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Servas Youth Language Experience

The Servas Youth Language Experience (SYLE) is a unique opportunity for Servas youth (ages 18-30) in which you are able to spend a month in the country of your choice immersed in the local language and culture! It’s a flexible and adaptable program, designed by you together with the coordinator and host country to suit your desires and goals. The program lasts for one month, staying approximately 1 week with 4 different host families. As with any Servas stay, daily activities depend on the circumstances of the host families as well as the desires of the traveler.

Do I have to be a Servas member to apply? 

Yes! This is a program for Servas members only, so make sure that you have (or are in the process of getting) a valid letter of introduction (LOI) before applying.

How long ahead of time should I apply? 

Due to the time it takes to coordinate with the host country and arranging the host families, it’s recommended to apply 3-4 months in advance of the desired departure date.

Do I have to be fluent in the language to go? 

Not at all! You don’t have to have any knowledge of the local language before you head off, just a willingness to learn. It’s always good to brush up on some of the basics though!

Can I travel to other areas of the country during my SYLE? 

Absolutely! The SYLE program is designed to be flexible to the needs and goals of the traveler and so you can design it just about any way you’d like. Read about the experiences of previous SYLE participants above.

What if I’m not interested in learning a language but in volunteering? 

That’s fine too! While our main focus is helping students immerse themselves in the language, we can also help explore other interests as well. Let us know what your goals are and we will do our best to work with the host country to help you achieve them!



Step 1

Apply to be a Servas member:

JOIN SERVAS


Step 2

Apply to SYLE program using the form below.



Step 3

Get interviewed. Once admitted, design your program and get ready for your adventure.


Step 4

Enjoy your SYLE program! When you return, write out your experience and share it with us.

Funding (Mogerman Scholarship)

US Servas is proud to present the Mogerman Youth (18-30) Scholarship fund. Long-time Servas member and past Board Chair, Dennis Mogerman, is offering SYLE scholarships.

  • Two (2) $1,000 scholarships are available annually for US Residents who plan to study a language other than English through SYLE (up to $1,000 per applicant). 

  • Once the SYLE application and Scholarship request have been approved (and airline and hosting arrangements have been made), the first half of the scholarship reimbursement will be sent to the recipient ($500).  

  • Article and photos must be submitted within six weeks of the trip. 

  • The second half of the scholarship will be awarded after the completion of the SYLE, post trip reports, and above mentioned article and photos.

  • To apply or receive more information, contact  SYLE@usservas.org

Ready to get started?

E-mail the Youth Initiatives Committee: SYLE@usservas.org and provide a brief background about yourself and why you wish to take part in the SYLE program. We are looking forward to hearing from you!


If Servas SYLE map does not appear properly, please click HERE to open up map in new window.


1887 Whitney Mesa Dr., #1250,

Henderson, NV 89014

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