On February 22nd, 2017, NSLI-Y Interactive hosted the virtual event “Russian Language Learning Strategies.”
Five current NSLI-Y Moldova students gave presentations in Russian to two Russian language classrooms in the U.S. (Baltimore, Maryland and Anchorage, Alaska). The NSLI-Y students shared about their lives in Moldova and how they maximize an immersion environment for language learning. After the presentations, the students in the U.S. were given the opportunity to ask the NSLI-Y students questions in Russian about their time in Moldova so far.
Please support these impressive young scholars by watching their presentations and by sharing this story or leaving a comment below.
U.S. educators interested in having their language classroom participate in a Virtual Event can complete this form to register.
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NSLI-Y Student Speakers:
Caroline
My name is Caroline and I'm from Charlottesville, VA. I came into NSLI-Y with eight months of self-study in Russian, and it's been quite the adventure! Besides the intellectual attraction of Russian, I love the rich culture - especially the arts and history - that accompanies learning the language. Here in Chisinau, I've capitalized on the multitude of inexpensive concerts, shows, and films, developed a newfound yoga habit, and taken piano lessons. After NSLI-Y, I'll be attending the University of Richmond, where I tentatively plan on studying journalism, international relations, and music.
Thane
My name is Thane and I'm from Gillette, Wyoming, a small town in rural America. I applied for the NSLI-Y Russian scholarship looking for both an academic and cultural challenge; I wanted first-hand experience living in a world drastically different from my own. With Russian being the first foreign language I have ever attempted to learn, I am finding it to be very challenging, yet rewarding. Every day has brought new situations and challenges. Whether it be language-based, or on the street, I find myself growing immensely. I will never regret my NSLI-Y experience in Moldova!
Pamela
Всем привет! My name is Pamela, but for the past few months I've gone by simply "Mila." I am 18 years old, and will be a proud member of the Wellesley College class of 2021. In my free time, I can be found obsessing over Russian literature, singing my heart out, or exploring the great outdoors! Looking back on my life before NSLI-Y, I realize just how much I didn't know about the world around me, the meaning of hospitality and friendship, and my own potential. My time in Moldova has given me a new perspective and I am grateful for everyone who has helped make this experience so special!
Ryan
Hi everybody! My name is Ryan and I am from Middletown, VA. I’m here in Chisinau, Moldova for my junior year, so I don’t know yet where I will eventually go to college. Wherever I wind up, I intend to continue studying linguistics and international relations. I chose Russian because I am extremely interested in Russian history and literature, and I hope to be able to use the language in my future career. In Chisinau, I’ve spent most of my free time playing chess at the national club, obsessively exploring the city’s museums (where else in the world can you get up close and personal with a slightly used MiG-21 fighter jet?), and hanging out with the Moldovan friends I’ve made.
Connor
My name is Connor and I am a Baltimore native currently living in Chisinau, Moldova on the NSLI-Y Russian Academic Year program. During the week I study Russian with other NSLI-Y participants and also take literature classes at a local lyceum. In my free time I take Latin dance classes, practice acro yoga, and play with my host sister, among other things. After studying Russian in high school, I saw the NSLI-Y year-long program as an amazing opportunity to challenge myself and dedicate myself to language learning and cultural exchange. The growth I have experienced, both linguistic and personal, has been invaluable. When I return to the U.S., I will start at the University of Pennsylvania, where I hope to study biochemistry, neuroscience, and, of course, languages.
Check out the Q&A between the NSLI-Y students and the U.S. classrooms here: