U.S. Department of State
A 10-week online program that teaches beginner-level language and culture and fosters intercultural understanding and global competence.
Virtual NSLI-Y
Upcoming Deadlines
The Fall 2025 Virtual NSLI-Y application is available.
Application deadline: Monday, June 9 at 4:00PM ET
Recommendation deadline: Thursday, June 12 at 11:59 PM ET
Remember to convert these deadlines to your local time zone!
The Virtual National Security Language Initiative for Youth (Virtual NSLI-Y), a program of the U.S. Department of State, offers U.S. high school students the opportunity to learn languages critical to national security through an engaging online experience.
This 10-week, beginner-level program combines language study with cultural exploration in an interactive virtual setting, following nationally recognized standards. Participants gain insights into the cultures of regions where the language is spoken, promoting intercultural understanding through activities designed around global competence.
Students join small virtual classrooms of about ten peers, meeting twice a week for 90-minute sessions led by experienced language teachers. The program is designed for true beginners, so no prior language experience is required.
Many Virtual NSLI-Y alumni successfully apply for NSLI-Y programs abroad or other international exchange programs. Participants often report increased confidence, interest, and readiness for international travel and cross-cultural experiences. Learn more about the program’s impact.
About Virtual NSLI-Y
Program Duration: 10 weeks
Eligibility: U.S. citizen, enrolled in U.S. high school for 2025-2026, 15-18 years old, and more. View details
Languages: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, Russian
Program Cost: Covered by Virtual NSLI-Y Scholarship
1,400+ alumni
Established in 2019, Virtual NSLI-Y has supported over 1,400 U.S. high school students in their language learning.
96%*
of alumni indicated they found Virtual NSLI-Y to be significant to their educational goals.
75%*
of alumni continued to study their language after their Virtual NSLI-Y program.
*Statistics from Virtual NSLI-Y’s 2023 Alumni Survey.
What to expect
Program Format
While each virtual classroom is slightly different, participants can expect:
- Conversation practice
- Skits, roleplays, video entries, and projects
- Cultural and language learning opportunities, featuring guests such as:
- Experts on traditional arts and cuisine
- NSLI-Y study abroad alumni
- Government or private sector employees who use language and cultural skills in their careers
- Peers or professionals from countries where the target language is spoken
- Virtual tours of sites of historic or cultural significance
- Videos related to cultural learning or grammatical concepts in the target language
- Optional community-building activities like game nights, icebreakers, and supplementary information sessions
- Homework, quizzes, and language assessments
Time Commitment
Virtual NSLI-Y includes:
- 30 hours of formal, live instruction (90-minute sessions twice per week for 10 weeks)
- 3 hours of pre-program prep
- Up to 3 hours of homework each week
- Optional community-building and cultural meetings
Schedule Options
Virtual NSLI-Y applicants will be asked to rank preferences for the following schedule options:
- Mondays and Wednesdays: 6:30 – 8:00 PM Eastern Time
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7:00 – 8:30 PM Eastern Time
- Wednesdays: 6:30 – 8:00 PM Eastern Time and Saturdays: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Eastern Time
- Thursdays and Sundays: 7:30 – 9:00 PM Eastern Time
Please note that placement according to scheduling preferences is not guaranteed.
FAQ
- Program materials/textbooks (if used by instructor)
- 10 weeks (30 hours) of online instruction with an experienced language instructor through live Zoom video sessions
- Cultural learning (for example: guest speaker presentations, virtual tours of cultural sites, etc.)
- Access to a learning management system with discussion boards, assignments, projects, and resources
- Program completion certificate (if all program requirements are fulfilled)
Not included:
- Internet access, software, or hardware (Email [email protected] to request information about financial assistance if needed)
- Travel
A novice/beginner is a student who has no or very little exposure to the language. Students who have received prior tutoring or instruction in the target language are not eligible.
If you are ineligible for Virtual NSLI-Y and eager to continue your language study, please explore summer and academic year NSLI-Y programs abroad.
Yes. Virtual NSLI-Y students who meet NSLI-Y eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply for NSLI-Y programs abroad. Participation in Virtual NSLI-Y will be considered in the application process for these programs.
Virtual NSLI-Y is an introductory program for beginners interested in learning critical languages. Students can only participate once. To further build Virtual NSLI-Y language skills, alumni are encouraged to consider applying for a summer or academic year NSLI-Y program abroad.
All sessions are scheduled according to the U.S. Eastern Time Zone. Adjust class times according to your location.
I never imagined myself learning Russian, but through this program, I not only gained foundational skills in the language but also developed a deep passion for it. The classes were engaging, collaborative, and enriching, providing an ideal environment for growth.
Veda, Virtual NSLI-Y Russian Alumna