By Rihem Sassi (YES 2019-2020, Tunisia, placed with ACES in Harrisburg, SD)

The YES program has changed my life. I’m so grateful for the opportunities that this program provided for me. Thanks to my exchange year, I am much more accomplished, open-minded, and empowered.  

I started sharing my YES experience with others while I was still in the United States. On social media, I shared what I was learning and how this program was helping me grow. Family and friends enjoyed my content, and they continue to ask me questions about the YES program. Now as a YES alumna, I want to keep spreading the word about this life-changing program.

I’ve organized info sessions with the American Corner, my school, and local youth club. Some of them were virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In my YES presentations, I talked about my host community, my host school, my accomplishments, and my favorite memories from the United States. I also urged students to get out of their comfort zone and apply for the YES program. More than 200 people have attended my YES presentations so far! I am humbled by the wonderful feedback and heart-warming comments that I have received about my presentations. Students, teachers, and even parents thanked me for my commitment to cultural exchange.

Sharing my YES experience has been a powerful way to help young students pursue their dreams. Speaking up about how my exchange year helped me grow, as well as the importance of cultural exchange, is a tool for positive change and global connection.

The YES program truly had a substantial positive impact on my life. You could be such an ambassador for your country, too!