Two Students Awarded Scholarships for Language Study in India

By: Judy Stewart, Global Studies Program Coordinator

The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program recently announced their annual merit-based scholarship awards for the study of critical languages by American youth. 

The Global Studies Department is happy to report that two Sewickley Academy students, freshman Ella and sophomore Luke, have been selected to receive this prestigious scholarship. Both will be studying Hindi as part of an immersion program in the west central part of India this summer, with Luke traveling to Indore and Ella studying in Pune.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State in cooperation with American Councils for International Education, the NSLI-Y scholarships are given for participation in summer and academic year immersion programs to locations where the seven NSLI-Y languages are spoken. NSLI-Y immerses participants in the cultural life of the host country, giving them formal and informal language practice.
 
From over 3,500 applicants, 670 students were selected to participate in this fully-funded program. Based on the State Department's determination of need for certain critical language learners, students are chosen for available spots. Hindi offered only 30 spots, so each group will have approximately 15 students in the cohort. As part of the application process, students submit an essay in which they clearly articulate how their study of their preferred language is linked to their future academic or professional goals. The applicant's maturity and readiness for a challenging academic and international experience are then assessed based on a personal interview.
 
Luke and Ella are very excited to embark on this adventure and they are appreciative of the support and encouragement they received from faculty. Each of them will participate in a pre-trip course to provide a basic introduction to the language and culture. "I would encourage any student who is interested in languages and travel to certainly apply," remarked Luke. Ella realized that on her current academic track... "I will have a working knowledge of four of the most widely spoken languages: Mandarin, Spanish, English, and now Hindi."
 
"It is rare to have two students from the same school selected," Mrs. Stewart, Global Studies Program Coordinator, noted. "And, to my knowledge, we have never had a student apply since the scholarship was initiated in 2006. Luke and Ella were alert to these opportunities and were quick to take a chance and apply."
 
Nataylia Di Domenico, Global Studies Certificate Coordinator, a multilingual language teacher, and interpreter commented, "It is hard to underestimate the importance of the foreign language proficiency in any language, let alone a critical language. In our day and age these language skills will be invaluable for academic and career success in any field, particularly in foreign service and international relations."
 
Congratulations, Luke and Ella!
 
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