YES – Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study

Through the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, high school students from countries of strategic importance around the world will live with volunteer American host families and attend local schools during the spring 2027 semester (January–June). The program builds bridges and deepens trust between Americans and people from participating countries through meaningful cultural exchange. Funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, YES is implemented by partner organizations, including AFS.

The program recruits students from the following countries:

YES students reflect a wide range of cultural, socioeconomic, and religious affiliations within their countries, including people with disabilities. YES participants are selected through an open, merit-based selection process in each country.

For more details about YES, including impact stories from on-program students and alumni, visit the official YES website.

Scholarships are also available for U.S. high school students to go abroad through the YES Abroad program.

YES is a program of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs

Interested in hosting a YES student? Fill out a short interest form to get started!

Become a Host