The YES Program is Accepting Applications for the 2023-24 Academic Year
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program offers high school students from Kosovo a chance to live and study for an academic year in the United States. YES, students serve as “youth ambassadors” of their home country, promoting mutual understanding by forming lasting relationships with their host families and communities. Participants live with a host family, attend an American high school, acquire leadership skills, and engage in activities to learn about U.S. society and values; they also help educate Americans about their home country and culture. Applicants compete for YES scholarships through a rigorous, merit-based selection process. While on program, participants live with American host families, attend high school, and engage in community service and civic education activities.
The YES Program competition for the 2023-2024 academic year is open and will be available until November 1, 2022.
Check the eligibility requirements here: https://kosova.americancouncils.org/yes-en
How to Apply
The YES program recruitment will include three rounds of testing:
Round 1: Open to eligible applicants from September 2 - November 1, 2022. This round includes a preliminary online application and 3 essay questions which must be submitted within 10 days of starting the application.
Round 2: Upon submitting their preliminary application, students will receive an email inviting them to take part in an online 15-minute English test.
Round 3: This semi-finalist round will begin in late November and include an interview, 3 more essay questions, the full application, and a comprehensive English test. Students who pass to this stage will be invited to participate by the American Councils’ office in their country.
The YES program is administered in partnership with the United States Department of State by a consortium of nonprofit organizations, which is led by American Councils for International Education and includes numerous placement and recruitment organizations.