By: Sayellor Taylor

   “NSLI-Y, National Security Language Initiative for Youth, is a program that offers American students opportunities of language study through scholarships, aiming to ignite a lifelong interest in crucial foreign languages and cultures,” says junior Blessing Saenz.

   Blessing applied for the summer 2024 program in October of 2023. Although a bit of a lengthy application process, she encourages everyone to apply. 

   The process consists of two main parts, the first being completing multiple questions and essays. Next, semifinalists are selected who will move on to the second round of applying to the program through interviews.

   Here, a “semifinalist will undergo an interview where they can elaborate on why they are suitable for the program and able to partake in this challenging and rigorous initiative,” she says. Blessing comments that this part of the application shows the character of the applicant by providing the “opportunity to convey to the interviewer your reasons for wanting to learn and how you would benefit from the opportunity.” 

   With roughly 3,000 applicants each year, it is important to nail this part of the application as it allows those who are fit to stand out from the crowd.

   Blessing highlights that this program provides crucial opportunities for less fortunate students as well, as it is a “full scholarship covering everything – flights, meals, studies, and housing accommodation.” This coverage ensures that hardworking students from all backgrounds have a fair chance to immerse themselves in the language and culture of their choice.

   Blessing says “I received placement in Seoul, South Korea, which was, fortunately, my first pick option.” She will explore Korea while living with a host family for 8 weeks over the summer where Blessing will be attending “Hanyang University with 42 other students from my cohort.”

    Feeling incredibly grateful for her selection in this program, Blessing says that “getting accepted holds immense value for me, and I’m thrilled to have this opportunity.” 

    She also recommends to all that, “even if you feel your chances are slim, I urge you to apply. You never know what might happen.”