Local Student Selected for U.S. Department of State Study Abroad Program

Mishti Borkar, a Lake Hiawatha high school student, has been awarded a scholarship from the U. S. Department of State’s NSLI-Y program to study Korean in South Korea this summer. She is among 440 students selected from thousands of applicants nationwide, highlighting the competitiveness of the program. During her time abroad, Mishti will live with a host family, engage with local students, and immerse herself in Korean culture, acting as a citizen ambassador for American values.

The NSLI-Y program, launched in 2006, aims to increase proficiency in languages deemed critical for U. S. national security and economic competitiveness. Key languages include Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, and Korean. The program is administered by American Councils for International Education, allowing students to enhance their cross-cultural communication skills.

Applications open each fall, and interested families can find more details at www. nsliforyouth. org. The State Department also promotes hosting international exchange students as a means to experience new cultures at home.