For detailed program schedule, please click