Since NC’s creation of the International Studies magnet program nearly two decades ago, an appreciation for diverse cultures and backgrounds has permeated within the student body. Both in and out of school, students busy themselves by joining clubs or organizations that immerse them into different perspectives and introduce them to new people. One of those programs includes the U.S. Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y), which offers American teenagers a once-in-a-lifetime journey to learn a new language and travel abroad. Best of all, participation in NSLI-Y comes at no additional cost to the student and their family. This past summer, two of NC Magnet’s involved students— senior Pamela Musungu and junior Maggie Driemeyer— took advantage of the unique opportunity NSLI-Y provided and spent six weeks fully submerged in new traditions, lifestyles and customs in India and Latvia, respectfully. As they acclimate back into their lives in Cobb County, Musungu and Driemeyer look to share their experiences overseas with their friends at NC.
NSLI-Y offers several ways for students to adapt to a new language and fall in love with a different culture. Through Virtual NSLI-Y, a branch of the organization supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), students can learn eight languages during the academic year, and five over summer break. Arabic, Mandarin, Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Tajiki, Russian and Turkish represent the different avenues students may venture on as they meet twice a week with a group of other passionate students. The dynamic course load features assignments like quizzes, role-playing skits, interactive instruction and various guest speakers that range from NSLI-Y study abroad alumni to government employees. Though time-consuming, the virtual experience grants students who wish to learn a new language the chance to do so in a safe, welcoming environment.
After researching different ways she can expand her international understanding, Musungu found and joined the virtual program during her junior year. Her ten weeks with Virtual NSLI-Y inspired her to apply to the study abroad program based in India. Due to her previous experience with the online program, Musungu already possessed a deeper understanding of Hindi upon her application, which showcased her strong candidacy for the program. Once she received word of her acceptance during the spring semester, Musungu relished the opportunity to travel overseas to India.
“I really love Indian culture and I want to engage further in the customs. To do that, you have to learn a new language so I decided to learn Hindi and the whole experience just went from there. When I first found out that I was accepted, I was so happy. I was sitting in the color guard room for lunch. It was about like 12 PM and I was talking to [my boyfriend] Riley [Kennard]. I showed him my phone and then we both celebrated. It was just a really happy moment,” Musungu said.
During her time in India, Musungu visited iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal and the Lotus Temple. While staying with her host family, she enjoyed rich tastes of curry and naan and also participated in dance classes with members of her cohort. To further her language learning capacity, Musungu also spent upwards of 120 hours throughout her six weeks abroad studying the vital inner workings of Hindi.
Driemeyer’s journey to Latvia took a similar route. A two-year veteran of NSLI-Y programs, she traveled to Japan during her sophomore year to apply her understanding of the Korean language. After she altered her path to take Russian, Driemeyer traveled to the small country of Latvia and explored multiple cities such as Daugavpils and Riga. Her adoration for international studies and hopes to pursue the field in college allowed Driemeyer to embrace all aspects of her time away from home.
While in Latvia, Driemeyer visited places like the Rundāle Palace, Sigulda Castle and the Aglona Church, where she learned about the rich culture of the tiny country with her peers. She also enjoyed the mellow nature of the forests and rich pastries. Throughout her time away, the scholar explored different aspects of the country and solidified her intrigue in its rich history.
“While maybe not a misconception and more an unknown, people didn’t really know that Latvia existed. It is a really small country in an area that isn’t usually talked about a ton, so it’s completely understandable. While on the program I was able to learn a ton about the history and deep culture that Latvia, and Daugavpils more specifically, has. From being an epicenter of culture to being one of the largest Russian-speaking populations outside of Russia, Latvia is super interesting, even if it is really tiny!” Driemeyer said.
What separates NSLI-Y from other summer enrichment programs resides in its ability to grant young people a comfortable space to become uncomfortable. To learn the complexities of a second, third or tenth language comes with an extensive time commitment and focus; in addition to the demands of school work or extracurriculars, students who choose to busy themselves with language learning represent the passion that may live within every young person involved with the program. Partaking in summer enrichment programs allows for teenagers to expand their worldview beyond their school, county or even their state, and inspire others around them. Musungu and Driemeyer plan to utilize their experiences overseas to better their NC communities and hopefully serve as beacons of ingenuity for their fellow peers.
