Consider applying for these global programs and scholarships!

Virtual National Security Language Initiative for Youth (Virtual NSLI-Y) application is now available! Virtual NSLI-Y is a U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program that provides a beginner-level foreign language and culture experience.

• Eligible U.S. high school students can apply to Virtual NSLI-Y Winter 2025 to study Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Korean, Russian, or Turkish. Selected finalists will receive a merit scholarship to study the target language at the beginner-level and associated culture(s) in online classes with peers from across the U.S. for 10 weeks in January – March 2025!  Application deadline is October 22.  
• We encourage potential applicants to review the program’s YouTube playlist for more information and tips, and to check out testimonials from recent alumni Anna, Maya, and Juan. 
• For questions that aren’t covered on the website, feel free to contact the program at virtualnsliy@americancouncils.org.
• Participation in a Virtual NSLI-Y program does not affect eligibility for the overseas 2025-26 program.

National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) is also a U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs program that provides overseas language study opportunities for high school language learners of all levels. Eligible U.S. high school students can apply to NSLI-Y 2025-26 to study Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Indonesian, Korean, Persian (Tajiki), Russian, or Turkish. Selected finalists will receive a merit scholarship to study the target language in a host country in Summer 2025 or Academic Year 2025-26. Application deadline is November 4.

Additional U.S. Department of State study abroad scholarship opportunities for U.S. high school students include:

• YES Abroad offers participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in the life of one of 14 countries for an academic year (10 months). The YES Program focuses on countries with significant Muslim populations. Participants develop critical global leadership skills, promote mutual understanding, and form lasting ties in their host communities by living with a host family and attending local high school.  (Application deadline: December 4, 2024)
• FLEX Abroad Like YES Abroad, participants spend an academic year (10 months) living with a host family, attending a local high school, and forming lasting relationships within their host community. Host countries include Georgia, Kazakhstan, Romania and Poland.  (Application deadline: December 4, 2024)
• The programs seek applicants who represent the diversity of the United States. Eligible students of all racial, ethnic, religious, gender identities, sexual orientations, disabilities, and socio-economic backgrounds are encouraged to apply.