Apply for the 2013-2014 YES Abroad Program
The Kennedy-Lugar YES Abroad program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is providing 65 American high school students with scholarships to study abroad in countries with significant Muslim populations. The program is open to recent graduates and the opportunities last for up to one year. Each scholarship covers expenses for program fees, including pre-departure and arrival orientations in Washington DC, secondary health insurance, and ensure careful placement with host families.
As a program partner, iEARN is administering the semester opportunity in Mali.
YES Abroad scholars in 2013-2014 will also be placed in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mali, Morocco, Oman, South Africa, Thailand, Tunisia and Turkey.
YES Abroad scholars live with host families, attend local high schools, participate in enrichment activities, acquire leadership skills, and help educate others about American culture while learning about their host country’s culture.
Basic Eligibility Requirements:
• U.S. citizens
• High school students at the time of application
• Aged 15-18.5
The application deadline is January 10, 2013. Click here to apply.
YES Abroad 2011-2012 Mali Students Return Home
Five US high school students have returned to the US following a successful semester in Bamako, Mali, as part of the YES Abroad program.
While on program with YES Abroad, the students attended local private Malian high schools, where they studied in French alongside their Malian peers. They lived in host families, attended local celebrations, and developed presentations on American culture for their peers. All 5 girls were also proud to be bridesmaids in the wedding of the iEARN-Mali coordinator.
Their last weeks in Mali included travel to Keela and Segou and a closing ceremony in Bamako.
Upon re-entry in Washington, DC the students were privileged to share their experience with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Cultural Exchanges, Lee Satterfield, and the US Department of State’s Education and Cultural Affairs Youth Exchange and Study team.
YES Abroad Scholars Arrive in Mali
The high school students are participating in a semester-long, intensive cultural program, which aims to build bridges between students around the world, particularly in countries with significant Muslim populations.
The 5 YES Abroad scholars are residing with host families in Bamako, which is the capital of Mali and home to roughly 2 million people. Divided in two by the meandering Niger River, the sunny city has been historically and remains an important regional commerce site in West Africa.
While in Mali, the students will complete coursework at private Malian high schools, alongside their Malian peers. The US students will study French and live with host families who also speak an additional language, such as Bambara.
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES), established in 2002, provides scholarships for high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to study in the US. YES Abroad was created in 2007 to provide a similar experience for U.S. students. YES and YES Abroad are funded by the US Department of State and sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
YES Abroad Mali Students Prepare for Departure
In September, five U.S. high school students will depart for Bamako, Mali, where they will spend the semester living with host families and immersed in Malian culure. As representatives of the United States, the students will also enroll in Malian high schools and learn French.
YES Abroad Semi-Finalists Attend In-Person Selection Event
This March, seventy-four semi-finalists traveled to Denver, Colorado, where they participated in a three day selection process. YES Abroad has fifty scholarships to award for the 2011-2012 school year.
About the Program
Related Links
International Education and Resource Network
475 Riverside Drive, Suite 450, New York, NY 10115
Ph: 212 870 2693