Past program · High school exchange
YES Program
Students on the YES program spend an academic year in the United States, living with host families, attending high schools, engaging in activities to learn about American society and values, and helping educate Americans about their countries and cultures.
The YES program has ended and is no longer accepting applications. High-school students can explore FLEX Global, which builds on the YES legacy. Learn about FLEX
About
About the YES Program
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program was established by the U.S. Congress in October 2002 in response to the events of September 11, 2001. Funded through the U.S. Department of State and sponsored by the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA), this innovative public diplomacy initiative offers scholarships for a year of study in the United States.
In 2018, the YES program celebrated its 15th anniversary of building bridges of international understanding, especially between Americans and people in countries of strategic importance. In 2009, the YES Abroad program was established in order to provide a similar opportunity for U.S. students (15-18 years) to spend an academic year in selected YES countries.
For more information, please visit the official YES website.
Eligibility
Where Amideast managed YES
Amideast manages the application and screening process for the Kennedy-Lugar YES program for the following countries: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and the West Bank.
Partnership
Amideast's Role
Amideast is one of five organizations that administer a component of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program. The consortium is headed by American Councils and also includes AFS Intercultural Programs, iEARN, and Iowa Resource for International Service.
Gallery
YES students across the region
Program partners
YES is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by Amideast.
Alumni community
Stay connected after your program
Join the Amideast alumni community to hear about learning opportunities, events, and stories from fellow participants.