NSLI-Y: Scholarships to Study Language Abroad

Are you interested in studying Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Korean, Persian (Tajik), Russian, or Turkish while living and studying abroad this upcoming summer?  The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Scholarship is now open.

Previous language study is not a requirement. Students of all levels of language ability are encouraged to apply.

Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. citizen
• 15 – 18 years of age at start of the program (age varies by program – read more on the Languages and Programs page)
• Enrolled in high school  at time of application (Gap year programs available)
• GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent
• Immediate family members of individuals who work with the NSLI-Y program at the U.S. Department of State, American Councils, or one of the implementing organizations are not eligible.

The costs covered by the scholarship are:

• Round-trip travel between the participant’s home region and the overseas host city
• Travel from participant’s home region to the pre-departure orientation location
• Tuition and academic materials
• In-country support
• Cultural activities
• Pre-departure and re-entry orientations
• Room and board
• Secondary medical benefits
• Visas

Interested?

These scholarships are very competitive, and as such, require diligent work ahead of time on one’s application.  The deadline to apply is November 3, 2011, but applicants should get started on their application in September.  If you are interested, please e-mail derick.strode@wku.edu and melinda.grimsley-smith@wku.edu to get started.

National Security Language Initiative for Youth, NSLI-Y, study abroad