Youth Exchange and Study  (YES)

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program was established in October 2002.  The YES program was a result of Congressional discussions following the events of September 11, 2001 and it was established to foster understanding between the United States and countries with significant Muslim populations.

Pacific Intercultural Exchange supports YES students from Bahrain, Bangladesh, Gaza Strip, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mali, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Senegal, Tunisia, West Bank and Yemen.

YES scholarship recipients spend one academic year in the United States, living with a host family and attending an American high school.  While in the USA, students engage in activities to learn about American society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate Americans about their countries and cultures.

The YES program is made possible by funds allocated by the US Congress and the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs administers it.  Grants are awarded to private, non-profit organizations to help run different components of the program.  Pacific Intercultural Exchange was part of the AYUSA consortium from 2005 – 2011.