Alumni Resources

Below is a partial list of further language study opportunities for learners of NSLI-Y languages:

• The Language Flagship: The language Flagship is a national initiative to change the way Americans learn languages through a groundbreaking approach to language education for students from kindergarten through college.
• STARTALK: STARTALK offers students, (K-16) and teachers of eight critical need languages creative and engaging summer experiences that strive to exemplify best practices in language education and in language teacher development.
• Boren Awards for International Study: Boren scholars (undergraduate students) and Fellows (graduate students) study abroad or conduct research in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests and underrepresented in study abroad.
• Critical Language Scholarship (CLS): The CLS program is a summer study abroad opportunity for American college and university students to learn languages essential to America’s engagement with the world.

Additional Opportunities:

• The Fulbright U.S. Student Program awards scholarships to U.S. graduating college seniors, graduate students, young professionals, and artists selected through a national, merit-based competition for study and research abroad. Academic fields include the social sciences, humanities, and the sciences. The Program emphasizes leadership development. Approximately 1,600 scholarships are awarded each year.
• The Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program, a component of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, places U.S. students, primarily new college graduates, as English teaching assistants in schools or universities overseas, where they increase foreign students’ English language abilities and knowledge of the United States. They are integrated in the host community, which improves their own foreign language skills and knowledge of the host country/location. ETAs also pursue individual study/research plans in addition to their teaching responsibilities.
• The Critical Language Enhancement Award provides selective support for U.S. Fulbright students to complete intensive in-country training in critical need languages for up to 6 months prior to the start of Fulbright grants or, in some cases, concurrent with their Fulbright projects.
• The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program supports study abroad by talented American undergraduates with financial need who represent the full diversity of our country. The Program emphasizes non-traditional language study as well as study in non-traditional foreign destinations.
• Continue your International Affairs Education – The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs offers resources on how to continue your internationally focused education on to graduate school. They host in-person and virtual events, post fellowship and scholarship opportunities, provide information on careers, and offer other resources.

See more opportunities at www.exchanges.state.gov/us and studyabroad.state.gov

Below are some career options that value and utilize language skills:
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Department of State – Student Programs
The Peace Corps
Language Instruction
National Language Service Corps
Guide to International Affairs Careers

• Join the NSLI-Y Alumni Association by completing the registration form to connect with NSLI-Y alumni and learn of upcoming opportunities in your region.
• Join International Exchange Alumni, a dynamic and interactive networking website for alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs. You can build on your exchange experience and explore all the resources available to you as a member of the association.
• Join the NSLI-Y Alumni Facebook group. This group, exclusive to NSLI-Y alumni, participants, and staff, is a vibrant forum of over 3000 members to share virtual resources and regional, national, and international opportunities to Learn, Grow, Connect, and Serve with your fellow NSLI-Y alumni.
• X (@NSLIY) is an outreach and recruitment tool, which is primarily used to promote NSLI-Y. Consider posting program-related ideas with #NSLIY or #NSLIYAlumni and mentioning @NSLIY in your posts.
• Instagram (@NSLIY) is another outreach and recruitment tool which can be used to promote NSLI-Y. Share photos from your NSLI-Y experience and/or continued language learning journey. Add #NSLIY to your posts or tag @NSLIY in your stories to possibly be reposted.
• LinkedIn (NSLI-Y Alumni group) is a resource for NSLI-Y alumni to connect with each other and share career-related resources and job postings.

• Alumni Outreach Toolkit – Many alumni have used the alumni outreach toolkit to give presentations about NSLI-Y, reaching over 5,000 potential applicants, family members, and community members. You can request a username and password by completing the outreach interest form, and register to join the NSLI-Y Alumni Association here. The Alumni Outreach Toolkit offers helpful tips and resources, making it easy to spread the word about NSLI-Y.
• Ask NSLI-Y Alumni Facebook Group – This forum invites you to share your NSLI-Y experience and answer general questions from prospective participants and their parents. Topics range from packing tips to earning credit for NSLI-Y language classes. In commenting, remember that your NSLI-Y experience is unique, and programs can vary by host location, placement organization, and the individual’s perspective.
• Host an International Exchange Student – NSLI-Y alumni often report that their host family experience was one of the most valuable components of their program. The U.S. Department of State brings nearly 2,000 high school exchange students to the U.S. each academic year. Hosting an exchange student can be an enriching experience for you and your community. Encourage others in your community to consider hosting international students in the U.S.; share this link with your family and friends so others might welcome a student into their home.
• If you are over 21, volunteer as an interviewer for NSLI-Y semi-finalists applying for the summer and academic year programs. Contact [email protected] for more information.
• If you are over 21, volunteer as an evaluator of NSLI-Y applications for summer and academic year programs. Contact [email protected] for more information.
• International Education Week – This is a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. NSLI-Y alumni are encouraged to participate in International Education Week by presenting about their experience at local schools or submitting a story to NSLI-Y Interactive.
• Global Youth Service Day celebrates and mobilizes the millions of young people who improve their communities each day of the year through service.
• Global Ties, U.S. – Global Ties U.S., formerly the National Council for International Visitors, is a network of over 100 nonprofit organizations across the United States that connect leaders in U.S. communities with leaders from all around the world. This network helps shape U.S. foreign relations by opening avenues for increased understanding and greater cooperation, security and prosperity.
• World Affairs Councils – The World Affairs Councils of America represents and supports a national non-partisan network of local councils that are dedicated to educating, inspiring and engaging Americans in international affairs and critical global issues.
• Sister Cities International – Founded by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956, Sister Cities International is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization serving as the national membership organization for individual sister cities, counties, and states across the United States. This network unites tens of thousands of citizen diplomats and volunteers in programs in 140 countries on six continents. Sister Cities International advances peace and prosperity through cultural, educational, humanitarian, and economic development exchanges.