For the 2015-2016 school year, there are three different programs for students to look into in order to travel abroad. The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) is offering students a chance to study one of seven languages in a country where it is nationally spoken, including: Arabic, Mandarin, Hindi, Korean, Persian, Russian, and Turkish. However, applications for this program were due on October 30, 2014, but can be found online at www.nsliforyouth.org for future applicants.

Nevertheless, there are two other programs available to students. One of which is the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad Program (YES). Applications are due January 7, 2015. A student accepted into this program would live with a host family and attend a local high school.  The YES program works to, “increase understanding between the people in the United States and people in countries with significant Muslim populations,” according to Spotsylvania County Website as well as the LOOPS emails.  Countries in the YES program include Malaysia, Mali, Oman, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey. More information for this program can be found at www.yes-abroad.org.

The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange Program (CBYX) works with German schools and families to allow American students to live with a host family and truly experience the culture of Germany. Applications to this program are due December 5, 2014 and are available online at www.usagermanyschoolarship.org.

“We make sure that students don’t lose a year of schooling and work towards an on-time graduation,” said Ms. Rahm, head of the counseling department.