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

Grace poses in front of a tree while in Jordan as a Fulbright scholar.

Arabic

Alumni Spotlight: Grace Hall Returns to Jordan with Fulbright

NSLI-Y alumna Grace Hall participated in the 2019 NSLI-Y Summer Program for Arabic in Amman, Jordan and recently returned to Amman as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA). ​Read more to learn about her journey to building a passion for Arabic and Middle East Studies.
Ruby exploring a beach in Tangier after a late lunch.

Arabic

“This is Morocco, Plans Change”

Ruby, an alumna of the 2022 NSLI-Y Arabic summer program in Morocco, reflects on the beauty of the Moroccan approach to time and her cohort's slogan "this is Morocco, plans change."
Isabella Turilli poses in fall foliage.

Korean

Alumni Spotlight: Isabella Turilli Named Rhodes Scholar

NSLI-Y Korean Alumna Isabella Turilli was recently awarded the Rhodes Scholarship. The Rhodes Scholarship is the oldest and most competitive international scholarship and is awarded to approximately 30 individuals annually. The scholarship selects promising young people from around the world who demonstrate integrity, leadership, character, intellect and a commitment to service to study at the University of Oxford.​

Stories by Program Location Click to reveal map