Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad

U.S. citizen high school students and recent graduates (age 15-18.5) live and study for an academic year in countries around the world through full scholarships from the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad program.

Living with a host family and attending a local school, YES Abroad students promote mutual understanding between the United States and their host country by forming lasting relationships with the local community.

Participants live with a host family, attend a local high school, acquire leadership skills, and engage in activities to learn about the host country’s society and values; they also help educate others about American society and values. For specific details, click on any of the participating countries in the list above.

The YES Abroad scholarship covers costs related to round-trip airfare and room and board for the pre-departure orientation; round-trip airfare between the participant’s home region and community abroad; in-country support; cultural activities; school tuition (where applicable); room and board with a host family; secondary medical benefits; visa fees; and a modest stipend.