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The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) Summer Immersion program offers high school students the chance to gain knowledge in critical foreign languages and cultures, funded by the U.S. government. Since 2013, SUNY Korea has hosted the NSLI-Y Korean Language and Culture Summer Immersion program in collaboration with Stony Brook University’s Center for Korean Studies. NSLI-Y offers instruction in several languages, including Arabic, Mandarin, Hindi, Indonesian, Korean, Persian, Russian, and Turkish.

Heejeong Sohn, the Associate Director of the Center for Korean Studies, directs the Korean language summer program. Under her direction, the program has thrived alongside the rapid development of Songdo. Initially, Songdo was still developing, but today it boasts modern amenities and efficient transportation, making it an attractive location for students.

The six-week program features a rigorous curriculum with daily Korean language instruction and immersive cultural experiences. Students engage in real-life activities and field trips across Korea, deepening their understanding of Korean society and culture.

The global popularity of K-pop, K-food, and K-dramas has increased interest in the Korean language and culture. As a result, the program requires students to have basic Korean language skills before arrival, enabling them to delve deeper into their studies. This year, 20 students from 16 states were selected from a competitive pool of 4,800 applicants.

Hailey, a student in this year’s program, learned about NSLI-Y from a college counselor. Her interest in studying Korean and experiencing the culture was sparked during the pandemic while listening to K-pop. Starting with a basic understanding of Korean grammar and small conversations, her language skills improved significantly over the six weeks. "The culture is beautiful, the food is amazing, and the hard work, ethics, and appreciation for public property, family, and elders are really unique and special," she remarked.

Another student, Emmanuel, cherished his experience during a temple stay in Gyeongju. He enjoyed conversing with a Buddhist monk and appreciated participating in the Buddhist lifestyle and the extensive walking involved.

Professor Heejeong Sohn, the Director of the NSLI-Y Korean Language and Culture program, is also the Assistant Director and Advanced Senior Lecturer in the Department of Asian and Asian American Studies at Stony Brook University. She earned her Ph.D. from Stony Brook University, where she studied history and taught Korean, eventually establishing the Center for Korean Studies.

       
<Left: Heejeong Sohn, Director of the NSLI-Y Korean Language Program,
RIGHT: Hailey and Emmanuel, students from the NYSLI-Y Korean Language Program>