The application deadline for the YES Abroad application is approaching fast. Be sure to submit your application for this exciting opportunity! Read below to see what alumni are saying about their experience:

Amber S., YES Abroad Turkey

Looking back on my life of seventeen years so far, there is one influential &ldquo;tipping point&rdquo; that shaped who I am now, and who I will be for the rest of my life. This &ldquo;tipping point&rdquo; began when I decided to accept a Kennedy-Lugar YES Abroad scholarship to live in Turkey for my sophomore year of high school.</p>

Going on the YES Abroad program has changed my perception and understanding of the world, of myself, and of my community entirely. For example, I learned while on my exchange that I have a responsibility as an American to be an active global citizen. Learning and living a new lifestyle was eye opening and crucial to my development as an open-minded member of society. Through interaction with my peers and host family in Turkey, I was exposed to new ideas and learned how to accept differences. Because of YES Abroad I am now a more globally minded individual, equipped with the problem solving and critical thinking skills and motivation to make a difference.

Adam S., YES Abroad Ghana

My time in Ghana came after four years of high school when everything was about achievement. In Ghana, I had the opportunity to put the brakes on my life, live in the wild present, and learn invaluable lessons from experience. I grew emotionally and spiritually during my time abroad. Talking to my twelve-year-old host brother for nearly an hour last week on the phone and hearing him say &ldquo;I miss you&rdquo; was one of the most satisfying moments I&rsquo;ve had in months.</p>

Gabrielle A., YES Abroad Egypt

During my year in Egypt the call to prayer became a part of me, reverberating in my soul and inducing a feeling of calmness and security. When I woke up in the morning, to the echo across the Nile of thousands of imams inspiring their people to wake up and pray, I was energized and awakened. During the holidays like Ramadan I shared in the festivities, fasting and embracing the new traditions just as my family did during Hanukkah and Passover.</p>