The new YES students from Kuwait for the 2019 - 2020 year are very excited to embark on their journey! On August 18th, the 12 incoming students met for the last time at AMIDEAST to discuss final preparations, get their travel documents, and ask questions about what awaits them for their exchange year.

This final meeting also had a very special guest from the US Embassy, Adel Ibrahim, who is the Public Engagement Specialist. Adel himself had a transformative study abroad experience, and he used this opportunity to welcome the new students and share tips for success.

Adel adds, “I was so excited to meet the group of YES students from Kuwait.  The process to select them was extremely competitive, and I know they will make the most of this incredible opportunity.  Alumni of YES in Kuwait have become leaders in many different fields, like Ahmed Marafie, who founded the first coding institute in the Middle East, and Hassan al-Attar, who is now one of the Arab world’s most popular young singers.  Thanks to YES, these students will gain the experiences and skills they need to succeed.  We are looking forward to welcoming them back next year, inshallah!”

The next ten months will hold many exciting new experiences and challenges for this newest YES group from Kuwait, and we can't wait to hear more about all that they learn and share on their exchange.

Ahmad Marafie (YES 2006 - 2007, Kuwait, hosted by Ayusa)

Hassan Al-Attar (YES 2014 – 2015, Kuwait, hosted by PAX in Lafayette, IN)