Just a little about the study
abroad programs that I attended:
I applied to the National Security Language Initiative for
Youth (NSLI-Y) which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State for
both my travel abroad experiences. NSLI-Y is a program that specifically
focuses on language development
in "critical languages" including: Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Hindi,
Turkish, etc. (Basically non-romance languages which the government
deems as being critical).
I applied to this program during my sophomore year to
study Arabic for the upcoming summer. I had to go through an intense
application process which included two/three essays, one/two letters of
recommendation, and interviews for my parents
and for myself. I think 1700+ students apply for the program in total,
and around 400 students will receive a scholarship to attend one of
these programs. The numbers are growing each year!
NSLI-Y has year-long, semester-long, and summer programs. I
attended the summer program with 19 other American students through a
sub branch of NSLI-Y called Legacy International. This program is also a
full scholarship- all expenses
paid. The only money I had to spend was spending money for whatever I
wanted to buy. We also received $35-$40 stipends each week.
- I traveled to Marrakesh, Morocco to study Arabic while I
lived with a host family in the heart of the city. This program was 5
weeks in duration, and included Arabic lessons at the local "American
Language Center" and travels to experience
Moroccan culture firsthand. My favorite memories include riding camels
and spending the night in the middle of the Sahara Desert, shopping (and
bargaining!!) at the market, being able to speak Arabic with local
Moroccans (and also speaking dialect), drinking
tea 5 times a day, and spending time with my host family!
During my Junior year, I applied for the NSLI-Y program,
but this time I applied to study Chinese. I went through a similar
application and interview process, but instead received another
scholarship to study Arabic in El Jadida, Morocco;
which is a very small coastal town, completely different from the busy,
tourist Marrakech. This program also consisted of 20 summer long
students and 5 year long students. This program was through iEARN
(International Education and Resource Network). Although
I was studying Arabic, this program was very different. I was at an
advantage, because I had already experienced Moroccan culture and life
abroad. We studied Arabic at a local private school for 7 weeks. My
favorite memories from this trip were traveling to
the historic city of Fez, going to the beach, and making lifelong
relationships with Moroccans my age.
I think my experiences in Morocco definitely played a huge
role in defining my character, my identity, and just my overall growth
as a young woman. I'm so fortunate to have received such amazing
opportunities to travel abroad.
Jenna (Class of 2011)