I got an email this morning that said mine would be a joint YES/NSLI-Y but no specific times/dates. Anyone else?
No interview news yet in Texas.
Anyone have any comments on phone or skype interviews? I’m not sure which to choose. For Skype at least there would be a face associated to the voice but I feel like it might also be more awkward since it’s online? I dunnoooo lol.
Likewise, in Illinois and nothing yet.
@yujifuji
I would go with the skype interview, I would think that it would be easier to make a connection with the interviewer. But if you do chose that do be sure to wear appropriate attire, even if you don’t think the camera will pick up your legs etc.
Hey guys! Some of you may already know me from the past year… I haven’t been checking this site that often, but I will try to after posting this… 
I am a NSLI-Y Russian summer alumni and I went to Kirov, Russia for seven weeks with AFS as the implementing organization. It was the BEST summer of my life! I was a complete beginner in my Russian knowledge going into the program, but after the program I was placed into an intermediate level! Living in a smaller Russian city, I learned so much about the Russian culture and I can’t wait to go back to visit. I applied to NSLI-Y as a freshmen, so to all of you freshmen, don’t think that it is impossible to be accepted!
If any of you guys have questions, don’t hesitate to ask! I love NSLI-Y, languages, cultures, world religions, and anything that has to do with travelling!
@numnumlexa what time is your interview? Are you interviewing in Chevy Chase?
Hey y’all!
I was looking through NSLI-Y forums to relive my application process last year and I stumbled upon this one. I made an account so I could comment and here it goes:
My name is Dulce, I am a high school senior from Southern California, and I am a NSLI-Y Korean summer program alumna. I know how grueling the app process is so feel free to PM me for questions/tips or drop questions here in the forum. 
I know interviews are coming up so I could also offer some advice in that area.
Best of luck to you all! The whole process is long but it’ll be worth it once you read the acceptance e-mails.
I’m the mom of a Russian summer semi-finalist. Trying to figure out when the program starts. If accepted, she would be going with American Council. Do all the groups leave around June 24th? Also, does the organization for your region determine which Russian speaking country?
Illinois here. Received my interview email yesterday
@Bananasmom
Hi! I am a Russian summer semi-finalist as well so I’ve done a little bit of searching around on the web to find out as much as I could about the Russian program specifically, though I cannot completely guarantee the accuracy of my answers.
1.) I know the Russian program specifically requires a much more extensive visa process so for that reason the Russian finalists seem to be notified in March, a little earlier than the others. I’m not sure if that would imply that the Russian program will leave sooner, but I expect that they will happen around the same date.
2.) I’m not entirely sure how they determine the country you’re placed in however I highly doubt they do it by region. They want to make it as personalized as possible so grouping that way would simply be ineffective. It seems that certain applicants who have shown a strong interest in one specific country may have a better chance of ending up there, like in the case of @fromUSA2Russia. Likewise, it seems like if you have certain medical needs they may place you in a country that will be able to allow any drugs or treatment you may need.
The more you find out about the process the more it seems to
Sorry I am not very active in this forum anymore, just to update though:
Academic Year Korean Semifinalist. Sophomore. Texas (classified as remote location though). Interview via Skype on December 31st with a volunteer named Ellie.
@Ruzzen
Illinois applicant too!~ I have my interview scheduled for January 3rd. How about you?
@EmmaPotts
Myself as well, I can’t wait, If you don’t mind I’ll shoot you a PM with more detail.
Anyone from NJ have an interview scheduled yet? My DS has not been contacted yet.
Any semi finalists from AZ? Any AZ interviews scheduled?
I’m a Chinese summer semi-finalist. Had my interview last weekend. It was very friendly, two AFS volunteers, one of whom normally flies with students to China for the summer program. Does anyone know the normal start date? I want to try to do something in the very beginning of summer, but I’m not sure if I’ll have time in case I do get accepted.
Apply California who was notified for an interview?
I’m a semi-finalist for Summer Korean but haven’t heard anything so far 
@laura2000
I would look on the Nsli-y facebook page and scroll down to late spring/early summer when people where saying what program they were going with and their dates of departure.
Are there any applicants from NC with their interviews on January 16?
In address to the kid in CA, I Live near Sacramento, I applied for the summer in Turkey, and got my interview email on 12/04/15. maybe interview times are different in southern Cal, if that’s where your at.
buttefire
Has Anyone completed their interview yet? Mine is quickly approaching on the third of January and I’m terribly excited. If any past alum would like to throw out any suggestions or preparation tips they’d be much appreciated!