Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad

American high school students earn merit-based scholarships to study and live overseas in select YES countries for an academic year.

Sponsored by the US Department of State, the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad program provides merit-based scholarships for eligible American high school students to study and live overseas in select YES countries for an academic year. The YES Abroad program was initiated in 2009 as a reciprocal extension of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program for international students from countries with significant Muslim populations.

YES Abroad students serve as youth ambassadors of the US, promoting mutual understanding by forming lasting relationships with host families and communities. Students acquire leadership skills while engaging in activities to learn about the host country's society and values while educating others about American society and values.

YES Abroad is administered by a consortium of organizations led by American Councils, including AFS-USA, AMIDEAST, and iEARN. American Councils administers YES Abroad in four program countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Macedonia, and Senegal. The program has been operating in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2012, where common host communities include Banja Luka and Sarajevo.