I asked Nurie if I could share about her experience and add some pictures. See below for her answers and if interested, here is the link for the Application Information and some FAQ to learn more!
1.How did you find out about the program?
We stumbled across it on the internet while looking for summer programs.
2.What was the process for applying?
You first have to meet the qualifications. U.S. citizenship is required because this program is payed for by the State Department. You need one letter of recommendation, one letter from a parent, need to write several essays, and your transcript. Once you pass the first round, you will be a semi-finalist. Semi-finalists are interviewed.
3. Were there set dates that you traveled or is there flexibility?
There is no flexibility. Once you get the program, NSLI-Y will purchase your plane tickets and you must attend all orientations which they will email you about.
4. Were you working with an organization in China or how did that work?
My program was supervised by AFS-China, but other programs can be supervised by other organizations. NSLI-Y is the one that pays for everything.
5.What types of activities/work did you do there?
During the weekdays, I had 5 Chinese language classes and one Chinese culture class. Sometimes we would do community service like teaching children English in a library or performing at a nursery home. The school also took us on a trip to the Giant Panda Research Center and Kwanzhai xiangzi, which is an ancient street in Chengdu, China. Every program will take the students on a local trip. For example, students placed in Xi’an will visit the Terra-Cotta Army. The host family will usually also take you somewhere famous in your local area.
6.How long were you there?
I was there for 6 weeks.
7. How did the experience help you see the culture in a different way than what you learned in school?
In class, textbooks will normally mention what Chinese “normally” do and how they normally act. But, this experience was put in place to break down previous stereotypes everyone had on the Chinese, and truly showed us Chinese culture rather than listening to just what a book would say. Textbooks do have accuracy, but China is so big that every area is going to be a bit different. The foods they normally eat are different and even the dialect can be different.
8.What was your favorite thing you did?
My favorite thing was getting to meet new people from all over the U.S. and connecting with my host family.
9. Was there anything hard about being there?
A lot of kids had a hard time adjusting to the food at first, especially because Chengdu is known for their spicy food, but all the host families were accommodating and made sure that you were ok and able to eat something. If any students needed help, the school coordinators were always readily available. I had some money problems, so the school coordinator drove me during lunch break to a bank. By the way, always make sure you have a lot of cash,RMB, in China. A lot of places do not take cards. So, make sure you have an ATM card that works and call the bank before you go to China so that they don’t block your card.
10.What was your biggest takeaway from the experience?
Immersion is such an important step when learning a language. My language level shot up drastically.
11.What do you want others to know?
Don’t be discouraged if you get rejected the first time. I found out about this program my junior year, applied, and got rejected. But, I tried again my second year and I got it. So, even if you get rejected the first time, you should definitely try again!
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| Singing at the Senior Activity Center (Community Service) |
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| Great Wall of China |
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| Delicious Chinese food! |
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| With Host Brother |
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| With Host Sister |
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| With Host Mom and Host Sister |
