Countries

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program was established in October, 2002. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State and sponsored by the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA) to provide scholarships for high school students (15-17 years) from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend up to one academic year in the U.S. Students live with host families, attend high school, engage in activities to learn about American society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate Americans about their countries and cultures. In 2007, YES Abroad was established to provide a similar experience for U.S. students (15-19 years) in selected YES countries.<p>

In Egypt, YES program is administered by AFS Egypt through AFS USA. The first batch, was in 2003-2004.  Candidates go through a rigorous selection process to qualify for the scholarship. Once selected, they go through orientations and preparation process over 11 months to be ready to set off their new wonderful experience. These orientation camps introduce the participants to a new world of commitment and responsibility and how to be a proud ambassador for our country, EGYPT and share our culture. Volunteers donate their time and effort to make sure the participants are well equipped to learn as much as possible from the experience.   Alumni of the YES program are now leading these orientations and are continuously adding from their experiences. <p>
 
For the ninth consecutive year, The kennedy-Lugar Youth exchange and Study (YES) program keeps on growing bigger and bigger. lots of stories to be shared. <p>