Youth Exchange and Study Program

In response to the events of September 11th, 2001, the Youth Exchange & Study (YES) program was launched as a global initiative to build bridges of understanding between the United States and the countries and cultures of the Arab and Muslim world. Particularly, it will build on the values we hold in common with Muslim societies, strengthen voices of moderation, reinforce U.S. commitment to education and opportunity, and provide a platform for a positive dialogue. Established in October 2002, the program allowed the first YES participants to embark on this unprecedented exchange program in August 2003.  

The chief goal of the YES program is to engage participating youth, their teachers and classmates, and community leaders in an exchange effort to promote increased understanding and tolerance between cultures. The YES program encourages the exchange of ideas, values, and experiences among young people by exposing these young scholars to leadership belief systems, civil society principles, and community service involvement.

Students from the following countries are eligible to participate: Algeria, Arab Israel, Bangladesh, Gaza, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mali, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Senegal, Syria, Tunisia, West Bank, and Yemen

To get more information about the program please visit the Department of State's Bureau of Educational And cultural Affairs website:

http://exchanges.state.gov/education/citizens/students/nena/yes.htm