b.madison5

For next summer, I am looking at this program.

Here's a link to the website:

NSLIFORYOUTH.ORG

I was curious if anyone on here had ever attended before? If so, do they have advice? Which programs are easier to get into, if any? And do you have any tips for someone applying?

CaitlinDK

I've heard of it. It's a good program.

You can try going to this site to get more advice: Cultures Shocked forum - Powered by vBulletin

ca87

I'm definitely applying for next summer! It looks like an amazing program. What language will you be applying for?

The application should be up soon. It says August 2009 on the website.

lookbeyond

I did a NSLI-Y program this summer (Journey to Jordan). Some things to keep in mind:

* NSLI-Y doesn't actually run any of the programs; it's the umbrella funding source for several programs, which are organized by non-governmental entities (like AFS, or in my case UW-Green Bay). However, you don't have to apply to the programs individually; you apply for an NSLI-Y scholarship and, if accepted, you will be sorted into one of the programs based on your language preference.
* No one really knows which programs are easier to get into, because there aren't statistics on how many people apply for each languages. However, Arabic and Chinese are the programs with the largest availability (I believe each language takes around 50 or more kids).
* On what the application committee actually looks for: MATURITY. I would say this is the biggest factor in the admission process, and it's impossible to get away with faking it, so I'll just say this: being a mature, passionate candidate will help you a lot more than previous language experience.
* On the program: All of the programs are different, obviously, but mine was a life-changing experience that I will never forget. I strongly encourage anyone with even a passing interest in foreign languages to apply for this program.

fairy_dreams

NSLI Program?

MidwestMom2Kids_

Great to hear from someone who did Journey to Jordan; it sounds like a great program.

.lovelondon

I'm definately going to apply for this. I am either going to do Arabic or Russian.

Hairydogeat

If we don't have a passport yet but got accepted do we tell them and they help us get it faster?

jennhuynh94

I went on the NSLI-Y program in China during the Summer of 2010. When the Dept. of State had a representative visit us at Gateway Orientation, she said that the most popular/competitive programs are China-Summer and Arabic-Summer. That shouldn't scare people away from applying for these programs, but that also makes those two programs the ones with the most scholarships. Since we were going to China, they told us there were about 250 scholarships available for programs in China. There's a total of 600 scholarships for seven different countries (Egypt is currently debatable, but it is still an option as of right now on the website!), which is absolutely wonderful!

I found when applying it was key to show that you were mature (as someone mentioned before), able to adapt easily, be flexible, and have a strong will and dedication to learning a new language as well as immersing into a new culture. They really want people to devote themselves afterwards as well. As a returnee from NSLI-Y I'm still involved in advocating the program to everyone I know, as well as volunteering with the program that sponsored me to study abroad (AFS)

I strongly advise people to apply for this program, it was a life changing experience that changed a lot of my views on different issues and on how I live my life. Good luck to those applying!