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National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)

Basmala Sewilam

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NSLI-Y is a study abroad program in which I was selected to be able to learn the language of Arabic in the arabic-speaking country of Morocco. Since this was in the summer, the weather was unbelievably hot and the air was dry. However, the beautiful palm trees and the pretty flowers surrounding the whole country makes up for it.

Where did the EP take place? What was the area/campus/

office/virtual environment like?

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The main purpose of this program was to improve my arabic speaking skills and become more fluent in Arabic. In order for us to accomplish that goal, we were students in a center in Morocco that gave us Arabic lessons that improved our speaking, writing, and listening skills

What was the overall goal of your EP? What did you do/learn/accomplish?

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Wake up at 7:30 and get ready for school
Arrive to the center at 9 using a taxi with my roommate
9-9:40, learning the new Arabic vocabulary from the teacher
9:45-10:45, breakfast provided by the center
10:50-12, learning more new Arabic vocabulary
12-12:10, 10 minute break
12:10-1, practicing the new material we learned by doing group activities and role play
1-4, lunch and nap time (yes they have nap time in Morocco!)
4-5, exploration where we either go to a museum with the whole cohort or we explore Morocco with our friends
Get home to host family and have a second lunch with them
After lunch, my roommate and I would do our homework together
After we finish our homework, we would watch a daily movie with our host family
1am, eat dinner
3am, sleep

What was your daily or weekly schedule like?

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SEO sent an email describing this program and a google form for people who were interested in order for them to get nominated. I looked at the program and was really interested, so I completed the google form. A couple days later, I receive an email saying I was nominated to apply for this program. The application process consisted an online application form, 2 essays, letter of introduction, official grade transcript, and a recommendation letter. Even though, this seems like a lot, SEO really helped me throughout the process by meeting on Zoom to review my essays and making sure everything was on time and ready

How did you decide to apply for this program? What was the application process like?

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If I could re-do my EP, I would research more about the program before leaving for it. I also would’ve told myself to use the help SEO was offering throughout the process. The help is there for you so you should take advantage of that.

What would you have done differently if you could re-do your EP or the EP application process?

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This experience has shaped me into becoming more independent and being responsible of myself. This experience was my first experience without my parents or anyone so it was definitely a new and wonderful experience experience. This experience made me more decisive and a much faster thinker. The learnings of being more independent and strong communication skills will always be with me future.

How did this experience shape you? What learnings will you take with you in the future?