My name is Songül Düger, and I am a proud alumna of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program (2015–2016, Virginia, USA). The program changed my life by giving me the opportunity to live with an American host family, attend a U.S. high school, and volunteer in my local community.
The YES program truly widened my world. By bringing together students from over 40 countries, including Sub-Saharan Africa, it exposed me to inspiring stories and [varying] realities. While in some contexts researchers debate how AI and technology enhance learning, in others, access to electricity, clean water, or even food remains a daily challenge. These contrasts taught me that science and education are powerful keys to addressing global inequalities — and that if we can reach underserved communities, their spark, curiosity, and joy can transform us all, both personally and professionally.
Having also participated in programs in Germany, Finland, and other parts of Europe, I saw first-hand how different international exchanges operate. Yet, what makes the YES Program and the U.S. State Department’s support truly unique is that it provides bright young people from less privileged backgrounds with life-changing opportunities. This generosity not only empowers students but also brings international respect and recognition to the United States among the people and communities we interact with worldwide.
Today, I am an education researcher, soon beginning a PhD in equality in education. My work focuses on bridging global disparities in access to quality education, with a strong emphasis on technology, inclusion, and cross-cultural collaboration. This passion directly traces back to YES, which first showed me how international exchange can create empathy, innovation, and long-lasting cooperation.
Most recently, I served as the Local Coordinator for Türkiye for the TechGirls Program, a U.S. State Department initiative that empowers young women in STEM. In this role, I mentored participants, facilitated their exchange in the United States, and helped connect Turkish youth with American professionals. Alongside my research, I remain active in the YES alumni community, working with U.S.-based networks to promote education and inclusion.
The connections I made through YES and subsequent U.S. initiatives have not only shaped my academic journey but also built bridges between the U.S., Türkiye, and beyond. I am deeply grateful for this program, which has been the foundation of my commitment to advancing educational equity and global collaboration.
Songül Düger
YES Alumna, 2015–2016
Ankara, Türkiye