NSLI FOR YOUTH - Scholarships to Study Language Abroad
Russian Language & Culture RAF and Bolshoi Way Moscow Summer Intensive
THE REGISTRATION FOR THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN CLOSED.
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR UNPRECEDENTED INTEREST!
PROGRAM DATES: JULY 14 - AUGUST 25, 2012
For the third year in a row, Russian American Foundation and its Bolshoi Ballet Academy Summer Intensive has been selected for the highly prestigious NSLI FOR YOUTH Program, supported by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in cooperation with American Councils for International Education. The educational goal of the NSLI FOR YOUTH program is to immerse American high school students in the Russian language and culture: the Program will combine Russian language training (beginner level), cultural immersion and Bolshoi Ballet Academy training. PLEASE NOTE: The primary focus remains on the Russian language and culture studies, and all participants will be required to demonstrate advancement in language skills acquisition upon the completion of the program. RAF is proud to announce that this year it will offer an opportunity to participate in this educational life transforming and all-expense paid 6-week program to 15 finalists to be selected from the national pool!
U.S. AMBASSADOR MCFAUL QUOTES: "I can’t stress enough how important these exchanges are in building a strong relationship between our countries... These exchanges provide academic opportunities for students in all fields. But indirectly, they also help to undermine stereotypes. Nothing is worse for scientific advance, business development, or international cooperation than assumptions based on false impressions or factual inaccuracies. Greater engagement and understanding does not always lead to common interests or shared values. But interaction between our societies at least reduces the probability of disagreements based on misperceptions and increases the opportunities of collaboration between individuals, companies, non-governmental organizations, universities, and governments."
For those selected to participate, the NSLI FOR YOUTH Moscow Summer Intensive will start immediately after the end of the first BBASI 3-week session in New York. The NSLI FOR YOUTH program is meant to recognize student's academic merit and interest in the Russian language and culture. No prior language experience is necessary to be considered. The Program will be designed to give a full language and cultural immersion, in addition to the high quality ballet training you all know RAF's NY/CT program for.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
An applicant MUST be:
- A U.S. Citizen;
- Currently enrolled in (or just graduated from) high school;
- 15-18 years of age at start of the program (July 14, 2012);
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale;
- Enrolled in the 2012 New York Bolshoi Ballet Academy Summer Intensive.
SELECTION PROCESS:
1) Applicant must be enrolled in the 2012 New York Bolshoi Ballet Academy Summer Intensive to participate (if you are already enrolled in the 6-week session and are selected as a Finalist, you will be reimbursed for the final 3-week session).
2) Applicant is required to submit in a timely manner all necessary documents: please see the Registration Form and the Q&A form for the complete list of documents.
3) RAF must receive all forms in the office by FRIDAY, MARCH 30th, 2012.
4) RAF selection Committee will review all applications, conduct phone and/or personal interviews with semi-finalists and will make final determinations by May 1st, 2012. Determinations will be made based on a point system in the following areas: A) Exhibited interest in Russian language and Russian culture; B) Academic excellence; C) Demonstrated maturity. Semi-finalists will be required to fill out specific NSLI-Y Medical/ Dental Evaluation forms. If you are selected as a semi-finalist, you will be asked to obtain a thorough medical and dental clearance and complete RAF’s medical forms, which should be received in the office on/ before May 11th, 2012. As RAF is responsible to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, to make sure that each participant excels and meets the goals of the Program, the selection Committee reserves the right to award extra points to applicants who have demonstrated maturity and dedication during the past enrollment in RAF’s Bolshoi Ballet Academy Summer Intensive Program. Having said that, all interested and registered students for the 2012 Bolshoi Ballet Academy Summer Intensive Program are encouraged to apply for the NSLI FOR YOUTH program.
MORE INFORMATION (PLEASE REVIEW CAREFULLY):
2012 NSLI FOR YOUTH Russian Language & Culture RAF and Bolshoi Way Moscow Summer Intensive Q&A Form: PDF
For information on the 2010 and 2011 NSLI FOR YOUTH Russian Language & Culture RAF and Bolshoi Way Moscow Summer Intensive, see below. Read some of the previous participants' testimonials: Kelsey, Mable, Alexis, Laurie, Anna Corinne, Haley. View the photo gallery from the past NSLI FOR YOUTH Moscow Summer Intensives here. Below are the photos from the 2011 NSLI FOR YOUTH Moscow Summer Intensive.
Special Thanks to RAF's NSLI FOR YOUTH Program Friends and Supporters:
Feel free to visit the NSLI for Youth websites by clicking the images below:
