On October 6, 2021, NSLI-Y Interactive hosted the virtual event Overcoming Language Obstacles on the NSLI-Y Persian and Indonesian Programs.
At this free NSLI-Y Interactive virtual event, alumni from the NSLI-Y Persian and Indonesian summer programs presented on how they overcame language obstacles while abroad. Panelists shared their personal experience on the NSLI-Y program, discussed how the NSLI-Y program enabled them to improve their language skills, and gave ideas for how to take advantage of the language classes and immersion offered by the NSLI-Y program. The panelists’ presentations were followed by a Q&A session.
Meet the speakers:
Richard is an alumnus of the 2019 NSLI-Y Indonesian Summer program. He is currently a third-year undergraduate student pursuing bachelor’s degrees in geography and integrative biology. In his free time, he enjoys reading, backpacking, and nature observation. In the future, he hopes to work in conservation biology and geospatial analysis.
Aurelia is an alumna of the 2018 NSLI-Y Indonesian Summer program. She is currently a first-year student at university and is planning on majoring in economics and international relations. Since participating in NSLI-Y, she has studied abroad in Indonesia again through the YES Abroad Scholarship. In her free time, she likes to hike, read, and learn languages. She also helps support other students who wish to study abroad as a virtual NSLI-Y Alumni Rep.
Rayyan is an alumnus of the 2018 NSLI-Y Tajik Persian Summer program. He is currently a third-year undergraduate student and is pursuing degrees in Computer Science and Linguistics. Since participating in NSLI-Y, he has worked with organizations such as NGO Sadoqat and the American Spaces in Tajikistan, and has been awarded a Boren Scholarship for studying in Tajikistan. In his free time, he enjoys playing the carillon, weightlifting, and discovering new music. After graduation, he plans on continuing his education in Computational Linguistics.