On September 26, 2016, NSLI-Y Interactive hosted the virtual event "A Day in the Life in Tajikistan."
Four NSLI-Y alumni reflected on their experiences as Persian language students, cultural ambassadors, and NSLI-Y scholarship recipients. Each also presented on one specific aspect from their summer in Tajikistan (language learning, language practice, religion, and cultural differences). Through their presentations, these alumni provided invaluable insight on the culture, everyday life, and life as a NSLI-Y student in Tajikistan.
Please support these amazing young scholars by watching their presentations and by sharing this story or leaving a comment below.
NSLI-Y Student Speakers:
Mayesha
My name is Mayesha, and I’m from Indianapolis, Indiana. I spent the summer of 2016 in Dushanbe on the NSLI-Y summer program studying Tajiki. During this program, I immersed myself in the beautiful culture of Tajikistan by sampling various dishes and cuisines, listening to Tajikistan's enchanting traditional songs, traveling through the stunning mountainous landscapes, and forming strong relationships in a relatively short period of time. This year, I am attending Georgetown University in Washington D.C., where I am interested in pursuing Biochemistry and Computer Science.
Jack
Hi everybody! My name is Jack, and I’m from Boise, Idaho and am a senior at Riverstone International School. I did the NSLI-Y summer program in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. I chose Tajikistan because Tajiki is closely related to Farsi and because the country’s landscape looks exactly like the mountains and desert back home. While there, I joined a Pamiri five-a-side soccer team, spent a lot of time watching Step-Up movies in Russian with my host sisters, and hanging out in downtown Dushanbe with friends I made on the program and with friends I made locally.
Josephine
My name is Josephine and I'm from Salt Lake City, Utah. I went on the NSLI-Y summer 2016 program to Tajikistan. I decided to learn Tajiki because I study Arabic in school and I thought it would be interesting to see the similarities and differences between Persian and Arabic. I love learning languages and meeting people from different cultures, so I especially loved getting to know my host family and talking with them. I'm a sophomore in high school this school year, but I hope to continue studying Persian in the future.
Sean
My name is Sean, and I’m from Arlington, Virginia. I spent my sophomore summer in Tajikistan, where I learned Tajiki Persian. I am interested in learning Tajiki because not only is it spoken in Tajikistan, but also Iran and Afghanistan. I am interested in Central and Western Asian affairs, and I hope that learning Persian will help me pursue a career linked to these regions and the Persian language. During my time in Dushanbe, I liked to take walks with my host family, visit local bazaars, and attempt to eat local.