Scholarships

AFS is committed helping young people to go abroad regardless of their financial situation. That’s why AFS works with corporate and community sponsors and individual donors to help finance AFS programs through full and partial scholarships.

Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program

Through the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, high school students from countries around the world live and study for an academic year in the United States. 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.  The YES program was established by Congress in October 2002 in response to the events of September 11, 2001.

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CLOSE APPLICATION for

Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES)
Year Program 2025-2026

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Through the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, high school students from countries around the world live and study for an academic year in the United States. 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.  The YES program was established by Congress in October 2002 in response to the events of September 11, 2001.

Requirements:

Recruitment for the 2025-2026 program has concluded. Eligibility Criteria for the coming program will be posted on the official YES program website

What the YES Program provides and what the Scholarship covers (for selected finalists):

1. US Visa
2. International travel between home country and the US, including only one checked luggage
3. Domestic travels:
a. From and to your hometown, for visa interview at the US Consulate & Embassy
b. From and to your hometown, for Orientation and Reorientation
c. From and to your host community in the US
4. Placement in a host family and US high school
5. Orientations in home country and in the US (Pre-Departure Orientation, Arrival, Mid- Year, End of Stay, and Reorientation)
6. Program enrichment activities
7. Medical insurance, except for pre-existing conditions, eyes, and dental care
8. Monthly allowance.

What has to be prepared by program finalists (not included in the Scholarship):

  1. Passport
  2. Medical examinations, including but not limited to TB tests 
  3. Immunizations and vaccinations that are mandatory (including, but not limited to Polio, DTaP, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Meningitis – (COVID-19 Vaccination is included) 
  4. Pre-existing medical conditions and allergies, dental care, and eye care 
  5. Excess or overweight baggage cost 
  6. Personal expenses and trips during program.