The Kennedy - Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program in Oman

The Kennedy - Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program was established in October, 2002 and sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to provide scholarships for high school students (15-17 years) from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend up to one academic year in the U.S. The program in Oman has been administered in collaboration with the Ministry of Education since 2003 and the program currently has 53 Alumni members including 9 students who've recently traveled to the United States.

Announcement:

Ninth Graders! Apply for the Youth Exchange and Study Program!

AMIDEAST, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the United States Embassy, is now accepting applications from Omani students to participate in the Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES).

Scholarship recipients will travel to the United States for one academic year, departing Oman in August 2012 and returning in June 2013. They will live with an American host family, enroll in 10th Grade at an American high school and participate in special enrichment activities that include community service, youth leadership training and a civics education program. Likewise, these students serve as cultural ambassadors for Oman, representing their own rich heritage to their American host communities. Students wishing to enroll must be 15 years of age before August 1st, 2012.

YES scholarships are funded by U.S. Department of State and cover all major expenses, including airfare, health insurance, a monthly allowance and educational supplies. American host families provide room and meals at no cost to the student.

Applications will be distributed at all public and private schools through the Ministry of Education and the Directorates General of Education in the regions and must be submitted to the school before October 8, 2011. Selected students will undergo a number of English language tests, followed by an evaluation and interview.

You Are Eligible To Apply If You:

  • Be at least 15 years old by August 1, 2012, and no older than 17 by August 1, 2012,
  • Entering grade 10 in Fall 2012
  • Have a record of high academic achievement (A in English and B Average)
  • Demonstrate flexibility and commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding
  • Achieve a score of 50 on the SLEP (Secondary Level English Proficiency) test by April 1, 2012 (exam to be administered by AMIDEAST)
  • Not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and haven't been born in the United States

Scholarship Details

YES scholarships cover all major expenses, including airfare, health insurance, spending money, and educational supplies. American host families provide a room and meals at no cost to the student. Final acceptance is granted to candidates who:

  • Pass all entry exams.
  • Participate in an individual and group interviews
  • Submit a complete and high-quality student application in a timely manner.
  • Receive a host family placement in the United States.
  • Receive a U.S. visa in time for travel.

For questions on how to apply or to request more information, please call or e-mail:

YES Program Officer:

Fatin Al Maawali

Street Address:

Building 11, Fahoud Street, Al Qurum

Mailing Address:

PO Box 978, PC 116 Mina Al Fahal, Muscat - Oman

Phone:

968 - 2456-1727

E-mail:

falmaawali@amideast.org

Office Hours:

Saturday –Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

 

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