Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, exchange students who were originally scheduled to participate in the NSLI-Y scholarship program were unable to do so in person. Instead, they took part in virtual programming, allowing them to continue their language learning remotely. Recently, these students had the opportunity to engage in a shorter exchange through the NSLI-Y Alumni Travel Program (ATP), a U.S. Department of State program.

This program provided them with the chance to practice the language they had learned during their virtual experience. NSLI-Y aims to immerse its participants in the host community’s cultural life, offering both formal and informal language practice and igniting a lifelong interest in foreign languages and cultures. The program includes intensive language instruction, the opportunity to live with a host family either for the entire duration or a part of the program, as well as participation in a variety of cultural activities. 

Two NSLI-Y ATPs have been implemented, the first one to Indonesia with 9 participants and the second one to India with 12 participants. Sahil Chhabra said of the NSLI-Y ATP Hindi program that: 

“As an Indian American, this program helped me understand some of the deeper meanings behind my culture that I never would have been able to appreciate otherwise.” 

If you want to discover more about the NSLI-Y ATP India read this blog post on our website! www.afsusa.org/blog/explore-the-nsli-y-alumni-travel-program-ganges-river-cultural-excursion/