Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program
Through the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations live and study for an academic year in the United States. YES students serve as “youth ambassadors” of their home country, promoting mutual understanding by forming lasting relationships with their host families and communities. Participants live with a host family, attend an American high school, acquire leadership skills, and engage in activities to learn about U.S. society and values; they also help educate Americans about their home country and culture. Applicants compete for YES scholarships through a rigorous, merit-based selection process. While on the program, participants live with American host families, attend high school, and engage in community service and civic education activities.
Requirements
The requirements can differ from country to country, however, it's usual that you must:
Be between the ages of 15-17, be enrolled in a secondary school at the time of application, have the equivalent of a B average or better without failing grades and meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements.
Destinations
Length
The length of the programme is one academic year
Study fields
This program is in a high-school level, programme. Study fields can be chosen depending on the school's program.
Funding
Applicants compete for YES scholarships through a rigorous, merit-based selection process. While on the program, participants live with American host families, attend high school, and engage in community service and civic education activities.