NSLI-Y Russian Language & Culture Way

Summer 2023 (7 Weeks - Hybrid Format)

Summer 2024 Information Coming Soon

A.S.E. Global Bridges (ASE) is honored to collaborate with the American Councils for International Education as an implementing organization for the prestigious NSLI FOR YOUTH scholarship program. NSLI-Y is an official program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) which introduces American high-school students to 8 languages considered under taught in the United States.

This acclaimed scholarship program offers academically high-achieving students of ballet a unique experience that combines in-depth introduction to Russian language and culture, in addition to their ballet training. Award of the NSLI-Y scholarship is merit based through an application process. No prior Russian language experience is necessary to be considered. Successful participants will receive an official U.S. Department of State Certificate of Completion, a nationally recognized OPI Certificate attesting to language acquisition level, and will become lifetime members of the ECA Alumni global community and network.

Learn More

ASE’s NSLI-Y Program joins its mission of fostering a dialogue of mutual understanding, respect and shared values with the goals of the NSLI FOR YOUTH program:

To develop Americans with advanced linguistic skills and related cultural understanding who are able to use their linguistic and cultural skills to advance international dialogue and compete effectively in the global economy
To improve the ability of Americans to engage with the people of Russian-speaking countries through shared language
To spark a lifetime interest in foreign languages and cultures among American youth

Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements detailed below and be enrolled in good standing at all times in John Cranko SII Program. FOR 2023 ONLY: The 7-week program will be structured so that participant can be enrolled in any of the BBASI NY or CT Sessions, though all NSLI-Y activities must be attended to successfully complete the program.

For details about the general NSLI FOR YOUTH program visit NSLI-Y website (NOTE: A.S.E.'s Program details may differ). For additional information regarding A.S.E.’s Virtual NSLI-Y Program, email Irina Zakharchenko: irina@aseglobalbridges.org.

Program Length

Seven Weeks: June 19* - August 4, 2023

Culminates in an Observation Day

NSLI FOR YOUTH, a nationally acclaimed program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, provides merit-based scholarships for eligible high school students and recent high school graduates to learn less commonly taught languages. It is one of four U.S. Department of State high school exchange programs that annually prepare over 1,000 young Americans to succeed in the 21st century's global economy by developing their foreign language skills, increasing their cross-cultural understanding, strengthening their leadership capacity, and fostering new academic insights and ambitions. Successful participants will receive an official U.S. Department of State Certificate of Completion, a nationally recognized OPI Certificate attesting to language acquisition level, and will become lifetime members of the ECA Alumni global community and network. The NSLI-Y program is recognized by US leading colleges and is known for providing opportunities to American youth to spark a lifetime interest in language learning and engagement with people and cultures abroad.

Click here to view the 2023 NSLI-Y Hybrid Sample Schedule

Participation: Participants are expected to be mature, self-directed learners who can actively participate in all of the program's activities. Attendance at all scheduled activities and completion of assignments are mandatory. The program’s focus is on language and cultural learning.

Prior to the start of virtual class sessions, participants will be expected to complete/attend some activities including, but not limited to:

Student orientation
Pre-program survey
Orientation to meet teacher/classmates
Brief assignments or readings

On-Program Requirements:

Attend and actively participate in all classes and program activities.
Complete homework assignments and projects.
Complete required program surveys.

Post-Program Expectations:

Complete post-program survey
Participate in closing ceremony
Become a member of the ECA Alumni community

Certificate of Completion:
To receive a U.S. Department of State certificate of completion, participants must:

Complete pre-program and post-program surveys
Attend and actively participate in all scheduled activities
Complete all homework assignments outside of classroom hours as required
Timely complete the OPI exam, demonstrating language acquisition at the expected level

Participants may apply for in-person NSLI-Y and other ECA programs in the future if they meet eligibility requirements.

Week of June 12*: Pre-program Virtual Orientations
Week of June 19: Program Activities Virtual
June 25 - August 4**: Program Activities Hybrid
**Resident Finalists may be asked to arrive 1 day early.

April 2, 2023 - 10:00pm U.S. EST

Application Deadline

Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements:

An applicant MUST meet the following general requirements:

Be a U.S. Citizen
U.S. high school student, who is between ages of 15-18 at the start of 2024 Summer Program (Birthday range: July 10, 2004 - June 10, 2008) and living in and attending school in the U.S. or U.S. territory
Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent
A beginner/novice-level learner in the selected target language, who:
- Has not received formal instruction in the target language from school/home school, camp, tutor, or online programs and will not be enrolled in formal instruction during the program
- Is unable to affirmatively answer the NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements for any level
- Is not a previous participant of any NSLI-Y program
- Is not a current or past participant of another U.S. Department of State (virtual or in-country) exchange program
- Neither the applicant nor any immediate family member is:
  - Employee of the U.S. Department of State/U.S. Agency for International Development are ineligible
  - Employee of private and public agencies under contract or grant with the U.S. Department of State who performs services on behalf of U.S. Department of State exchange programs

Additional ASE's Program Specific Requirements :

Applicant must be enrolled and in good standing at all times in the 2024 PROGRAM (NY or CT).
Applicant must be at a beginner/novice level in Russian language study.
Completion of additional documentation including, but not limited to: Scholarship Acceptance Forms, Participant Agreement, registration in the U.S. Department of State Program website, and others as required.
Participate in all required activities, some of which will commence prior to the start of the program.
By applying to the ASE NSLI-Y Program, all participants and their families agree to abide by the laws, rules, and regulations of the United States, the NSLI-Y Program, and ASE.

Get started by completing the Notification of Intent to Apply Form!
Click here to view the 2023 NSLI-Y Hybrid Sample Schedule

Applicants must be enrolled and in good standing at all times in a 2024 NY or CT program. FOR 2024 ONLY: The 7-week program will be structured so that participants can be enrolled in any of the Sessions, though all NSLI-Y activities must be attended to successfully complete the program.
To start the application process the Applicant must complete the Notification of Intent to Apply Form.
Applicant's enrollment in BBASI NY or CT will be verified and further instructions will be emailed, if all is in compliance.
The Applicants will be expected to submit all application materials by stated deadlines.

Application Deadline: April 1, 2024 - 10:00PM EST

Eligible applicants will be provided access to all final forms once they are enrolled and are in good standing in JCS NY or JCS CT. Until then, prospective applicants can become familiar with the expected forms by clicking the links below (available on January 31, 2024).

Received online by ASE

These application materials and forms will need to be uploaded to the CampSite Dashboard "Forms" tab by the stated deadline.

Click on the links below to preview the application forms (FORMS #1-9, Samples only):

OPEN NOW ! 2023 NSLI-Y ASE & Bolshoi Way: Notification of Intent to Apply Form
FORM #1 - About the Application
FORM #2 - Personal Information
FORM #3 - NSLI-Y Terms & Conditions (will be provided to finalists only)
FORM #4 - Parent/Legal Guardian Statement
FORM #5 - Two Participant (2) Essays & Self-Introduction Letter
FORM #6 - Prior Language Experience
FORM #9 - Application Certification

Received via Email by ASE

FORM #7 - One (1) Teacher Recommendation - Academic or Ballet
FORM #8 - Grade Transcripts: emailed by School Registrar or Home School Supervisor to Program Assistant

These application materials and forms must be emailed via official Teacher or School Registrar email addresses to Irina Zahkarchenko at irina@aseglobalbridges.org.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ADDITIONAL FORMS MAY BE REQUIRED FROM THOSE SELECTED AS FINALISTS.

The Selection Committee will review all applications, conduct phone interviews with semi-finalists, and will make final determinations by late April/early May 2023. Determinations will be made based on the following criteria: a) exhibited an interest in Russian language and culture, b) academic excellence, c) interests and achievements outside of academics, d)demonstrated maturity. The Selection Committee reserves the right to award extra consideration to applicants who have demonstrated maturity and dedication during past enrollment in ASE's BBASI Programs. However, all 2023 BBASI NY and CT students are encouraged to apply for the ASE NSLI-Y Program.

Application

"My favorite aspect of the program was the Pushkin peer tutoring, as I was able to make new friends and learn about the Russian culture and language at the same time."

- Virtual NSLI-Y Alum, 16yrs, NY

"The classes were amazingly structured and I was in shock at how much I had learned in such a little amount of time. My teachers were so helpful and kind and being immersed in the language truly made a lasting impact on how well I was able to adapt to speaking another language.”

- Virtual NSLI-Y Alum, 15yrs, TX

“This program has opened so many doors for me. I never had seriously thought of a career in a language but now it is a priority of mine.”

– NSLI-Y Alum, 16 yo, VA

“The experience was life changing for our daughter. She has a more focused attitude towards her college search and to what direction she would like to move towards career wise."

– Parent

“The program enriched and affected my daughter's skills above expectation. The language skills and global awareness - all these values are priceless and will have a huge influence on her future life.”