National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
The State Department’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) provides merit-based scholarships to U.S. high school students and recent graduates interested in learning less-commonly studied foreign languages overseas.
Eligibility Requirements
All applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen currently enrolled in, or just graduated from, high school;
- Be 15-to-18 years old at the start of the program;
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Languages Offered
Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Korean, Persian (Tajik), Russian and Turkish. Read more detailed information about the individual language programs.
Application Deadline
Applications for 2013/2014 programs are due November 1, 2012. For more information and to apply, visit the NSLI-Y program website.
NSLI-Y Alumni
NSLI-Y alumni share stories of their experiences before, during and after their exchange.
Questions?
Still have questions? Visit the frequently asked questions.
If you have additional questions, please contact American Councils, the current Department of State grant recipient for the NSLI-Y program at 1.866.790.2086 or by email.