During the 2012 - 2013 academic year, American high school students studied at local high schools and shared their experiences as Americans while living with host families on the YES Abroad program in Malaysia and Thailand. The students participated in the Kennedy-Lugar YES program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, which offers American high school students and recent graduates full scholarships for up to one academic year to live and study in countries with significant Muslim populations. Scholarships cover expenses for program fees, pre-departure and return orientations in Washington DC, secondary health insurance, and careful placement with host families that are eager to share themselves with the world.

We are eager to welcome new families as hosts! To learn more about becoming a host, visit hosting.state.gov. If you are interested in hosting a student, let us know here!

Share your own hosting experience using #HostFamily on Twitter.