Countries

About the Program

The Kennedy-Lugar YES Abroad program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, is offering American high school students and recent graduates in the U.S. full scholarships for up to one academic year to live and study abroad in countries with significant Muslim populations. Scholarships cover expenses for program fees, pre-departure and arrival orientations in Washington DC, secondary health insurance, and ensure careful placement with host families that, like you, are eager to share themselves with the world.

Participate on a program in one of these countries: Click on the country for more information:

Bosnia & Herzegovina | Egypt | Ghana | India | Indonesia | Mali (semester only)
Malaysia | Morocco | Oman | Thailand | Turkey

Like the YES inbound program, students live with host families, attend high school, engage in activities to learn about the host country’s society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate others about American culture while learning about their host country’s culture. During the 2012-2013 school year, 55 American students will travel overseas.

Upon their return the students will apply their leadership skills in the United States. In addition, alumni groups will help participants continue to be involved with many community service activities including: clothing drives, mentoring younger children, and much more.

Application and Eligibility

The application for the Kennedy-Lugar YES Abroad 2012-2013 program is now closed. The application for the 2013-2014 program will be available in the fall.

2012-2013 Program Applicants: Contact the YES Abroad staff with any questions regarding the status of your submitted application by email to the YES Abroad Advisor or phone at (800) 237-4636 x1530.


Basic Eligibility Requirements:

• U.S. citizens
• High school students at the time of application
• Aged 15-18 at the start of the program (born between 1/1/94 and 9/1/97)

Click here for eligibility requirements. Requirements vary slightly by placement country. For complete eligibility requirements by country, refer to the application.

Finalists will be chosen based on their demonstration of global awareness, interest in diverse cultures, curiosity, and open-mindedness.

If you have any questions, please e-mail the YES Abroad Advisor or call us at (800) 237-4636 x1530.

Country Specific Requirements and Information

Bosnia & Herzegovina

Click on the country for more information

Age Range: 15 - 18 years of age at program commencement.
Host Communities: Students are hosted in Sarajevo.
Language: The language of instruction is Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian and or English. Host families speak Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian and some speak English.

Egypt

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Age Range: 15-17 years of age at program commencement.
Grade Level: Gap year is not an option; cannot be a high school graduate at program commencement.
Host Communities: Students are typically hosted in the greater Cairo area.
Language: The language of instruction is English and Arabic.

Ghana

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Age Range: 15-18.5 years of age at program commencement.
Grade Level: Gap year is an option.
Host Communities: Students are typically hosted in Accra.
Language: The language of instruction is English. Students are required to choose one local language to add to their main subjects in school. Most host family members speak local languages such as Twi, Ga, Ewe, Hausa, etc.

India

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Age Range: 15-17.5 years of age at program commencement.
Grade Level: Gap year is not recommended.
Host Communities: Students are typically hosted in Delhi and Mumbai. Students will be placed in "public" Indian schools (the equivalent of private schools in the U.S.).
Language: The language of instruction at school and at home is often English and another local language.

Indonesia

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Age Range: 16-18 years of age at program commencement.
Grade Level: Gap year is not recommended.
Host Communities: Students are typically hosted in Jakarta, Medan, or Surabaya.
Language: The language of instruction is Bahasa Indonesia. Students will learn Bahasa Indonesia and local dialects.

Malaysia

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Age Range: 15.5-18.5 years of age at program commencement.
Grade Level: Gap year is an option.
Host Communities: Students are typically hosted in Kuala Lumpur.
Language: The language of instruction is Malay. Host families speak English, Malay, Chinese, Indian, or other dialects.

Mali (Fall Semester Duration Only)

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Age Range: 15-18 years of age at program commencement.
Grade Level: Gap year is not an option; cannot be a high school graduate at program commencement.
Host Communities: Students are typically hosted in greater Bamako.
Language: The language of instruction is French. Host families speak French and Bambara.

Morocco

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Age Range: 15-17 years of age at program commencement.
Grade Level: Gap year is not recommended.
Host Communities: Students are typically hosted in Rabat.
Language: The language of instruction is French. French language skills are required.

Oman

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Age Range: 15-17 years of age at program commencement.
Grade Level: Gap year is not recommended.
Host Communities: Students are typically hosted in Muscat. Students will be placed in bilingual and private schools.
Language: The language of instruction is English and Arabic. Host families speak English and Arabic.

Thailand

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Age Range: 15-17 years, 11 months of age at program commencement.
Grade Level: Gap year is not recommended.
Host Communities: Students are hosted in towns and cities across the country.
Language: The language of instruction is Thai. Host families speak Thai.

Turkey

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Age Range: 15-18 years of age at program commencement.
Grade Level: Gap year is not recommended.
Host Communities: Students will be hosted in smaller cities, such as Gaziantep, Kayseri, Samsun, Trabzon, or Denizli.
Language: The language of instruction is Turkish. Host families speak Turkish.