U.S. State Department Wants High School Students to Say 'YES' to Studying Overseas in 2015

U.S. high school students who want to experience another culture can apply for full scholarships to study abroad next year through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad program.  The program connects high school students with overseas communities and cultures, preparing students to collaborate on today's global challenges such as human rights, community development, workforce development, climate change, and global health.

Sponsored by the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the YES Abroad program is a component of the Kennedy-Lugar YES exchange program that also brings almost 900 high school students from approximately 40 countries with significant Muslim populations to the United States to study each year.

For the 2015-16 academic year, full scholarships are available to live with host families and study for an academic year in countries that currently include: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Macedonia, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, and Turkey. Additional countries, including Egypt and Tunisia, may also be added to the program at a later date. The merit-based scholarship covers  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 basic meals per day; and medical benefits.

First authorized by the U.S. Congress in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the YES program empowers the next generation of leaders and establishes long-lasting ties between the United States and countries with significant Muslim populations. As YES Abroad scholars, American high school students form lasting relationships with their host families and communities and understand global engagement on a whole new level.  YES Abroad is administered by a consortium of non-profit organizations, including American Councils for International Education, AFS-USA, AMIDEAST, and iEARN-USA.

Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in high school at the time of application and be between the ages of 15 years and 18 years and six months  at the start of the program. Additional criteria are detailed on the program website and in the application.

For more information on the YES Abroad program and to access the application, visit www.yes-abroad.org. The deadline for applying is January 7, 2015.