Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange Program 2022 Application
Applications are invited from secondary school students from countries with significant Muslim populations who wish to participate in the Kennedy-Lugar youth exchange and study programs in the United States to submit their application forms. See program details below and apply now.
About the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange Program
High school students from countries with significant Muslim populations live and study for an academic year in the United States through the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. YES students serve as “youth ambassadors” of their home country, promoting mutual understanding by forming lasting relationships with their host families and communities. Participants live with a host family, attend an American high school, acquire leadership skills, and engage in activities to learn about U.S. society and values; they also help educate Americans about their home country and culture.
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List of Eligible Countries
The program is open to citizens of the following countries;
- 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
- Turkey
- West Bank
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Eligibility Criteria
In line with the U.S. Government-sponsored initiatives, dedicated to democratic reform, the competition for the Youth Exchange and Study scholarship is merit-based and open at no cost to all applicants who meet the following requirements:
- Be between the ages of 15-18 by the start of the program (August 15, 2023);
- Must be enrolled in a secondary school
- Must have completed JS3 class by August 2022;
- Have the equivalent of a B average or better without failing grades;
- Not have spent a total of more than 90 days in the U.S. in the last five years;
- Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for a J-1 visa);
- Be a resident and citizen of any of the above countries.
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Students with Disabilities Are Eligible
The program can support students with disabilities and encourages their participation. The Department of State and the YES program work with Mobility International (MIUSA) to provide students with disabilities leadership-building workshops, appropriate information, and support as needed to enhance their year in America. Students with disabilities must also meet the above eligibility requirements. Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to contact their YES office for information on eligibility.
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Benefits
The youth exchange and study program cover costs related to;
- round-trip airfare from your home country to the United States;
- the cost of a Pre-Departure Orientation;
- placement with a U.S. host family for 10 to 11 months;
- a modest monthly stipend;
- health insurance; and
- the cost of program activities and materials.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible students should visit the YES scholarship application portal here, click on their country, read the full requirements for their country and then proceed to submit their application form.
Note: All states/cities in your country may not be eligible so you are encouraged to check the list of eligible states before applying.
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