The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, provides merit-based scholarships for eligible high school students and recent high school graduates to learn less commonly taught languages in summer and academic-year overseas immersion programs. Deadline: October 27, 2016.

GSA Alumni/Students who have received this scholarship:
1. Megan Kallus (Korea)
2. Romic Aevaz (India)
3. Archit Oswal (Russia) 

4. Morgan Batiste-Sims (Russia)

The Gulen Institute Youth Platform hosts an international essay contest, which is open to all high school students in grades nine through 12 currently enrolled in public or private schools from across the nation and abroad. Students are invited to address global challenges and propose potential solutions based on their own research and experience. Contest winners will also be invited to participate in a platform held in Washington DC, at which they will have the opportunity to share their ideas and listen to their peers from around the world. With this program, We hope to provide a chance for youth from around the world to engage each other in discussion and to advance cross-cultural understanding.

1. Karim Farishta

 

In order to recognize, support, and encourage the young people of our country who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the cause of positive race relations, Princeton University sponsors an annual awards program for high school students—the Princeton Prize in Race Relations. Applications postmarked by January 31, 2017, will be eligible for prizes—including cash awards up to $1,000 for particularly noteworthy work.If you are a high school student involved in an activity that is helping to improve race relations in your school or community, we want to hear from you.If you know of a high school student who is helping to improve race relations, please encourage him or her to apply.The Princeton Prize in Race Relations was created to identify and commend young people who are working to increase understanding and mutual respect among all races. Through this effort, we hope to inspire others to join in these or similar efforts, and to undertake initiatives of their own.

1. Karim Farishta

The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) program is for motivated high school students who want to experience a culture and learn a language through a full immersion experience. Earn a competitive edge for your college applications. Learn about German culture first-hand by living with a host family and attending a German high school. Connect to an elite network of U.S. Department of State program alumni. Embark on an adventure that is unlike any other.As a CBYX participant, you will gain new perspectives on global current affairs and German social, economic and political life. You will learn the German language through immersion in the culture at school and at home. When you return after 10 months abroad, you will have a greater sense of independence, empowerment, and global citizenry. You will make friendships through a shared experience that will last a lifetime, and you will become a true member of another culture. Application Deadline: January 15, 2017.

GSA Alumni/Students who received this Scholarship:
1. Bianca Navia

 

The YES Abroad program provides merit-based scholarships for eligible high school students to develop a perspective of a Muslim culture first-hand. Participants spend an academic year attending a high school while living with a host family in select countries with significant Muslim populations. A network of support through partner international exchange organizations, field staff, trained volunteers, and carefully selected host families helps ensure a successful exchange experience.

1. Bianca Naiva

 

The American Youth Leadership Program is a leadership training exchange program for U.S. high school students and adult mentors. Participants travel abroad to gain firsthand knowledge of foreign cultures and to examine globally significant issues, such as the environment and climate change, food security and nutrition, the role of the media, and science and technology. Programs involve homestays with local families, language lessons, leadership training, and community service opportunities. Participants implement a follow-on project in their communities once they return home. Destinations and deadlines vary each year. This program is funded in partnership with the U.S. State Department.

 

GSA Alumni/Students who have received this scholarship:

1. Varun Rajaram (Ecuador)

2. Jasmine McClam (Ecuador)

3. Anton Zhou (Ecuador) 

4. Yash Desai (Ecuador)

 

Ecuador: February 21, 2017

Through the generosity of numerous corporations, governments, foundations, and individuals, YFU awards more than $1.6 million in partial or full study abroad scholarships annually. To be considered for scholarship awards, you must meet eligibility requirements listed on the individual scholarship information sheets and demonstrate characteristics like flexibility, tolerance, and open-mindedness. Some scholarships are country specific, whereas others allow you to rank your country preferences. Scholarships are awarded based on a comprehensive evaluation process. A selection committee reviews all application materials and you will be contacted for an interview. Notifications to finalists begin in April.

Deadlines vary but most fall between December & February.

GSA Alumni/Students who have received this scholarship:
1. Regina Chen (Japanese American Friendship Scholarship) 

2. Claire Chen (Japanese American Friendship Scholarship)

 

Do you find yourself thinking "been there, done that" too often? Make your summer or school year exceptional by immersing yourself in another culture and community abroad. With over 120+ programs to choose from, you can be somewhere you've never been before, and do something you never dreamed was possible. AFS offers a variety of scholarships around the world. Application deadlines vary by program. Some deadlines are as early as September so check often!

GSA Alumni/Students who have received this scholarship:
1. Alex Chen