Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad 2019-2020 (Fully-funded)

Deadline: December 4, 2018

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad 2019-2020 is open for applications. Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the YES Abroad program provides scholarships for secondary school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend one academic year in the United States.

U.S. high school students who want to experience another culture can apply for full scholarships to study abroad next school year through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad program. As YES Abroad scholars, American high school students promote mutual understanding between the U.S. and the host country by forming lasting relationships with the local community.

About

For the 2019-2020 academic year, full scholarships are available through YES Abroad to live with host families and attend a local high school for one academic year in countries that may include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Macedonia, Malaysia, Morocco, the Philippines, Senegal, Thailand, and Turkey. The merit-based scholarship covers the following program costs for participants: domestic and international travel, tuition and related academic preparation, accommodations with a host family, educational and cultural activities in the host country, orientations, applicable visa fees, three meals per day, and medical coverage.

First authorized by the U.S. Congress in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the YES program seeks to increase communication and understanding between the United States and countries with significant Muslim populations. YES Abroad is administered by a consortium of non-profit organizations, including American Councils for International Education, AFS-USA, AMIDEAST, and iEARN-USA

Benefits

Full scholarships for American high school students to live and study in Middle East, Africa, Asia, or the Balkans. Get to know Muslim culture first-hand and form lasting friendships with your host family and community!

Eligibility

• All YES Abroad participants must be U.S. citizens.
• 15-18.5 years of age at start of program (Be born between December 26, 2000 and June 26, 2004)
• Enrolled in high school (including home school) at the time of application
• For the following countries, prior French skills are required: Morocco, Senegal
• The YES Abroad program seeks applicants of all racial, ethnic, religious, socio-economic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and welcomes students with disabilities.

Application

Click here to start a 2019-2020 application or to access an application already in progress