Virtual NSLI-Y
Forecasted
Virtual NSLI-Y supports U.S. high school students through beginner-level online instruction in Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, or Russian and cultural learning to foster intercultural understanding.
Funder: American Councils for International Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Department of State–funded, 10-week virtual language and culture program
Summary: Virtual NSLI-Y introduces U.S. high school students to Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, or Russian through beginner-level online language instruction and cultural learning.
Key Information: Participants meet virtually twice weekly for 90-minute classes.
Description
Virtual NSLI-Y is a 10-week, beginner-level foreign language and culture experience for U.S. high school students. American Councils for International Education partners with the U.S. Department of State to offer the program, which is funded by the Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It introduces students to languages critical to U.S. national security: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, and Russian.
The program combines language instruction with an introduction to the people and cultures of places where each language is spoken. Its learning experience follows the ACTFL World Readiness Standards, while cultural learning is designed in line with Asia Society’s Four Domains of Global Competence. Through this combination, Virtual NSLI-Y aims to foster intercultural understanding.
