Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program

Building Bridges of Understanding

YES Program Goals

While living with an American family and attending a U.S. high school, YES students:

  • Acquire an understanding of important elements of a civil society, including concepts such as volunteerism, civic responsibility, and respect for the rule of law.
  • Develop an appreciation for American culture, an increased respect for diversity, and appreciation for others with differing views, beliefs, and practices.
  • Interact with Americas and generate enduring ties.
  • Teach Americans about people and cultures of their home countries.
  • Gain leadership capacity that will enable them as alumni to initiate and support community service and development projects in their home countries.

 

What is the YES Program?

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, provides full scholarships for high school students (generally ages 15 to 17) from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend one (1) academic year in the United States. Memorandum Circular.

Deadline of Application: May 1 to July 6, 2018 – 1pm

For application, please email phi.YES [email protected]

Application Form

About the Program

Eligible applicants must be:

  • Citizens or permanent residents of the country of application (PHI)
  • Student ages 15 to 17.5 years at the start of the program are eligible to apply
  • Be enrolled in a secondary school at a time of application
  • Have the equivalent of a B average or better without failing grades
  • Have not completed more than 11 years of primary education nor received a high school diploma by the start of the program
  • Demonstrate sufficient English language ability to speak and study in English
  • Meet U.S. visa eligibility requirements
  • Student should be sufficiently healthy to participate
  • Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously studied in the United
    States
  • Commitment to cultural immersion in the United States through a homestay experience
  • Ability to meet cross-cultural challenges with maturity, humor and an open mind
  • Plans for sharing their U.S. experience with their home and community upon return home