Class beyond the classroom

National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)

US high school students spend a summer or academic year immersed in a critical world language and culture.

The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) provides merit-based scholarships for eligible high school students (ages 15-18) to learn less commonly taught languages in overseas immersion programs. NSLI-Y is a program of the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Participants experience the dynamic culture and society of their host country, offering them both formal and informal language practice, and sparking a lifetime of interest in foreign languages and cultures. Previous language study is not required, and language learners of all levels are encouraged to apply.

Scholarships are available for students to study the following languages: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian (Tajik), Russian, and Turkish.


Funded by

US Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Program Funding

Fully funded

Eligibility

US high school students