Program Length:

Summer Abroad: 6–7 weeks

Academic Year Abroad: 8–10 months

Sponsor: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. NSLI-Y is administered by American Councils for International Education, in cooperation with iEARN, American Cultural Exchange Service (ACES), and Amideast.

Location: Summer and Academic Year programs take place abroad in host communities. Current language offerings are Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, and Russian. Virtual NSLI-Y is conducted online. Specific overseas locations vary by language and program and are subject to change.

Admissions Requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be 15–18 years old at the start of the program
• Be enrolled in grades 9–12 or a homeschool equivalent
• Have a 2.5+ GPA on a 4.0 scale or equivalent
• Meet the program’s language-proficiency requirements
• Agree to the Participant Terms & Conditions

Application Deadline: Virtual NSLI-Y uses a separate application cycle, generally opening in May with a June deadline.

Highlight: What if learning a new language could take you around the world for free? The National Security Language Initiative for Youth, or NSLI-Y, is a merit based scholarship funded by the U.S. Department of State that gives eligible U.S. high school students aged 15 to 18, including homeschool students, the opportunity to learn critical languages through immersive study abroad or virtual programs. Students can study languages such as Arabic, Chinese Mandarin, Korean, and Russian while experiencing new cultures, connecting with local communities, and sometimes living with host families. Summer programs last 6 to 7 weeks, Academic Year programs last 8 to 10 months, and Virtual NSLI-Y provides a 10 week online learning experience. Depending on the program, students can travel abroad to learn in host communities or participate online from home. Students apply through the NSLI-Y application process, and previous language experience is not required for many programs. Best of all, the scholarship covers the cost, giving students an incredible opportunity to learn a new language, experience another culture, and explore the world without the financial barrier. Who knew learning how to say hello could potentially take you across the world, level up your Duolingo streak!

Cost: None