Hey guys! I've never blogged before, but since I'd like to keep a record of my time in China during the summer, I thought of creating one. I'm guessing some of my family and friends would like to learn about what I will be doing there, and that future NSLI-Y applicants would like to know as well, so....here goes!
After checking my email constantly for several months, I finally received a notification three weeks ago that I was selected as a finalist for the 2013 NSLI-Y summer program! Before I continue on with more details about myself, where I will be going, etc., let me introduce you to the program that I was accepted to. NSLI-Y, or The
National Security Language Initiative for Youth, is funded by the US Department of State and grants full scholarships for high school students to learn "less commonly taught languages" overseas during the summer or year. These languages include Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Persian, Russian, and Turkish. You can find out more info at http://www.nsliforyouth.org. The program I got accepted to is implemented by American Councils and is a six-week intensive study program in China at one of five locations: Suzhou, Nanjing, Changchun, Hangzhou, or Xi'an. I found out a week after my finalist notification that I will be going to Hangzhou! I will also be living with a host family and attend Chinese classes/participate in cultural activities daily. I'm extremely excited because I love to travel, and I've never been to China before. If you know me well, food will be one of the top things I will be looking forward to :). I can't wait to share my experiences, and in about two months my adventure will begin!
If you are wondering where Hangzhou is...
