An annual problem for this generation, or so it has been said, is finding a good way to spend their summer vacation. This is something we’ve touched on before, covering opportunities in various disciplines or providing deep dives into specific opportunities which provide something unique or extraordinary.
In this article, we’re going to be closely examining one such opportunity, the National Security Language Institute for Youth (NSLI-Y). We’re going to examine what it is and what it offers, and whether it’s a good choice for you. We’re also going to examine how this can help you earn a select college scholarship in some cases. Let’s jump right in!
What NSLI-Y Is
The US government’s State Department is concerned with the relation between the US and the rest of the world. This mission is complicated by the fact that many countries use languages other than English, while many Americans speak nothing but. To bridge this divide, the State Department has a number of initiatives to promote the learning of languages, especially those they deem relevant to national security.
Specifically, NSLI-Y offers the following eight languages for their summer program:
- Arabic
- Chinese (Mandarin)
- Hindi
- Indonesian
- Korean
- Persian (Tajik)
- Russian
- Turkish
These programs last for six or seven weeks, from mid-June to August; exact dates are specified when finalist applicants are notified, in March-April. During the program, students stay with a host family, and spend much of their time enrolled in intensive language education; around four hours per day for five days a week, with additional homework assigned. Afternoons are spent with more relaxed cultural and peer exchanges, which help you learn the language in a natural setting, and better understand the culture of the host country.
The countries which play host to students vary by year, due to changing security concerns. Current host countries include Estonia, China, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Korea, Latvia, Morocco, Taiwan, Tajikistan, and Turkey.
Note that you are also required to take some language coursework prior to beginning the program. This begins in April, and ends at the start of the program. The goal of this is to ensure you have a sufficient baseline understanding of the language to function in a foreign country for an extended period.
This program is very academically rigorous, and is intended for students who are truly dedicated to the study of language. The program also requires a high degree of responsibility from participants; while there is a support staff and system, you will still be thousands of miles from home undergoing a very different routine. This is incredibly exciting and rewarding, but can be a shock to some students.
Finally, the program comes with a generous merit scholarship. This covers a student’s transportation costs (including visa fees), tuition and educational programming, room and board, secondary local transportation, health insurance, and a stipend for incidental local expenses. This means that students do not need to fund any part of this experience themselves, and may participate regardless of their economic resources.
How to Apply to NSLI-Y
Applications for the program are done online. The application may be previewed here; it is somewhat long, but then, it is a form made by the government, so that isn’t terribly surprising. The application opens in August, a year before the program itself begins. The application is due by November, including required components such as letters of recommendation.
Semi-finalists are announced in January. If you are selected as a semi-finalist, you need to acquire or renew your passport if it is not valid for at least the next year. Semifinalists then complete interviews and submit medical evaluation forms. The program has long been able to support students with disabilities or health needs, but early communication of these factors is critical. Selected finalists will be notified beginning in April.
The program strongly prefers applicants who have not previously lived outside of the US, or traveled abroad for extended periods. It has the following specific eligibility requirements:
- Be a US citizen at the time of your application
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 (note that this is the minimum; selected applicants often have a very strong academic record)
- Be 15-18 years of age at the start of the program
- Be enrolled in grade 9-12 at the time of your application (or the home schooled equivalent)
Note that if any of your immediate family members are employed by the State Department, or as contractors working with the State Department, you are not eligible for this program.
A visa from the country you are traveling to is also required. While the State Department will assist with this application, it is still up to the country you are visiting whether or not the visa will be granted.
The application itself is broken up into sections. The first part is biographical, questions about you, your life, your extracurriculars, your language experience, and your preferences for program and country. Note that you do not need any prior familiarity with the language you wish to study or the country you wish to visit.
You must also submit the following documents as part of the application:
- A complete high school transcript, or equivalent for homeschooled students
- One letter of recommendation from an adult who is not related to you and who knows you well
- One parent statement
There is then the written portion of the application. This begins with a self-introduction to your host family. This is to be a letter of up to 500 words in English, which introduces yourself, your background, and your goals. This may be shared with the host family, and is also a key part of the application. You must then choose one of the following prompts to answer:
- Describe a time in the past three years when you thought a task or project was going to be easy but it was actually very difficult. What did you do? Explain.
- Describe a time in the past 2-3 years when you did not get something that you wanted very much. How did you react? What did you do?
Finally, all applicants must answer this question:
- Explain your choice of language(s). List and explain three (3) reasons why you want to participate in NSLI-Y. (300 words)
When reviewing these applications, the program is looking for students who have the mental and emotional maturity to thrive in a new situation, and who have the academic rigor and discipline to be able to buckle down and master a new language in a few weeks of intense study.
Applications are very competitive. Acceptance rates vary by country, year, and program, but are generally around 20%. Having some experience with the language beforehand is helpful, though not required.
Is NSLI-Y Right for You?
NSLI-Y is the most prestigious language-study summer program in the country, and its alumni often go on to attend top colleges. A significant number also end up with careers in the State Department, which indicates that the program is working as intended.
If you are interested in international relations, or a career in public service, then this is a great opportunity for you. Even if you’re just interested in expanding your horizons, and have not yet had the opportunity to travel broadly, then this is an excellent way to experience parts of the world you might otherwise never see.
This opportunity is best for students with the emotional maturity to travel independently, and to be able to handle a long period away from home. In addition, you should be prepared for the academic rigor of the program. Learning languages takes dedication, and you need to be truly committed to it to succeed in this program.
Finally, students who are interested in this program should also consider checking out FLAS grants. These are another program funded by the state department to encourage language acquisition among students, and provide scholarships and stipends to students pursuing language and area studies in select languages they consider to be relevant to national interests.
Final Thoughts
There are many excellent possible ways to spend your summer vacation, but it is of paramount importance that you do something. Finding and exploring your interests through competitive programs such as this helps you define your passions, and demonstrates to colleges that you are willing to pursue them actively.
We hope this article has given you a good understanding of the NSLI-Y program, and let you decide whether or not it is a good fit for your interests. Of course, this is a very specialized program, and won’t be the right fit for every student. If you want help identifying a summer program that best suits your strengths, or want help applying to any of these summer programs, schedule a free consultation with us today to learn how we can help you. We have a long experience helping students grow their passions, and are always happy to hear from you.
