Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES)
“The YES program isn’t just life-changing; it opens people’s minds and hearts to different things. I owe this program a lot. It gives a person a greater understanding of freedom.”
—YES program student from Kuwait (hosted in Maine)
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program advances US priorities by developing a network of young leaders from countries of strategic importance.
Funded by the US Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, this program helps students shared information about their home culture and form meaningful relationships with their host families and communities, strengthening the linkages between the US and YES countries.
History
Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program was enacted by the US Congress in 2002 under the sponsorship of Senators Edward Kennedy and Richard Lugar. YES students study for an academic year in the United States, attending a US school and living with a US host family. To date, over 15,000 secondary school students have participated. Visit www.yesprograms.org for more information.
YES is administered in partnership with the United States Department of State by a consortium of nonprofit organizations, led by American Councils for International Education and involving numerous recruitment organizations.
Our YES students are inspiring
Bojana from North Macedonia shares thoughts on her first month in Missouri and on learning every day while participating in the YES Program.
Hosted in Missouri, 2019-20
Ashiru helps to draft legal protections for people with disabilities in Nigeria after growing as a leader on the YES Program.
Hosted in Illinois, 2011-12
Farah from Bangladesh reflects on living her dreams and building relationships with her host family.
Hosted in Virginia, 2019-20
Faith from Nigeria forms connections that last a lifetime—and brought her back to Iowa for college!
Hosted in Iowa, 2012-13
Have questions? Check out our FAQs or let us know!
“This program has changed my life in so many ways: my perspective on people, culture, values, and my understanding of human nature, and my understanding of leadership and the importance of getting involved in my host community.”
—YES program student from Liberia (hosted in Illinois)