The Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program provides high school students from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia with the opportunity to live and study in the United States for an academic year.  This Program is sponsored by the U.S. State Department, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and jointly administered by the Center for Cultural Interchange as a consortium member led by AYUSA International. 

YES students were selected for their academic excellence, commitment to community service and desire to share their countries and cultures with Americans and, in turn, share their experiences upon returning home.  Cross-cultural exchange, interpersonal development and civic education are important components of the YES experience.  

As part of their scholarship, all YES students are required to identify and interact with a mentor on a regular basis; this interaction adds depth and breath to the student exchange experience.  We realize that you are very busy and if you are able to be a YES student mentor, we ask only that your interaction be consistent throughout the year.  Meeting monthly either in-person, or over the phone, and communicating via email would add a lot to a YES student’s exchange year.

Your encouragement is a valuable component of student growth.  Together, mentors and students can discover and cultivate talents and interests.  As you discuss career opportunities, you will likely help your student to develop long term plans and build self-confidence. 

Mentoring is especially beneficial to exchange students.  As they navigate their way through a foreign world of language, culture and ideas, exchange students are introduced to educational and career opportunities they might not have previously thought possible.