Long after their high school exchange year in the US is over, Youth Exchange and Study (YES) alumni from around the world continue becoming global leaders. It's not surprising to find that many of them have continued their international experience, living and working in other countries or improving their own.
At an alumni conference in Tunisia this past spring, alumni shared lessons learned from their international experiences in the US in a series of YESTalks modeled after the inspirational TEDTalks. From Bulgaria and Cameroon to Tunisia and the West Bank, alumni came together to discuss what being a global citizen means to them.
Rubaiyat
Bangladesh
The Ripple Effect of Change
Community service was a new concept for Rubaiyat when he first arrived in the US as an exchange student. He found that he loved helping others and was determined to bring the same opportunities to get involved in his community back to Bangladesh.
After organizing several volunteer events where nobody showed up, Rubaiyat nearly abandoned his efforts until he received a phone call from one person who was inspired by his efforts. That phone call changed everything; now Rubaiyat's community service projects attract many volunteers determined to improve their home.
Patricia
Cameroon
From Burden to Beauty
In her home country of Cameroon, Patricia faced discrimination from her classmates and others in her community based on her appearance. But in the US, her different appearance wasn't a problem. Inspired by the acceptance of cultural and physical diversity, Patricia returned home determined to celebrate the differences between people in her community.
Baya
Indonesia
Emotional Cartography
As a child, maps fascinated Baya and made him want to explore the world. As he grew up, he imagined studying in New York or Los Angeles, but instead found himself in Kansas for an exchange year in the US Although it was not quite what he expected, Baya's experience studying abroad in a rural area broadened his perspective in a way he could have never predicted.
Adea
Kosovo
My Message of Peace
After her father passed away from cancer, Adea made the difficult decision to continue her studies in Turkey and pursue her dream of becoming a diplomat. But as she shared her loss with others, Adea discovered that trauma which affects many people in her region can be a force for unification and peace in an area very recently ravaged by war.
Nesrine
Tunisia
Beyond Gender
Growing up, Nesrine denied her femininity so she would not attract unwanted attention from men. But it wasn't until her exchange year in the US that she noticed how pervasive street harassment was a part of everyday life for women in her country. Nesrine hopes to catalyze a change in her country so that women can feel confident and secure as they go about their daily lives.
About the YES Program
The YES program is funded through the US Department of State to provide scholarships for high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend one academic year in the US Students live with host families, attend high school, engage in activities to learn about American society and values, acquire leadership skills, and help educate Americans about their countries and cultures.