Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad (YES Abroad)
YES Abroad offers full scholarships for U.S. high school students to study for a year in selected countries, promoting cultural exchange, leadership, and global citizenship through immersive academic and community experiences.
Funder: American Councils for International Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Full scholarships for one academic year abroad; covers tuition, room & board, travel, and most program costs.
Summary: Merit-based scholarships for U.S. high school students to study abroad for a year, fostering cross-cultural understanding and leadership.
Key Information: Eligibility limited to U.S. high school students aged 15–18.5 at program start; application cycle is projected and subject to change.
Description
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad (YES Abroad) program offers full, merit-based scholarships for American high school students to spend an academic year living and studying in selected countries. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by American Councils for International Education, the program aims to promote mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and leadership development. Participants live with host families, attend local schools, and engage in immersive activities to learn about their host country's society and values while sharing American culture. YES Abroad is designed as a reciprocal extension of the YES program, supporting youth ambassadorship and global citizenship.
