Implementing Inclusive Secondary Russian Language Exchange Programs

Authors

Anna Stewart
Rebecca Berman
Emily Olmstead
Ashlynn Cobb
Emily Matts Henry

Keywords

National Security Language Initiative for Youth, NSLI-Y, virtual language learning, Russian language learning, student exchange programs

Abstract

This discussion is a case study of the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program’s overseas and virtual Russian language offerings. The study also provides considerations and examples for embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into the program design. Special attention is given to identifying Russian language opportunities for American high school students, expanding accessibility, centering program materials on inclusion, and embedding perspectives of the robust regional diversity within the Russian-speaking world into the NSLI-Y program. While the NSLI-Y program partners with many organizations in various locations, examples provided here focus on NSLI-Y programs implemented by American Councils for International Education, with a special focus on the summer and academic year programs located in Chisinau, Moldova, and on virtual programs.

Recommended Citation

Stewart, Anna; Berman, Rebecca; Olmstead, Emily; Cobb, Ashlynn; and Henry, Emily Matts (2021) "Implementing Inclusive Secondary Russian Language Exchange Programs," Russian Language Journal: Vol. 71: Iss. 3.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26067/esy1-2513
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/rlj/vol71/iss3/6