The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program was launched in 2006 to promote critical language learning among American youth. The U.S. Department of State, in cooperation with American Councils for International Education, awards and administers merit-based scholarships to high school students for participation in summer and academic year immersion programs in locations where the seven NSLI-Y languages are spoken. NSLI-Y immerses participants in the cultural life of the host country, giving them formal and informal language practice and sparking a lifetime interest in foreign languages and cultures.

http://www.nsliforyouth.org/nsli-y/about/

LANGUAGES AND PROGRAMS

NSLI-Y summer programs are expected to be offered in all seven NSLI-Y languages.  Academic year programs are expected to be offered in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Korean, Russian, and Turkish.

Scholarship Coverage

Students selected for a NSLI-Y scholarship receive round-trip travel between their home city to the pre-departure orientation and the overseas host program location; pre-departure, arrival, and end-of-stay orientations; tuition and related academic program costs including preparation, support, and testing; educational and cultural programming, including program travel; in-country support; room and board; visas for entrance and exit of the host country; and secondary medical benefits.

The scholarship does not cover costs associated with obtaining a valid U.S. passport, required medical examinations and immunizations for the NSLI-Y medical review or visa requirements, pocket money for personal items, or excess baggage fees.