YES - Youth For Understanding USA

In response to the events of September 11th, 2001, the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program was launched to build bridges of understanding between the United States and countries with significant Muslim populations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Europe. Funded by the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), the YES program provides high school students from these countries an opportunity to live in the United States with host families and attend high school for an academic year.

YFU welcomes YES scholars from Albania, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Egypt, Gaza, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Israel (Arab Communities), Jordan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Suriname, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Türkiye, and West Bank.

Explore the YES program’s impact on students, host families, and communities: yesprograms.org

Support Materials for Scholars, Host Families, and Volunteers

YES Student Handbook (American Councils publication)

YES Introduction to the USA for YES Students (American Councils publication)

YES Student of the Month Nomination Instructions – The YES Student of the Month program is sponsored by the Department of State and recognizes outstanding YES scholars each month.

YES Incidental Expense Report

Co-Pay Reimbursement Form

Enhancement Activity Reporting Form

ASPE Insurance Summary

YES Country-Specific Resources

Common Cultural Traits in YES Countries

Cultural Information Sheets – country-specific information on school, family life, personal interactions, personal hygiene, and food and culture

Cultural Handbooks for YES Program Countries — Funded by the US Department of State and available to all organizations hosting YES scholars, these resources focus on cultural norms and traditions and provide perspectives from US host families. Use these handbooks to learn about your YES students’ cultural background and support their adjustment in the US.

Resources for Supporting YES Scholars of Different Faiths

Religious and Cultural Tips for Hosting and Supporting Muslim Students

An Introduction to the Practice of Islam for Host Families and Volunteers

Facts about the Islamic Calendar

Halal Diet Considerations for YES Students

Christmas from the Islamic Perspective (CECF publication)

Introduction to Hinduism

Introduction to Orthodox Christianity

Required Activities for YFU YES Scholars

Community Service & Leadership Development

YFU YES Scholar Required Activity Booklet

International Education Week

IEW Presentation Tips

Global Youth Service Day

YFU YES Host Family, School, and Volunteer Recruitment Tools

School Administrator Handbook (US Department of State publication)

YES Scholar & Host Family Stories Promotional Video – This US Department of State-sponsored video features YES students and their host families. The video engages prospective host families in the extraordinary story of the YES Program and encourages them to be hosts, ambassadors, and champions. It dispels myths and preconceptions, answers common questions, and gets people excited about hosting.

YES Video Resource Guide—Use this tool to introduce the YES program, broaden the appeal for, and deepen the appreciation of this exchange opportunity for host families and community members. This guide pairs with the YES YouTube channel to help you find specific stories.

Leadership Opportunities for YFU YES Scholars

1. Civic Education Workshop (CEW): A one-week program, held by American Councils and American Civics Center in Washington, D.C., hosting approximately 100 YES students. During CEW, students will learn firsthand about the U.S. federal system of government and other important concepts of US culture and civil society through seminar discussions, briefings, and meetings on Capitol Hill. Students are invited to apply in December.

2. English Language Teaching: This one-week workshop, presented by American Councils in Washington, D.C., will host approximately 28 students. Participants learn classroom teaching and leadership skills. The workshops are focused on developing participants’ abilities to teach English to other youth and to help them qualify for ECA and Embassy supported English programs when they return home. Activities include extensive online pre-program engagement, as well as follow-on support and interaction after the students return home. Students are invited to apply in December.

3. Better Understanding for a Better World Conference (BUBW): This conference brings together US high school students of diverse backgrounds and international exchange students currently studying in the US. YFU YES students selected to attend will receive a scholarship which pays for the full conference fee and transportation to Baltimore. Students are invited to apply in December.

Send YES project ideas and pictures to yfugrantscholars@yfu.org.

COUNTRIES

SCHOLARSHIPS

Hosting a YES Student