About NSLI-Y: 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 eight 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. NSLI-Y program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State.
Cultural Learning By Carson James Bennink
“I was interested in the program mostly due to the language aspect, but I ended up gaining more. Above all I gained a new set of friends and a very loving family. I now feel like I have an entryway into this new country and culture through my host family as well as the language I learned I definitely plan to stay connected with my family and with the people of Indore.”
Exploring India By Simran Kaur Sall
“Coming to India for the first time through NSLI-Y was a very fulfilling experience. As an Indian – American, I have been exposed to a small amount of Hindi through songs, Bollywood movies, and various festivals. However, my India trip with AFS truly solidified everything whether it was learning Hindi in class or going to either class with my host mother, I am now much more appreciative of my Indian background and cannot wait to visit India again.”