Fully-Funded Opportunity for High-Schoolers in Lebanon to Cover One-Year-Study in USA

Amideast is inviting Lebanese students to apply for The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program that provides scholarships for high school students to study for one academic year in the United States. YES students live with a host family, attend an American high school, acquire leadership skills, and engage in activities to learn about U.S. society and values; they also help educate Americans about their home country and culture. The program supports students with disabilities and encourages their participation.

Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the YES program was established by the U.S. Congress in 2003 to improve understanding between countries with significant Muslim populations and the United States. YES students serve as “youth ambassadors” of their home country, forming a cultural bridge of understanding by forming lasting relationships with their host families and communities.

After their year in the United States, YES alumni can look forward to participating in the active Lebanese YES alumni network. 

• Airfare
• Room and board
• Health insurance
• Pocket money – stipend of $125 USD per month
• Educational supplies

To be eligible to participate in the YES, students must be:

• Be a Lebanese citizen or a long-term Palestinian resident in Lebanon
• Be currently enrolled in the Brevet or 1st secondary class of the Lebanese baccalaureate program or in the 9th or 10th grade of the high school program
• Have a birth date between August 1, 2005 and August 1, 2007
• Demonstrate maturity, good character, scholastic aptitude, flexibility and adaptability
• Have a minimum of “B” average or 12/20 for the past three years without failing grades
• Have strong English language ability: minimum "B" average or 12/20 in English for the past three years
• Agree to attend classes in the U.S. as full-time students and maintain at least a "C" average or 10/20 in a U.S. high school
• Demonstrate willingness to participate in American host family daily life
• Have not previously attended school for a semester or academic year in the United States
• Not be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (green card holder)

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

The program can support students with disabilities and encourages their participation. The Department of State and the YES program work with Mobility International (MIUSA) to provide students with disabilities with leadership-building workshops, appropriate information, and support as needed to enhance their year in the United States. Students with disabilities must also meet the above eligibility requirements.

How to apply:

• Fill out the Kennedy-Lugar YES application completely. Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.
• Provide official school grades for the last three years (preferably in English).
• Provide a current passport-sized photo.
• Provide a copy of Lebanese or residency ID.

About Amideast:

AMIDEAST is a U.S. non-profit organization that works to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between Americans and the peoples of the Middle East and North Africa, and to offer opportunities for Learning and training, established in 1951, based in Washington D. C., headed by CEO Theodore H. Kattouf, in 2016 Amideast provided English language and professional training to 58,000 students, gave lectures on education in USA to 87,000 attendants, administered 200,000 tests, and offered scholarships to 1,700 applicants, as of 2018 Amideast provides its services to 500,000 people.

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