About Us

Through the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, high school students from countries of strategic importance around the world live and study for the spring 2027 semester (beginning in January 2027) in the United States. The YES program builds a network of young leaders who learn firsthand about American culture and principles, while at the same time sharing theirs. YES students form meaningful and enduring relationships with their host families and communities, strengthening the linkages between the U.S. and YES countries at the same time. Participants live with a U.S. family, attend an American high school, gain leadership skills, and engage in activities to learn about U.S. excellence in governance, business, and innovation. Applicants compete for the YES program through a rigorous, merit-based selection process. The YES program was established by Congress in October 2002. The YES Abroad program was established in 2009 to provide U.S. students (15-18.5 years) with an exchange program abroad in select YES countries.