Please note that this message is internal and for reference by AFS-USA Volunteers regarding the NSLI-Y Summer 2020 program.

We hope this message finds you and your loved ones doing well during this difficult time.

AFS has been informed that the U.S. Department of State has cancelled all NSLI-Y summer 2020 programs across all implementers, languages, and countries. American Councils informed students of this decision earlier today (03/27).

The decision was taken very seriously, and all program staff are saddened that no NSLI-Y summer participants will travel. As the students were informed in their notification, the U.S. Department of State has issued a global Level 4 Health Advisory, and international travel on commercial airlines is becoming more challenging.

We know this is a great disappointment to students, and to everyone who volunteered their time as part of our recruitment and interview process efforts this past fall and winter.

We understand that students were informed that there may be some opportunity for virtual summer 2020 programming, and that they will be informed in the coming 2-3 weeks if they are invited to participate in a Virtual NSLI-Y program. Students were additionally encouraged to re-apply for NSLI-Y in the future (if eligible), and to consider applying for the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) during university.

If you are contacted by students or parents with questions or concerns, kindly direct them to contact the NSLI-Y program at American Councils in reply to their program cancellation notification email.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone who has worked on the NSLI-Y summer 2020 program, especially those who participated in the NSLI-Y interviews project this past winter. We truly appreciate your hard work and commitment to the NSLI-Y program! Volunteers with questions may reach the NSLI-Y staff at AFS-USA at 646-751-2238 or NSLIforYouth@afsusa.org.

With warm regards,

Hannah, Melissa, and Allen

Hannah Stewart, NSLI-Y Specialist
Melissa Rossi, NSLI-Y Coordinator
Allen Evans, Manager, Outbound Sponsored Programs