YES PROGRAM FOR TUNISIA

If you would like to spend a year of high school in the United States, YES may be the program for you!

Tunisia YES students in Washington, D.C.

OVERVIEW

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program provides scholarships for high school students to study for one academic year in the United States. YES students live with a host family, attend an American high school, acquire leadership skills, and engage in activities to learn about U.S. society and values; they also help educate Americans about their home country and culture. The program supports students with disabilities and encourages their participation.

Funded by the U.S. Department of State, the YES program was established by the U.S. Congress in 2003 to improve understanding between countries with significant Muslim populations and the United States. YES students serve as “youth ambassadors” of their home country, forming a cultural bridge of understanding by forming lasting relationships with their host families and communities.

After their year in the United States, YES alumni can look forward to participating in the active Tunisian YES alumni network.

ELIGIBILITY

Students must be Tunisian citizens residents of Tunisia.
Students should have a record of high academic achievement demonstrated by an overall "B+" average (13/20) for the past 2 years (with no failing grades).
Students must be currently enrolled in the First or Second year of secondary school (Tunisian Educational System), in Troisième or Seconde (French Educational System) AND between 15 and 17 years old by the time the program begins, next August 2025.
Must be born between February 15, 2007 and August 15, 2010
Students should demonstrate maturity, good character, scholastic aptitude, flexibility, and commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Students should have leadership qualities and demonstrate willingness to participate in the American host family's daily life.
Students should meet the English proficiency requirement (minimum of 14/20 in English for the past 2 years).
Students must not be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and were not born in the United States.

HOW TO APPLY

Complete the YES Preliminary Application ONLINE.

Attach the required documents to your application:

High school registration certificate (شهادة حضور)
Birth certificates (Arabic and French)
Certified true copies of the official annual grade transcripts of the last 2 years
1 current photo
Parental permission (Click here to download)

Incomplete applications will NOT be considered.

We are only accepting applications online. You do not have to submit a hard copy of the application to Amideast offices.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

The program can support students with disabilities and encourages their participation. The Department of State and the YES program work with Mobility International (MIUSA) to provide students with disabilities leadership-building workshops, appropriate information, and support as needed to enhance their year in the United States. Students with disabilities must also meet the above eligibility requirements.

YES application and selection process

There are multiple rounds to the YES application and selection process. All applicants are required to take an English proficiency exam, write proctored essays, complete a YES program application, and participate in group and individual in-person/virtual interviews. All candidates are selected on the basis of merit.

Pre-Application: Eligible students interested in applying are asked to fill out the Kennedy-Lugar YES preliminary application form available online. A complete application must contain: Kennedy-Lugar YES preliminary application form, certified true copies of the official annual grade transcripts of the last two years, high school registration certificate, birth certificates in Arabic and French, parental permission, and current passport-sized photo.

English Language Proficiency Test and Essays: Pre-selected applicants are invited to take an English Language Proficiency Test and write proctored essays.

Full Application: Selected applicants are invited to complete the full YES application.

In-person/virtual Interviews: Candidates who pass the English language proficiency exams and whose applications are accepted are invited for in-person group and individual interviews.

For more information on how to apply and to learn more about planned virtual information sessions, please contact the Exchange Program Department at Tunisexchange@amideast.org

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YES is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by Amideast.