McKinney, Texas — Vedika Chamaria, a high school student from McKinney, has been awarded a prestigious National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) scholarship to study abroad in South Korea this summer. The highly competitive program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), promotes the study of critical languages including Korean, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Russian, and others.
Vedika is one of just 440 students selected nationwide from thousands of applicants for this fully funded study abroad opportunity. During her time in South Korea, she will live with a host family, engage in immersive language learning, and represent American culture as a citizen ambassador while connecting with local peers.
Launched in 2006, the NSLI-Y program aims to cultivate a new generation of globally competent Americans equipped with language skills critical to U.S. national security and economic interests. Alumni of the program often pursue careers in diplomacy, international relations, and other fields of strategic importance, crediting NSLI-Y with sharpening their cross-cultural communication and leadership abilities.
“This immersive experience not only accelerates language acquisition but also strengthens global perspectives,” program administrators note. The NSLI-Y is managed by American Councils for International Education in partnership with organizations such as AFS-USA, Amideast, iEARN-USA, and several U.S. universities.
Each fall, applications for the NSLI-Y study abroad program open at www.nsliforyouth.org, offering high school students across the U.S. a chance to study languages vital to global diplomacy.
In addition to sending American students abroad, the U.S. State Department supports international exchange by encouraging American families to host foreign high school students—a transformative experience that fosters mutual understanding and lifelong friendships.
Programs like NSLI-Y highlight the value of study abroad guides and initiatives that open doors for young Americans to engage with the world and develop skills that shape their future—and the country’s.
