McLean High Student Returns from Summer Abroad in Russia

Madeleine Scherer, a 16-year-old rising junior at McLean High School, was one of 14 American high schoolers to recently return to the States from a summer immersion program in Russia.

Scherer and the rest of the group were ambassadors and finalists of the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLIY) Russian Language and Culture Program. The NSLIY programs include a full merit-based scholarship to study less commonly taught languages overseas during summer or academic-year programs.

The scholarships are provided by the U.S. Department of State and cover all program costs, including travel, tuition and related academic preparation, language testing, educational and cultural activities, meals and other accommodations.

The program is aimed at not only developing language skills among America’s youth, but to also promote an interest in foreign languages and cultures. It was first launched as part of a U.S. Government initiative in 2006.

Scherer said she first heard about the scholarships through her older cousin, who earned a scholarship to study Arabic in Morocco just last summer. She had always been interested in different languages and cultures, and said as soon as she heard about the program she began to research how to apply.

“NSLIY was the greatest thing I have ever done, both from an academic and life experience stand point,” Scherer told Patch. “Through this program I met some of the most amazing people I will ever meet, both American and Russian. I was able to mature and learn to handle new situations, in a foreign country, on my own. ... This program allowed me to experience new and amazing things and has changed how I view almost everything.”

Scherer said she spent four hours a day in language class with a teacher who spoke very little English, and said the program covered an entire textbook in a span of only six weeks. The curriculum moved at a fast pace, but Scherer said she wouldn’t have had it any other way.

“I am so grateful to have been chosen to participate in NSLIY,” she said. “As cliché as it sounds, I definitely made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.”