Virtual National Security Language Initiative for Youth (Virtual NSLI-Y), a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), introduces U.S. high school students to languages critical to U.S. national security in an interactive online format.  Virtual NSLI-Y is a 10-week, beginner-level foreign language and culture experience in line with the ACTFL World Readiness Standards. In addition to language learning, Virtual NSLI-Y introduces participants to the people and culture of places where the target language is spoken and fosters intercultural understanding, with program components designed in line with Asia Society’s Four Domains of Global Competence.

Virtual NSLI-Y participants are placed into a virtual classroom of approximately 10 students and meet two times per week for 90-minute sessions with an experienced language teacher.

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• A U.S. citizen at the time of application
• A U.S. high school student for 2024-25 academic year
• Between the ages of 15-18 at the start of the Fall 2024 Program (Birthday range: September 12, 2005 – September 11, 2009)
• Living in and attending school in the United States
• 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 Virtual NSLI-Y 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

Please note the additional eligibility requirements related to immediate family member employment.

• For a period ending one year following the termination of such employment, association, or service:
  • Employees of the U.S. Department of State/U.S. Agency for International Development are ineligible. This provision includes all employees, paid or unpaid (including part-time or temporary employees, consultants, externs, interns, fellows, and personal services contractors).
  • Immediate family members (e.g., dependent children) of employees of the U.S. Department of State/U.S. Agency for International Development are ineligible. This provision includes all employees, paid or unpaid (including part-time or temporary employees, consultants, externs, interns, fellows, and personal services contractors). Self-supporting children who live apart from their parents are qualified to participate.
  • Employees (and their immediate family members) of private and public agencies under contract or grant with the U.S. Department of State who perform services on behalf of ECA Youth exchange programs are ineligible.

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