This summer, Luke Meyers ’26 spent six weeks in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as part of the prestigious U.S. Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) scholarship program.

Living with a local host family and speaking almost exclusively in Russian, Meyers immersed himself in the language and culture of Central Asia. His days were filled with intensive Russian classes at the American University of Central Asia, cultural excursions to historic and natural landmarks and meaningful conversations with locals about daily life and regional history.

Outside the classroom, Meyers explored Bishkek’s vibrant markets, museums and music scene, and even presented a final research project on the legendary Soviet-era rock band Grazhdanskaya Oborona. Weekend trips took him deep into Kyrgyzstan’s mountains and to the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, where he experienced the country’s rich nomadic traditions firsthand.

Meyers returned to Jacksonville with not only greatly improved Russian proficiency but also a deeper understanding of global cultures and perspectives. When reflecting on his experience, Meyers wrote: “There was a point during the program when I woke up in my apartment in Kyrgyzstan and realized I was not visiting… I live in Bishkek. I walk the streets with familiarity, and I speak Russian.”

His NSLI-Y experience builds on his studies in Latin and Chinese at Bolles and reflects his long-standing passion for international relations, music and world travel. He is also completing the Bolles Global Scholar Program. Well done, Luke! #BollesGlobal