Frequently Asked Questions
What does the scholarship offer?
What is covered by the NSLI-Y scholarships?
What is not covered by the NSLI-Y scholarships?
What happens after I submit my application?
How do I get a passport?
Why does the Department of State support language learning?
What are the dates/locations for the program(s)?
I have noticed that there are various application deadline dates. I am confused.
Are non-U.S. citizens eligible to apply? What about permanent residents?
Are private school students eligible to apply?
Am I required to have a passport by the due date of the application?
I am very interested in the program. Can you tell me how I can apply?
I have been having technical difficulties with the web-site. Can you email me the application?
a). How do I submit downloadable forms?
b). How do I submit my academic records/transcripts?
What effect will participating in a semester or academic-year program have on my academic career?
What is the policy of accepting home schooled students?
From where will the students depart?
Will the students be alone on the program or with a group?
Do the students need to have a background in one of the NSLI-Y languages to be eligible to apply?
Will there be any kind of practical/language preparation before the departure?
What level are the programs offered at?
Do host families speak any English? Does each student live by herself/himself with the host family?
When will the student be notified of the results?
Is Country X safe?
Are all applicants interviewed?
What should I do if my latest grades will not be posted until shortly after the application deadline?
Could you explain whether the deadline for hard copy application materials refers to the postmark date or the date of receipt by NSLI-Y?
Do I need to submit both an electronic and hard copy of my health forms?
What parts of my application need to be submitted before the deadline, and what forms can arrive later? How much later?
Can recommendations be faxed?
Are electronic transcripts acceptable?
If I have already submitted my application, can I change my preferences for language and program length?
Which application format is preferred: hard copy or electronic? Are there any benefits to either one?
Will I receive a confirmation e-mail when you receive my complete application?
If my application is returned as incomplete, can I log into my application again to find the forms? Do I have to send a hard copy of these forms, or can I add them to my electronic application?
How many applications do you typically receive? How many candidates do you accept into the program?
What are the class schedules like for gap year students? Will I only be taking language classes?
If my parents are divorced, do they both need to sign the Parent’s Statement?
Where should I upload photos: to the placement section or to the self-introduction section?
Where will orientations take place, how long will they last, and what will they cover?
Q: What does the scholarship offer?
A: Full tuition in a study abroad program administered by AFS Intercultural Programs, American Councils, iEARN-USA, or another leading exchange institution.
- Pre-program language preparation
- Pre-departure language and cultural orientation
- In-country orientation and support
- In-country language, culture, and current events classes with opportunities to apply acquired skills and knowledge
- In-country field trips with local guides
- Live in-country with a host family or boarding school
- Re-entry orientation
- Join the 550-member alumni association with outreach activities
- Opportunities for continuing language study, mastery and use
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Q: What costs are covered by the NSLI-Y scholarships?
A: NSLI-Y scholarships cover all program costs. Covered program costs include round-trip travel between the participant’s city of official residence and the NSLI-Y program’s host city; tuition and related academic preparation, support and testing; educational and cultural activities; pre-departure and re-entry orientations; three basic meals per day; accommodations, preferably in a host family environment; and Accident and Sickness Program for Exchanges (ASPE) health benefits.
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Q: What costs are not covered by the NSLI-Y scholarships?
A: Costs associated with obtaining a valid U.S. passport. Applicable visa fees. Required medical examinations and immunizations. Participants determine the amount of pocket money needed for their personal expenses during the NSLI-Y program.
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Q: What happens after I submit my application?
After you submit your application, eligible candidates will be contacted about an interview. Most candidates will attend a group interview with a panel of judges, but some candidates may be interviewed individually with a local volunteer, depending on your geographic region. A panel of judges will review the written applications and interviews. Finalists will be announced by April 15, 2009.
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Q: How do I get a passport?
Regardless of which NSLI for Youth program in which you will participate, you’ll need a passport to travel abroad. If you have one already, it must be valid until no less than six months after your intended date of return to the U.S. Please make sure that you have signed your passport.
If you don't already have a passport or need to renew the one you have, please read the
following instructions and start the process immediately.
How to Obtain a U.S. Passport
There are over 7,000 Passport Acceptance Facilities nationwide that will accept your application. These include many post offices, clerks of court, public libraries and other state, county, township, and municipal government offices which can easily be found in your local phone book. You can also obtain an application from the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html.
In order to apply for a passport you will need to supply proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a certified birth certificate issued by the city, county, or state), Naturalization certificate, certificate of Citizenship, proof of identification, and two passport photographs. Please verify the appropriate fee with your Passport Acceptance Facility.
Do not delay in applying for your passport. You should receive your passport within 6 weeks once you have submitted your application and all of the necessary documents. This is important to remember as you will need your passport before you will be able to apply for the additional travel documents you will need to enter and temporarily reside in your host country. If you apply for your passport late, you may need to apply for expedited passport service at an additional cost.
Many NSLI for Youth programs require that participants receive visas or resident permits from their host country's consulates here in the United States before departure. Obtaining these documents sometimes can be time-consuming. One of the best ways to avoid complications and delays is to have a passport by the time you have been selected to participate in your desired program.
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Q: Why does the Department of State support language learning?
A: NSLI for Youth is a critical component of a multi-agency Presidential initiative launched in January 2006 to increase American citizens’ capacity to engage foreign governments and peoples through the critical languages of Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Hindi, Korean, Russian and Turkish. The Department of State, in cooperation with American Councils for International Education and its partners, award U.S. government funds to high school and just-graduated students (ages 15-18) to participate in summer, one-semester and full-year language immersion programs in countries where these languages are widely spoken. Programs immerse participants in the cultural and political life of their host country, giving them invaluable formal and informal language practice and sparking a lifetime interest in foreign languages and cultures.
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Q: What are the dates/locations for the program(s)?
A: We are still in the process of determining dates and locations for the NSLI-Y programs. However, we anticipate that summer programs will last six to eight weeks and run from mid to late June to early August .The semester and academic year programs will have a schedule similar to that found at most American high schools, and will last from three to five months and eight to nine months, respectively. Please keep visiting the NSLI-Y web-site for updated information on program dates.
Q: I have noticed that there are various application deadline dates. I am confused.
A: The deadline for submitting applications for 2009-2010 is February 2, 2009.
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Q: Are non-U.S. citizens eligible to apply? What about permanent residents?
A: Currently, we are only able to offer scholarships to U.S. citizens.
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Q: Are private school students eligible to apply?
A: Yes.
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Q: Am I required to have a passport by the due date of the application?
A: No. However, we strongly encourage students to apply for a passport as soon as possible in order to avoid any complications/delays in the visa process. Please be aware that visa processing times vary from country to country and may take as long as two months in some cases.
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Q: I am very interested in the program. Can you tell me how I can apply?
A: In order to apply for the NSLI-Y program, you need to complete an online application. The online application is available at www.nsliforyouth.org under ‘Apply Now’.
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Q: I have been having technical difficulties with the web-site. Can you email me the application?
A: If you have been experiencing technical difficulties, please email us at nsliy@americancouncils.org and we will assist you. All applications must be completed and submitted on-line.
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Q: a). How do I submit downloadable forms? b). How do I submit my academic records/transcripts?
A: a). Please download the forms, print, complete and sign them, then scan and upload them in PDF format. b). Please scan and upload a copy of your most recent transcripts. An original copy of your transcripts must be mailed in a sealed envelope from your school to: American Councils, 1776 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036, ATTN: NSLI-Y.
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Q: What effect will participating in a semester or academic-year program have on my academic career?
A: Graduation requirements vary from state to state, so you should discuss your plans to participate in NSLI-Y with your Guidance Counselor. We also recommend that you find out in advance whether you may receive a credit in liberal arts subjects through participating in the program. The primary focus of NSLI-Y is language learning, though students will be attending classes in the target language. Your high school will make the final decision on whether or not to grant you academic credit. You should take into consideration that such U.S. specific subjects as English, Literature, World History, State History, etc. are unlikely to be offered at an equivalent level or offered at all, which is why you might want to arrange taking certain courses prior to or after your participation in the NSLI-Y program.
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Q: What is the policy of accepting home schooled students?
A: Home schooled students are eligible and encouraged to apply. In place of a teacher recommendation, please submit a recommendation from an adult, not a relative, who can attest to your preparedness for the program. Possible recommenders could include scout leaders, coaches, music/dance teachers, clergy members, etc.
Q: From where will the students depart?
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A: Exact locations for departures have not yet been determined.
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Q: Will the students be alone on the program or with a group?
A: The students will travel in groups. In the host country they will be in close contact with a Resident Director or local coordinator who, living in the same community, will monitor and assist them for the duration of the program.
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Q: Do the students need to have a background in one of the NSLI-Y languages to be eligible to apply?
A: Not necessarily. We encourage applications from students with various levels of fluency as well as those with no background in the NSLI-Y languages.
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Q: Will there be any kind of practical/language preparation before the departure?
A: Students will receive a variety of pre-departure information, including self-study language materials. All students will have access and be required to follow a program of preparation called Culture Trek. Some programs will also provide written or on-line materials.
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Q: What level are the programs offered at?
A: NSLI-Y programs are offered at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.
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Q: Do host families speak any English? Does each student live by herself/himself with the host family?
A: Host families are not required to speak English and to further encourage language immersion, usually only one student will be placed with each family.
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Q: When will the student be notified of the results?
A: Students will be notified by April 15, 2009.
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Q: Is Country X safe?
A: NSLI-Y and the U.S. Department of State would not send students to a country that they did not feel it was safe. The U.S. Embassy in each country has been consulted and has advised NSLI-Y on selecting program locations, host institutions and schools. Students’ safety is the top consideration selecting NSLI-Y program locations, and we constantly evaluate our programs for safety and risk management. All NSLI-Y students are registered at the local U.S. Embassy. Students live with a host family, or in some cases, in a closely monitored language school dormitory, so they are well integrated into the community, unlike tourists. The students receive safety-awareness training and are well-oriented beforehand to know what is culturally appropriate. We expect our students to be mature, to use common sense and good decision making.
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Q: Are all applicants interviewed?
A: All those who submitted a complete application will be interviewed.
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Q: What should I do if my latest grades will not be posted until shortly after the application deadline?
A: It is better to have the transcript arrive by the deadline than to arrive afterward. When you get your updated transcript, you can send that to us and we'll replace the other one.
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Q: Could you explain whether the deadline for hard copy application materials refers to the postmark date or the date of receipt by NSLI-Y?
A: The February 2nd deadline is receipt deadline.
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Q: Do I need to submit both an electronic and hard copy of my health forms?
A: If you scanned your health forms to your online application when you submitted it, then you should be fine. If you did not, you have until Feb 17th to mail them (postmarked).
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Q: What parts of my application need to be submitted before the deadline, and what forms can arrive later? How much later?
A: Please complete the application online by February 2. The teacher recommendation form and official transcript need to be sent by mail and received by Feb 2 as well. A copy of the transcript also needs to be uploaded to the online application. If you do not receive your transcript by Feb 2, submit the online portion anyway by the deadline. If the mailed-in forms are submitted late, there is no guarantee your application will be reviewed.
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Q: Can recommendations be faxed?
A: Recommendations must be received in hard copy by mail.
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Q: Are electronic transcripts acceptable?
A: All applicants are required to send in their official transcripts in hard copy.
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Q: If I have already submitted my application, can I change my preferences for language and program length?
A: We are only re-opening applications that are missing required information. If information is missing, you will be sent an email. Otherwise, we do not re-open submitted applications at the request of applicants.
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Q: Which application format is preferred: hard copy or electronic? Are there any benefits to either one?
A: Please follow the instructions on the application. Here are some tips:
- Teacher Recommendation and Official Transcript should be sent by mail
- Please upload a copy of your transcript to the online application (official or unofficial)
- All other forms should be uploaded to the online application
- Please submit photos under only one section
- Please do not upload a teacher recommendation form to the online application
- The deadline for Health Forms has been extended until Tuesday February 17, 2009. If you can not upload your health forms to the online application by Monday February 2, 2009, then you can submit them until February 17th (postmarked by that date, please)
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Q: Will I receive a confirmation e-mail when you receive my complete application?
A: We've received many many applications and AFS is working hard to review all of them as we speak. You will only get an email if either your application is accepted as is for further review or if your application needs to be modified (i.e. incorrectly filled out or information missing). If your application is submitted, there is no automatic email letting you know it was received.
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Q: If my application is returned as incomplete, can I log into my application again to find the forms? Do I have to send a hard copy of these forms, or can I add them to my electronic application?
A: If your application is returned you can access it by going to www.afsglobal.org. You can sign in and upload any missing forms to your application there.
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Q: How many applications do you typically receive? How many candidates do you accept into the program?
A: While we have received approximately 1400 applications, it is not yet determined how many will reach the evaluation phase due to possible issues with completeness and compliance that we communicate via email on a case-by-case basis. For that reason the number of submitted applications constantly varies. Unfortunately, we are not capable of providing updates on exact numbers on a regular basis. We appreciate your understanding and patience in this matter. There are approximately 550 scholarships available.
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Q: What are the class schedules like for gap year students? Will I only be taking language classes?
A: All NSLI-Y participants will study their respective languages for at least 20 hours per week five days per week for summer institute participants and half days of language instruction for participants on semester and academic year programs. Academic year students will be attending core classes in the target language. One must take into consideration that such U.S. specific subjects as English, Literature, World History, State History, etc. are unlikely to be offered at an equivalent level or offered at all, which is why one might want to arrange taking certain courses prior to or after participation in the NSLI-Y program.
Language instruction will be provided in both formal and informal settings. While teaching conversational language skills to help participants cope with their immersion setting, classes will also focus on formal instruction in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, and will cover reading, speaking, listening, and writing. Classes will target beginning, intermediate and advanced language learners, as appropriate.
In addition, participants will have opportunities for volunteerism and community service in order to expand their language use as well as their first-hand cultural knowledge and experience. These volunteer and community service activities, which will engage host country peers as much as possible, will be designed to teach about community life, citizen participation and the culture and history of the host country. Programs will feature weekly cultural excursions to closely support the language program.
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Q: If my parents are divorced, do they both need to sign the Parent’s Statement?
A: If they both have custody, they will both need to sign the form.
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Q: Where should I upload photos: to the placement section or to the self-introduction section?
A: Just submit photos in one section.
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Q: Where will orientations take place, how long will they last, and what will they cover?
A: There will be multiple NSLI-Y programs (7 languages, 3 durations, multiple administering organizations) so no two Pre-departure Orientations will be identical. As you can see from the above two responses, some will take place in DC, some in New York, and possibly some in other locations. Moreover, what is covered, how many students are in attendance, and how long it lasts will vary as well. Ultimately, the purpose of the PDO is to prepare you not only for your overseas experience but to prepare you for this language immersion program.
Once selection is completed and students are notified, they will receive more information regarding the particular program for which they are selected.
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