Are you a high school student dreaming of studying in the United States? The Kennedy-Lugar 2026 Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program 2025 offers an incredible, fully funded opportunity to experience American education and culture firsthand. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, this prestigious youth exchange and study program promotes mutual understanding between the United States and countries with significant Muslim populations.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the YES Program scholarship, including eligibility criteria, application steps, and the life-changing benefits it offers.
The YES Abroad program allows American high school students to spend a year studying abroad in countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Macedonia, Malaysia, Morocco, the Philippines, Senegal, Thailand, and Turkey. Similarly, international high school students from these countries are given the opportunity to study in the United States for a year.
The program provides an excellent opportunity for students to experience a different culture and way of life while continuing their education. Students live with host families and attend local schools,
allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the culture of the country they are visiting. This experience helps students gain a deeper understanding of the world and the different perspectives that exist.
Find the IMF youth exchange program here
What is the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange Program?
The Kennedy-Lugar YES Program is a U.S. government-funded cultural exchange program that allows selected high school students from over 40 countries to:
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Study for one academic year in the United States
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Live with carefully screened American host families
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Attend a U.S. high school
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Participate in community service and leadership development activities
For U.S. citizens, the YES Abroad Program offers similar opportunities to study in select partner countries.
Learn more about both programs at the official YES Program website.
YES Program Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Kennedy-Lugar YES Program 2025, students must meet specific requirements. While eligibility criteria vary slightly by country, the core requirements typically include:
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Age: Between 15 and 18.5 years at the start of the program
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Education: Enrolled in secondary school at the time of application
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English proficiency: Strong command of written and spoken English
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Academic performance: Above-average grades and leadership potential
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Citizenship: Must be a citizen of a participating YES country
For U.S. students applying to YES Abroad, check yes-abroad.org for specific requirements and deadlines.
Kennedy-Lugar YES Program Application Process
Here is a general overview of the Kennedy-Lugar YES Program application process:
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Online or in-person application via the local implementing partner
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English language proficiency test
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Interviews and group activities
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Submission of academic records and parental consent
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Final selection and orientation
Application timelines vary by country, so be sure to check with your local YES program coordinator.
What Does the YES Program Scholarship Cover?
The YES Program scholarship is fully funded, making it one of the best high school student exchange programs supported by the U.S. Department of State. It typically includes:
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Round-trip airfare to and from the U.S.
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Monthly stipend for personal expenses
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Full room and board with a host family
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Enrollment in a local American high school
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Comprehensive health insurance
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Pre-departure and re-entry orientation
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Support from local coordinators and a strong alumni network
Benefits of the Kennedy-Lugar YES Program
Participating in the YES Program transforms lives. Here are just a few of the YES Program benefits:
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Develop leadership skills and global perspectives
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Enhance academic and communication skills
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Build lifelong friendships and connections worldwide
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Participate in community service and civic engagement
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Gain a deeper understanding of American culture and society
What Countries Are Part of the YES Program?
The YES Program is open to students from over 40 participating countries, including:
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Pakistan
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Indonesia
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Nigeria
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Egypt
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Kenya
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Bangladesh
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Philippines
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Malaysia
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Senegal
Tips for a Successful YES Program Application
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Start early and carefully read the application instructions.
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Showcase your leadership experience and community involvement.
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Practice for the interview and improve your English skills.
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Be honest and personal in your responses.
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Research YES program countries if applying to YES Abroad.
YES Abroad Program for U.S. High School Students
Are you a U.S. high school student interested in studying abroad? The YES Abroad Program provides American teens with the chance to live and study in YES partner countries, fostering global citizenship and cultural understanding.
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Target group: Students in grades 9–12
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Coverage: Fully funded, including travel, tuition, and living expenses
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Countries: Indonesia, Ghana, Jordan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and more
