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The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program is a prestigious opportunity for high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to experience life in the United States. Launched in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, the program aims to foster mutual understanding between the United States and countries with large Muslim populations. The program, which began in Pakistan in 2003, is a significant platform for cultural exchange, leadership development, and fostering international relations. Over the years, it has grown to become a cornerstone of educational and cultural exchange between Pakistan and the U.S.
History and Objectives of the YES Program
The YES Program was established by the U.S. Department of State in 2003. Its main goal is to enable high school students from Muslim-majority countries to live and study in the United States for an academic year, fostering a mutual understanding between the people of the U.S. and participating nations. Since its inception, more than 1,500 Pakistani students have completed the program and returned to Pakistan as alumni.
YES students serve as “youth ambassadors” for their home countries, promoting cultural understanding and breaking down stereotypes about the Muslim world. These students live with host families, attend American high schools, and engage in community activities that allow them to immerse themselves in U.S. society and culture. At the same time, they share their own culture, values, and traditions with their American peers, host families, and communities.
The Role of Youth Ambassadors
One of the key features of the YES program is the role of participants as youth ambassadors. These students represent Pakistan while living in the United States, helping to bridge cultural and social gaps between the two countries. As ambassadors, they contribute to building a better understanding of Pakistan among Americans, countering misconceptions and stereotypes that may exist. Through everyday interactions with their host families, classmates, and communities, YES students provide a human face to Pakistan and demonstrate the diversity and richness of their home country’s culture.
Conversely, the program also provides students from Pakistan an opportunity to learn firsthand about American society, values, and lifestyle. This exchange creates a platform for building lasting relationships, not just between individuals but between nations as well.
Eligibility Requirements for YES Program in Pakistan
The YES Program is open to all eligible high school students in Pakistan, and the selection process is highly competitive. The U.S. Department of State collaborates with organizations such as the Society for International Education (SIE) and iEARN Pakistan to manage the program in the country. To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirements: Students must be between 15 and 17 years old by August 15, 2025, at the start of the program.
- Educational Requirements: Students must be enrolled in a secondary school in Pakistan in the 9th or 10th grade or studying in ‘O’ Levels. Only students in the 9th and 10th grades of ‘O’ Levels are eligible; 11th graders are not.
- Academic Performance: Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 60% in all major/core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Sciences, with no failing grades in the past three years.
- Other Criteria:
- Students must not have a gap year or repeated academic year.
- They must be able to communicate effectively in English.
- Applicants must meet the U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements, which exclude U.S. citizens from applying.
- They must be citizens of Pakistan and must not have traveled to the United States previously.
- Siblings or children of YES Program alumni or Society for International Education staff are ineligible.
These requirements ensure that the program attracts students who are academically capable, motivated, and prepared to serve as youth ambassadors.
Program Opportunities and Benefits
The YES Program offers a unique, life-changing opportunity for Pakistani students to live and study in the United States for an academic year. Participants gain exposure to American culture and society while developing leadership and interpersonal skills. Some key features of the YES program include:
- Living with Host Families: Participants are placed with carefully selected American host families, allowing them to experience family life in the United States firsthand. This also provides an opportunity for cultural exchange between the participants and their host families.
- Attending American High Schools: YES students attend high schools alongside their American peers, giving them a chance to integrate into the local educational system, participate in extracurricular activities, and build friendships.
- Leadership Development: The program emphasizes the development of leadership skills. Students engage in community service and leadership-building activities that help them grow personally and professionally.
- Cultural Exchange: While learning about American culture, YES students also share their own cultural heritage with their host communities. This reciprocal exchange helps to dispel misconceptions and foster greater understanding between the U.S. and Pakistan.
- Networking and Alumni Opportunities: Once participants return to Pakistan, they join a vibrant network of over 1,500 YES alumni, where they continue to contribute to their communities by engaging in various social and educational initiatives.
The Application Process
The application process for the YES program in Pakistan is designed to ensure that only the most qualified and deserving students are selected. It is a multi-step process that includes submitting an application, undergoing interviews, writing essays, participating in group activities, and taking an English proficiency test.
Step 1: Submission of Application
Students who meet the eligibility criteria can download the YES application form from the YES Pakistan website. They must fill out the form and submit it, along with all required documents, to the Society for International Education (SIE) office. The application process is rigorous, and students from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, especially those from underserved communities.
Step 2: Online Interview
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an online interview. The interview helps assess the applicant’s communication skills, maturity, and readiness to participate in the program.
Step 3: Proctored Essay, Group Activity, and In-Person Interview
Following the online interview, candidates who qualify move to the next stage, which includes a proctored essay-writing exercise, group activities, and an in-person interview. These activities assess the applicants’ ability to work in a team, express themselves clearly, and demonstrate leadership potential.
Step 4: English Language Proficiency Test
The English Language Test for International Students (ELTiS) is the final stage of the selection process. This test evaluates the applicants’ ability to communicate in English, a crucial requirement for studying in the United States.
Step 5: Final Evaluation and Selection
The final selection of candidates is based on the completeness of the application, performance in the interviews and group activities, and the ELTiS score. Semi-finalists are notified by the YES Pakistan Program Director, and the final list of selected students is published on the YES Pakistan website.
Supporting Students with Disabilities
The YES program encourages the participation of students with disabilities and provides the necessary support to ensure they can fully engage in the program. The program works with Mobility International USA (MIUSA) to offer leadership-building workshops and other support mechanisms for students with disabilities. These students must meet the same eligibility criteria as other applicants and are provided with reasonable accommodations during their stay in the United States.
Program Costs and Coverage
The YES scholarship covers most of the costs associated with participating in the program, making it accessible to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. The scholarship includes:
- Round-trip airfare from Pakistan to the United States.
- Placement with a U.S. host family for 10 to 11 months.
- A modest monthly stipend.
- Health insurance.
- Pre-departure and arrival orientations.
- The cost of program activities and materials.
However, some costs are not covered, such as obtaining a passport, medical examinations, immunizations, and extra pocket money.
Parental Involvement and Support
The YES program recognizes that studying abroad is an exciting yet challenging journey for both students and their parents. To support parents, the program offers detailed information about the application process, the experience of living abroad, and the resources available to participants. Parents are encouraged to provide all relevant health and family history information to ensure that their child’s host community assignment is appropriate. The YES staff maintains regular communication with parents throughout the program year to address any concerns.
Alumni Impact and Community Involvement
YES alumni play an important role in continuing the mission of the program after returning to Pakistan. They use the leadership skills and cross-cultural understanding gained during their time in the U.S. to contribute to their local communities. Alumni often participate in community service projects, educational initiatives, and other social activities that promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange between Pakistan and the U.S.
Conclusion
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program in Pakistan is a unique opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in American culture, build leadership skills, and serve as youth ambassadors for their country. The program fosters mutual understanding and respect between the people of Pakistan and the United States, creating lasting relationships and opportunities for cross-cultural exchange. For Pakistani students, participating in the YES program is a life-changing experience that opens doors to new perspectives, personal growth, and future opportunities.
