From February 28 - March 5, 2016, 100 YES students will participate in the Civic Education Workshop in Washington, DC. Throughout the week, students will visit the U.S. Department of State and take part in seminars on the U.S. system of government and discussions with representatives of civic organizations and the media. They will also have the opportunity to visit Capitol Hill and meet with the Senators and Congressmen, or their staff, who represent the students’ host states.

Six out of the 100 participants have been selected as Social Media Specialists and will share their experiences and the impact of the Workshop on Facebook and Twitter. Follow the action on Twitter via @yesprogramnews and #CivEdWeek. Also, make sure you like the workshop’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/CivicEducationWorkshop.

(Pakistan / hosted by FLAG in Texas / @Hassaan921)

“My goals for the Civic Education Workshop are to learn anything I can, not just about how the government works, but to know the policies towards […] the world.”

Hassaan Malik has been involved in many activities since arriving in the United States, including basketball, tennis, football, volleyball, and guitar lessons. He has performed over 50 hours of community service at his school and with his host family at their temple. After going back to Pakistan, Hassaan hopes to focus on promoting the importance of education in his community.

(Indonesia / hosted by AFS USA in Maryland / @puspacntya)

“I want to learn more about the USA and learn more about how to be a good citizen for my country.”

One of Puspa’s favorite things about her exchange year is that it’s made her brave enough to try many new things, such as ice-skating, running, playing in the marching band, and acting in a school production. She feels that the most important part of her exchange experience has been introducing Indonesia to the people in her host community. In the future, Puspa would like to apply her leadership skills to a career in medicine.

(Pakistan / hosted by PAX in Ohio / @durenayab1099)

“I hope to learn about the issues that countries are facing around the globe.”

In her American high school, Dur-e plays softball, participates in Model United Nations, and is currently learning how to play the ukulele and guitar. She also volunteers at a church and with an anti-human trafficking organization. Dur-e enjoys discussing current events and she hopes one day to work in international affairs.

(Sierra Leone / hosted by ACES in Ohio / @JosephKebbie)

“There are many things I hope to accomplish from CEW, but I mainly want to know more about how the American government works.”

Joseph is involved with the robotics club and the alternative energy team at his American high school. He volunteers at his local YMCA, was awarded Student of the Month in August by his placement organization, and has completed 192 hours of community service to date. Joseph is looking forward to sharing ideas about government with other YES students at CEW.

(Albania / hosted by AFS USA in Illinois / @laurametaj)

“I hope to gain new leadership skills, to learn more about the American government, and of course to meet new people from around the world.”

During her time in the U.S., Laura has joined the track team, written for the school yearbook, and started learning to play the violin. She also volunteers to help children at a local  church every week. Laura hopes that when she returns to Albania she can help teach the next YES generation how to be strong cultural ambassadors and “how to embrace a beautiful challenge of growing up in another country.”

(Philippines / hosted by PAX in New Mexico / @prinsepewenz)

“I am fascinated with government and politics and I think that the workshop [will] grant me a broader horizon on how the U.S. Government works and how it continues to keep America great.”

At his U.S. high school, Wenzel has been very involved in the JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps) program, which has given him the opportunity to learn about underwater robotics and rocketry, and to participate in many civic-minded activities outside of school. Wenzel believes that it is vital to be aware of current events because they “giv[e] us prior knowledge on what may happen in the future.” Wenzel hopes to use his skills in math and science in his future career.