The National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) program is a unique opportunity for many American students to learn the language that is usually less commonly taught. I would like to participate in this program to improve my knowledge of the Russian language and develop my writing and reading skills. There are three main reasons why I choose this program: the possibility to learn the host culture and traditions, the necessity to improve my understanding of the Russian ideology, and the opportunity to develop my communication and critical thinking skills.
Today, American-Russian relations are complicated indeed, and it is necessary to have enough information about the countries, their histories, and cultures. This program helps to study the language through understanding its culture, traditions, and social norms, as well as its history and development through different epochs. The differences between American and Russian ideologies are impressive. I wish to comprehend this gap and identify the strengths and weaknesses of both countries in comparison to each other. Finally, this program aims at developing students’ writing, reading, and communicative skills. My participation is my chance for self-improvement and the development of the required academic skills.
Respect for history, culture, and traditions is what people should strive for. The NSLI-Y program proves that the process of language learning is actually many-sided. It is not enough to learn the peculiarities of the language. It is necessary to explore the cultural impact on the language and consider the social ideologies of the country.