NSLI-Y Interactive showcases language learning and cross-cultural experiences of students on the U.S. Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program. The multimedia stories on this site share the experiences of students on the NSLI-Y program with youth, educators, and language learners in the U.S. for further cultural exchange and language learning. In honor of our 15th Anniversary, we are calling on our alumni to participate in a storytelling competition! Share your story about how the NSLI-Y program impacted you and you could win NSLI-Y merchandise or participate in a storytelling workshop!

About NSLI-Y Interactive Submit a NSLI-Y Story About NSLI-Y Program

NSLI-Y Alumni Spotlight: Christa

Christa (she/her) is from Virginia Beach, VA and an alumna of the 2016 Hindi Summer program in Pune, India. She has her B.A. in Global Affairs with a concentration in Middle East Studies.

The NSLI-Y Host Family Connection Collaboration

Halden is from Pinehurst, NC and participated in the China Summer 2018 and Taiwan AY 2020-2021 programs.

NSLI-Y Russian Summer With A Twist

Abby Herring is from Athens, Georgia and is an alumna of the Russian Summer 2020 and 2021 VSI programs.

summer, somewhere

In this poem, Ashley gives a lyrical glimpse into her summer in South Korea.

Crows in Fur Coats

In this story, 2019 Russian summer alum Jordan brings her Moscow commute to life through vivid descriptions and tales of crows in fur coats.

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

The U.S. Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) provides critical language study overseas for U.S. high school students through full, merit-based scholarships to participate in intensive immersion summer and academic year programs. NSLI-Y equips participants with the linguistic skills and cultural knowledge to be leaders in a globalized world.

Recent Stories

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Russian

Nostalgia Beyond Borders

Roger, an alumnus of the 2021 Russian Summer VSI, writes about the cross-cultural beauty of nostalgia revealed through a Soviet film studied in the course.
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Korean

A Harmonious Bond

Gabriela, a 2021 Korean summer alumna, reflects on the power of music to build connections and memories, and what she learned from her host family.
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Korean

Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy as an Absolute Beginner

Dominic, a 2019 Korean summer NSLI-Y alumnus recalls the intimidation of living in a new country without language experience - and how it has enriched his life.

Stories by Program Location Click to reveal map