Juniors Skyler Albert and Poppy Beiser were chosen for a government-sponsored scholarship to study world languages at an academic intensive program in Taiwan for six weeks this summer.

The National Security Language Initiative for Youth is run by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. To be chosen for the scholarship, an applicant must be a U.S. citizen, be a 15-18 year old high school student and meet other criteria defined in an online application.

Skyler has studied Chinese at Lab since third grade, and said he has always been fascinated by Chinese language. Skyler said he applied to the program with a hope of immersing himself in Chinese culture.

“I’m trying to go in with an open mind,” Skyler said. “I don’t want to go in there with preconceived notions, but I think it’ll be a great opportunity to learn more about Chinese and Taiwanese inspirations and culture, and obviously, improve my language skills.”

Participants in the program will stay with a host family, attend courses at a local university and stay involved with community activities.
Poppy said she is excited to make connections through her passion of learning languages.

“I think it’ll be amazing to form relationships with the host family I stay with, and with the people who I’m taking classes with,” Poppy said. “I’m going to completely commit to only speaking Mandarin as much as I can. I’m sure it’s going to be a really cool experience.”