Viewing 1 - 4 Out Of 4 Results
  • Creating a Global Family: A Conversation with Host Parents John and Michele Walker
    Thanks to generous American families from various backgrounds, over 40,000 students hailing from more than 50 countries have been hosted in every state through study abroad programs administered by American Councils. These international students received prestigious, merit-based scholarships through the U.S. Department of State and become connected with compassionate, globally conscious families that support immersive experiences to learn English and local cultures.While host families provide… Read More
  • From Students to Mentors: YES Alumni Return to U.S. to Serve as Role Models to Civic Education Workshop Participants
    Each year, the Civic Education Workshops (CEW) convene a cohort of participants from the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX), Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES), and Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) programs, hailing from various host communities across the United States, for an immersive exploration of American civil society in the nation’s capital. During the workshop, students engage in sessions on topics like First Amendment rights, foreign policy, and leadership, equipping… Read More
  • Celebrating 20 Years of Transformative Exchanges with the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program
     Twenty years ago, a visionary step was taken by the United States Congress as they established the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, named after Senators Ted Kennedy and Richard Lugar. Created in response to the events of September 11, 2001, YES provides opportunities for high school students from countries around the world to immerse themselves in an American high school, develop cross-cultural skills, and build lasting friendships.The YES program has profoundly… Read More
  • YES Abroad Perspectives on the 20th Anniversary of the YES Program
    Two decades ago, in the aftermath of 9/11, the United States Congress laid the foundation for the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. This visionary initiative was created to foster greater understanding by providing merit-based scholarships for students from countries around the world to engage in a transformative academic year within the U.S. While the YES program is celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad (YES Abroad)… Read More