American Councils welcomed the 17 finalists and alternates selected for the Kennedy-Luger Youth Exchange and Study (YES) 2016-2017 program to a two-week this past April. The students traveled to Thies, Senegal for an English Language Immersion and Orientation Camp to better prepare them for an upcoming successful exchange year in the US
The goal of this camp was to build on students' English language skills to ensure they are ready for home and school life in the US In addition, students learned more about the YES program, tips for having a successful exchange year, and a chance to get to know the other program participants from around Senegal.
This is the third consecutive YES Senegal English Language camp to be run by American Councils in country and this year's program was unique in many ways. Firstly, the staff included YES alumni from Pakistan and India who served as teaching assistants. Azima (YES Pakistan) and Yashodhan (YES India) received in-class training to help develop their English teaching skills and provide YES Senegal students with a different perspective on the exchange year.
"This has been an incredible two weeks for me. I have learned so much at camp on how to teach English. Also, being in Senegal has been just fantastic," commented Azima about the camp.
In addition to Azima and Yashodhan, Dame (YES Senegal) and Jason (YES Abroad Senegal) made up the counseling team. Together, these dynamic counselors provided excellent support to the two American teachers, James Smrikarov and Tom Toomey, who provided English language instruction.
The diverse staff provided a daily schedule of English classes that included reading, public speaking, and essay writing, as well as orientation workshops to better prepare students for their year in the US, and extracurricular activities such as sports, arts, games, movies, and excursions around the Thies region.
This year was also unique as it was the first time Senegalese students with disabilities joined the program. "This is an incredible experience for me. I am so happy to be here and learning new things," said Malick, who has a visual impairment.
By the end of camp, students had become like a family and wished it could continue for another two weeks. "I will miss my YES family when I go back to my home tomorrow," said Aminatou at the closing ceremony. "You have all become my best friends and family and I love you all."
This is not the last time they will all meet however. Finalists will meet in Dakar, Senegal for another orientation program in July, and head to the US for the 2016-2017 school year in August.
We wish them all the best of luck!
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.