Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program in Lebanon
Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, provides scholarships for high school students (14-16 years old) to spend one academic year in the United States. The program is vital to expanding communication between the peoples of the United States and Lebanon to promote mutual understanding and respect. 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 Lebanese culture.
Kennedy-Lugar YES scholarships cover all major expenses, including airfare, room and board, health insurance, pocket money and education supplies.
The program supports students with disabilities and encourages their participation.
To be eligible to participate in the YES program, students must:
- 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 September 1, 1996 and August 1, 1998
- Demonstrate maturity, good character, scholastic aptitude, flexibility and adaptability
- Demonstrate a high level of academic achievement - overall "B" average for the past three years
- 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 in a U.S. high school
- Demonstrate willingness to participate in the American host family's daily life
- Not have previously attended high school for a semester or academic year in the United States
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.
- Applicants can submit the application online to lebanon@amideast.org, deliver it in person to AMIDEAST, send it through the school, or mail the application to the following address:
Kennedy-Lugar YES Program
AMIDEAST
PO BOX 11-2190
Beirut 1107 2100
- The deadline to apply to the YES Program is December 3, 2012.
If you're having difficulties downloading this application, please contact lebanon@amideast.org
Selected students will sit for an English test. Final selection will be based on the application, test and interviews conducted by a local review panel.
| YES Program Specialist: | Ms. Dana Saleh |
| Street Address: | Bazerkan Building (Next to the Parliament), Nijmeh Square, Beirut Central District, Beirut |
| Mailing Address: | PO Box 11-2190 Riad El Solh, Beirut 1107 2100 |
| Phone: | 961-1-989901 ext 163 |
| E-mail: | lebanon@amideast.org |
| Office Hours: |
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
| YES Scholarship Information Session: | Every Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. |
YES Alumni in Lebanon:
Since 2003 when the YES program was launched, 285 alumni from all regions in Lebanon have participated in the YES program. They come from public and private schools – from all the diverse regions and communities present in Lebanon – and go on to pursue very diverse fields of study. Yet they remain united by their YES experience in the USA, their love of sharing those experiences with other Lebanese, and their commitment to serving their country upon their return.
Each year YES alumni in Lebanon plan and implement a variety of programs, including community service projects, training workshops to continue improving their own skills, and social events to help them stay connected with each other. Read more about YES alumni's activities!
Listen to what some of them have to say about their experience!
Previous YES student Placements in the U.S.
View Lebanon YES Program Placements 2003 - 2010 in a larger map
AMIDEAST administers the Kennedy-Lugar YES program as part of a consortium headed by American Councils and includes AFS Intercultural Programs, iEARN, and Iowa Resource for International Service.
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