YES Abroad Program

American high school students earn merit-based scholarships to study and live overseas in select YES countries for an academic year. Sponsored by the US Department of State, the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Abroad program provides merit-based scholarships for eligible American high school students to study and live overseas in select YES countries for an academic year.

The YES Abroad program was initiated in 2009 as a reciprocal extension of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program for international students from countries with significant Muslim populations. YES Abroad students serve as youth ambassadors of the US, promoting mutual understanding by forming lasting relationships with host families and communities. Students acquire leadership skills while engaging in activities to learn about the host country's society and values, while educating others about American society and values.

YES Abroad is administered by a consortium of organizations led by American Councils, including AFS-USA, AMIDEAST, and iEARN. American Councils administers YES Abroad in four program countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, N. Macedonia, and Senegal. The YES Abroad program is funded by the U.S. Department of State. The program is administered by a consortium of nonprofit organizations led by American Councils and including AFS-USA, AMIDEAST, and iEARN-USA.

The program officially launched in N. Macedonia in 2014 and since then a total of 50 YES Abroad alumni have successfully completed the program.