The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program provides the opportunity for the selected high school students 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.
YES Program in Tunisia
In October 2002, the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program was established. The US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the US exchange community, recognized the critical role of youth exchange in creating a link between US citizens and citizens of other countries, particularly those with significant Muslim populations.
The program official launched in Tunisia in 2003 with the goal of increasing communication between Americans and Tunisians in order to foster mutual understanding and respect. Since then, over 400 Tunisian students have completed the YES program and now participate as alumni.
The YES program is administered in collaboration with the United States Department of State by a consortium of not-for-profit organizations led by American Councils for International Education. Amideast Tunisia manages the YES program in Tunisia in collaboration with the US Embassy’s Public Affairs Office.
YES Program for Tunisians — FAQs
Studying at an American high school is an exciting journey. We have compiled the information below to help answer some of the questions you may have about the YES program experience for Tunisians. For further information, please e-mail the YES office directly.
– Students must be Tunisian citizens residents of Tunisia.
– Students should have a record of high academic achievement demonstrated by an overall “B+” average (13/20) for the past three years (with no failing grades).
– Students must be currently enrolled in the First or Second year of secondary school (Tunisian Educational System), in Troisième or Seconde (French Educational System) AND between 15 and 17 years old by the time the program begins.
– Students should demonstrate maturity, good character, scholastic aptitude, flexibility, and commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding.
– Students should have leadership qualities and demonstrate willingness to participate in the American host family’s daily life.
– Students should meet the English proficiency requirement (minimum of 14/20 in English for the past three years).
– Students must not be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and were not born in the United States.
All YES students live with host families who have been carefully screened and selected. Host families receive formal orientation and training to introduce them to cultural differences and to prepare them for the hosting experience. Local coordinators provide support to participants and host families throughout the program. Students attend a school in their community alongside American peers.
YES implementing organizations are prepared to respond to emergencies in the United States. Each organization provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency and facilitates appropriate medical treatment, including evacuation, if necessary. YES consults with the U.S. Department of State and external risk management organizations to monitor the safety of participants while in the United States.
YES students are provided with accident and sickness medical coverage to ensure that, in the case of an emergency, students will be treated as soon as possible.
Apply for the YES Program in Tunisia
Complete the YES Preliminary Application ONLINE.
Attach the required documents to your application:
- High school enrollment certificate
- Birth certificates (Arabic & French)
- Certified true copies of the official annual grade transcripts of the last three years
- 1 recent photo
- Parental permission (Click here to download)
For more information, please head over to the YES Program page of the Amideast Tunisia.
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