YES Program is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for the growth and education of individuals while working with other individual partners. Kennedy Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program are thus designed to empower the youth of different communities towards innovation, cultural thinking, learning, sharing, and growth.
The YES Exchange Program is a chance for communities, schools, educators, and young students from a wide geographic range of Pakistan, including remote and underprivileged areas, to enhance their educational and practical experience. The students learn about different cultures, ethics, and ways of life while staying for a whole year in the United States.
Over the years, the Kennedy-Lugar exchange program has produced more than 1453 alumni who have learned to respect cultural diversity and have become a bridge of friendship between the USA and Pakistan. Furthermore, the YES scholarship program organization doesn’t discriminate based on colour, race, religion, or sex. To provide the students with a sense of independence and coexistence, the fully funded scholarship program also provides equal opportunities to practice their religion freely.
As this one-year student exchange program in the USA is for young individuals, there are some special policy restrictions as well as age restrictions. However, this fully-funded exchange program is really worth it. Besides, the foster families are chosen very carefully by the organizations that take care of the exchange students like their own. Like real parents, they attend school meetings and take an interest in students.
YES Program in the USA:
Host Country:
•United States of America
Funded By:
•The Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program scholarships are funded by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
Administered By:
•In Pakistan, the YES Program is administered by the Society for International Education (SIE) in partnership with the local U.S. Embassy, and Public Affairs Office.
US Student Exchange Program Duration:
•One year.
Benefits of the YES Program:
•The scholarships cover the school tuition fees.
•The student will be given a monthly stipend of $200.
•Boarding and lodging costs in the USA will be covered.
•The student will stay with a trusted foster family in the USA.
Eligibility Criteria of the YES Program in the USA:
•The student must be a Pakistani citizen and must be residing in Pakistan as well.
•The student must be enrolled in secondary school i.e. 9th or 10th grade or O’level 9th grade or O’level 10th grade.
•The students who are in O’level 11th grade are not eligible.
•The student must not be less than 15 years of age and more than 17 years of age.
•The student must have a minimum of 60% marks in all major subjects in the past three years.
•The average marks percentage must also be 60% for the last three years.
•The student must be able to communicate in English.
•The student must have 60% marks in English subjects over the past three years.
•A student who has already travelled to the USA can not apply.