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.
By Jackie Foster
“Whether you are someone that is looking to learn Hindi or someone that enjoys travel; I know and feel that everyone will go away from this experience with more knowledge then they came with. Throughout my exchange, I enjoyed learning Hindi and I learned a lot of life lessons which will help me for the rest of my life. My host family was amazing, and I don’t ever consider them my host family anymore, they are now my family. Your host family isn’t only your family, but they are your best friends they are people that will love you and care for you when you are down, they will pick you up. They will change your life. Outside of my family and school, this experience allowed me to become a better global citizen. I learned the true identity of India and I’m glad I was able to show them what it truly means to be an American. I am forever grateful.”