Anonymous wrote:And as for my question about whether knowing a little bit of the target language is helpful? Anyone know the answer?

It doesn’t matter — they will select kids from all language levels. For example, a group of absolute beginners will be grouped together and sent to one location, intermediates to a second location, and advanced students to a third. A strong interest in rigorous language immersion is more important than prior knowledge. My kid did do virtual NSLI-Y first — it’s a great way to show commitment and interest in the language.

Anonymous wrote:My kid applied this year to NSLI-Y as a sophomore - she really wants to do this program! Is it true that most students who are accepted are junior or even seniors when they apply?

Mine was selected as a sophomore.

My kid was in Taiwan snd was in dorms during week and host family on weekends. He loved it!

Anonymous wrote:My kid applied this year to NSLI-Y as a sophomore - she really wants to do this program! Is it true that most students who are accepted are junior or even seniors when they apply?

My DS was a sophomore when he was first accepted and then participated again as a junior.

Anonymous wrote:What are the benefits of NSLI-Y other than "free" over a paid program, for the languages/countries where paid programs are available?

Colleges know the program, its rigor, and that its student participants were selected from a pool of thousands of other applicants. It's also merit-based so it doesn't look like you are "buying" your kid ECs/experience fodder for essays.

Since it’s selective, and shows a real motivation to learn a language, I imagine that it must help on college applications.

What are the benefits of NSLI-Y other than "free" over a paid program, for the languages/countries where paid programs are available?

My kid would love this. I have a couple questions.

How does this work with keeping kids on a path to graduate high school in 4 years. Do they get Math and English credits that transfer?

My kid is very insistent that he wants to do Peace Corps and then have a career related to international development. I know that Peace Corps doesn't want people with connections to the intelligence community, even something like a high school internship is disqualifying. I'm hoping that since this is State and not CIA it would be OK, but I thought I'd ask if anyone has experience.

Anonymous wrote:My kid applied this year to NSLI-Y as a sophomore - she really wants to do this program! Is it true that most students who are accepted are junior or even seniors when they apply?

OP here and my kid is also a sophomore. I've heard that they prioritize older kids for both maturity and because younger applicants can always reapply. My kid wants Korean so I figure its a long shot this year.

My kid applied this year to NSLI-Y as a sophomore - she really wants to do this program! Is it true that most students who are accepted are junior or even seniors when they apply?

My kid came in as a beginner, but there was a mandatory online language program he had to do after acceptance. They had to log a certain number of hours per week.

And as for my question about whether knowing a little bit of the target language is helpful? Anyone know the answer?

This is helpful- thank you!!

Hmm. My kid was in Chinese and definitely had a ton of fun. But it was intense and hard work. Time to explore city with group and friends and family on most weekends. But week days were all language and commuting and time with family. Maybe a few hours studying in a cafe together. It is serious work but my kid didn’t want to leave!

PP here- Also would not describe the program as *fun* It's intense and his programs were well run. While he had fun and made lasting friends with his cohort, I think he would describe it more as rewarding than fun. It's a language program, not a travel program