YES PROGRAM
Spring Semester 2027

APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED

Introduction

Through the U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, high school students from countries of strategic importance around the world live and study for the spring 2027 semester (beginning in January 2027) in the United States. The YES program builds a network of young leaders who learn firsthand about American culture and principles, while at the same time sharing theirs. YES students form meaningful and enduring relationships with their host families and communities, strengthening the linkages between the U.S. and YES countries at the same time. Participants live with a U.S. family, attend an American high school, gain leadership skills, and engage in activities to learn about U.S. excellence in governance, business, and innovation. Applicants compete for the YES program through a rigorous, merit-based selection process. The YES program was established by Congress in October 2002.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be between the ages of 15-17 by the start of the program (January 1, 2027). Born between January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2012;
Be enrolled in a secondary school in Pakistan and be in 8th, 9th or 10th grade or 'O' Levels at the time of application. (Note for O’ Level Students: Only O’ Level 9th grade or O’ Level 10th grade students are eligible to apply. O’ Level 11th graders are not eligible);
Have a total minimum percentage of 60% in each academic year. Must have a minimum 60% in all major/core subjects (English, Mathematics, Sciences) and no failing grades in the past three years (academic years 2025-26, 2024-25, and 2023-24);
Students with a gap year or a repeated year are ineligible;
Be able to communicate in English;
Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa);
Be a citizen of Pakistan and reside in Pakistan. Dual nationals of any country will NOT be considered for the program;
Must not have traveled to the United States;
Siblings and children of the YES Program alumni are not eligible to participate in the program;
Siblings and children of Society for International Education and iEARN Pakistan project staff are not eligible to participate in the program.

Notice on Secondary School Completion
Applicants who have completed or graduated from any secondary school before the start of the program are not eligible for the YES program. This applies to all program countries.

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APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

There are multiple rounds to the YES application and selection process. Shortlisted applicants are required to take an English proficiency exam, write a proctored essay, complete a YES program application, and participate in an interview. All finalists are selected based on merit.

Important Note: Providing any false/forged documents or information or any discrepancy found at any stage of the selection process will result in the disqualification of the applicant.

PARENT STUDENT AGREEMENT

Carefully review this important information with your parents.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For Parents

Studying abroad in high school is an exciting journey for both you and your child. We have compiled the information below to help answer some of the questions you may have about the YES program experience. For further information, please e-mail the YES office in your country.

Who will support my child’s well-being while abroad?
YES participant safety is the number one priority of the U.S. Department of State and the YES program implementers. While on the program, your child will have regular contact with a trained coordinator in their community who will provide support, assistance, and guidance, and who will be in regular contact with the placement organization’s national headquarters. Host families, YES program staff in the United States, and natural parents/guardians all support participants.

As a parent, how can I help promote the well-being of my child?
One of the key ways that you can support your child’s successful participation is by providing the program with all relevant information regarding their health and family history in the application. Living and studying abroad can be a stressful and challenging experience for people of any age. Culture shock, homesickness, and stress can trigger anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, especially in students who have struggled previously with such concerns. Your child’s medical information will be reviewed by medical professionals and considered in making host family assignments but will not be reviewed as part of the evaluation or selection processes. Medical review does not begin until a student is selected as a Finalist or Alternate, and timely completion of this review depends on how quickly answers to medical inquiries are received. The medical review covers topics such as physical and mental health, ongoing medical needs, past or chronic illnesses and conditions, learning disorders, allergies and dietary restrictions, and any significant changes to health. The purpose of the review is to determine whether a candidate meets the medical requirements necessary for program participation. As described in the Terms and Conditions part of the application, withholding relevant health information may be cause for disqualification or termination from the program.

Where will my child be living?
All YES students live with host families who have been carefully screened and selected. Host families receive formal orientation and training to introduce them to cultural differences and to prepare them for the hosting experience. Local coordinators provide support to participants and host families throughout the program. Students attend a school in their community alongside American peers.

What happens in the case of an emergency?
YES implementing organizations are prepared to respond to emergencies in the United States. Each organization provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency and facilitates appropriate medical treatment, including evacuation, if necessary. YES consults with the U.S. Department of State and external risk management organizations to monitor the safety of participants while in the United States.

Will my child have medical coverage while abroad?
YES participants are provided with accident and sickness medical coverage to ensure that, in the case of an emergency, students will be treated as soon as possible.

What costs are covered and which are not?

The YES program provides:

round-trip airfare from your home country to the United States;

the cost of a Pre-Departure Orientation;

placement with a U.S. host family;

a modest monthly stipend;

health insurance; and

the cost of program activities and materials.

The YES program does not provide:

cost of obtaining a passport

required medical examinations and immunizations

extra pocket money while on program

How will YES help my child prepare to go abroad?

YES provides a wide variety of support mechanisms for students preparing to go abroad. Preparation for the YES experience begins shortly after the finalists are selected, with weekly follow-up by each YES program country office. Additionally, all YES finalists are required to attend a Pre-Departure Orientation where they will learn about program rules, how to use the chain of communication for support, health and safety, adjusting to living in a new culture and family, and dealing with challenges typically encountered during a 5-month exchange program.

yes
Program

Application status: CLOSED

The U.S. Department of State’s Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program provides high school students the opportunity to spend an academic year as an exchange student in the United States, attending high school and living with an American host family.

Students are enrolled for a full academic year at various high schools in the United States, attending classes and participating in extracurricular activities with their American classmates. YES students also participate in special enrichment activities, including community service, youth leadership training, and other activities that help them learn more about American culture. In addition, students serve as “cultural ambassadors” in their host communities, sharing their rich and vibrant culture and educating Americans about Pakistan.

The U.S. Department of State collaborates with American Councils for International Education and their partner in-country non-profit organizations to implement the YES Program each year, with participating students coming from 37 different countries at present. In Pakistan, the YES program is implemented in partnership with Society for International Education and iEARN-Pakistan.

Since 2003, the YES Program has provided scholarships to over 1,500 high school students from all over Pakistan.

yes
program

Application status: CLOSED

Eligibility Criteria

Be between the ages of 15-17 by the start of the program (January 01, 2027).
Be enrolled in a secondary school in Pakistan and be in 9th or 10th grade or 'O' Levels at the time of application. (Note for O’ Level Students: Only O’ Level 9th grade or O’ Level 10th grade students are eligible to apply. O’ Level 11th graders are not eligible.)
Have a cumulative grade point average of 60% or more. Must have a minimum grade point average of 60% in all major/core subjects (English, Mathematics, Sciences) and no failing grades in the past three years (2021-22, 2022-23, and 2023-24 academic years).
Students with a gap year or a repeated year are ineligible.
Be able to communicate in English.
Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa).
Be a citizen of Pakistan and reside in Pakistan. Dual nationals of any country will NOT be considered for the program.
The student must not have travelled to the United States.
Siblings and children of YES Program alumni are not eligible to participate in the program.
Siblings and children of Society for International Education and iEARN Pakistan project staff are not eligible to participate in the program.

In addition to the above requirements, students who also meet the following criteria are more likely to be shortlisted for the final round of selection:

The applicant can represent and demonstrate Pakistani culture and values at American schools and communities.
The applicant demonstrates maturity, flexibility, adaptability, good character, and scholastic aptitude.
The applicant is willing to participate in the host family’s daily life.
The applicant has a record of all necessary immunizations, as outlined in the YES Program application, before arriving in the United States.
The applicant demonstrates flexibility and a commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding.
The applicant agrees to attend classes as a full-time student and maintain at least a ‘B’ grade average.
The applicant agrees to abide by the 'YES Program Student Rules' as outlined in the YES Program application and all other rules and policies during the program.

yes
program

Application status: CLOSED

Application & Selection Process

STEP-1 Submission of YES Application (Form 1 – 11):

Students who fulfill the Selection Criteria and agree to the YES Program Parent/Student Agreement and Policies can apply for the scholarship. (Visit the YES Pakistan website www.yesprogram.pk to find these documents.) Students can download the YES Program application from the website, print out the application, fill it out, and courier it with all required documents to the SIE office. Hand-delivered applications will not be accepted. Instructions and guidelines for filling out the application are available on the website. Students from underserved communities and/or with diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

STEP-2 Online Interview:

After the initial application review, shortlisted applicants will be invited for an online interview. Students who are shortlisted for online interviews will be notified through the e-mail used to register for the YES Program application. Students who are shortlisted after the online interview will be required to submit Form M (Medical Form) along with the required documents before the next step. Form M will be sent to the shortlisted students via e-mail.

STEP-3 Proctored Essays, Group Activity and In-person Selection Interview:

After the online interview, students who qualify will be required to appear in-person for a proctored essay-writing exercise, group activities, and an in-person interview. Information about the venue and date will be communicated with the students through their registered e-mail.

Note: The students who fail to submit Form M (Medical Form) along with the required documents by the deadline will not be eligible for the third step.

STEP-4 English Language Test for International Students (ELTiS):

After the in-person interview, qualifying students will be required to take the English language proficiency test (ELTiS).

STEP-5 Final Evaluation:

The final selection of students will be based on their complete YES Program application, including all required documents, the online interview, the group activity, the in-person interview, and their ELTiS score. The semi-finalists will be notified by a letter from the YES Pakistan Program Director.

Important Note: Providing any false/forged documents or information or any discrepancy found at any stage of the selection process will result in the disqualification of the applicant.

yes
program

Application status: CLOSED

faq,s

program application:

What is the cost of the YES Program?

The YES Program covers all major costs including airfare, U.S. visa fee, boarding and lodging in the United States, school tuition, and a $200 USD monthly stipend.

Is there any flexibility to the age requirement?

The age requirement is not flexible. The student must be at least 15 years old and no older than 17 years old on January 01, 2027 (the year of travel to the United States).

Can I apply to the YES program if I am still unsure that I will participate if selected?

Students are highly discouraged from applying unless they are seriously interested in participating in the program from the very beginning and have the full support and permission of their family.

I have already traveled to the United States. Can I apply?

Applicants with previous travel to the United States are not eligible for the program.

I am not a Pakistani national, nor do not live in Pakistan. Can I apply?

Only Pakistan nationals who study and reside in Pakistan are eligible to apply for the program. Students with dual nationality are NOT eligible for the program.

What are the medical requirements?

Immunization records are very important and required from every student to participate in the program. In addition to the common immunization requirements in Pakistan, special vaccinations may be needed, depending on the host state’s requirements. Students also need to clear the TB skin test to attend the program.

host families:

Where will the students live in the United States?

All YES exchange students are placed with American host families for one academic year and attend an American high school. A consortium of reputable U.S.-based student exchange organizations that are approved by the U.S. Department of State make the placements.

What are host families?

Host families welcome the exchange students into their homes. They provide room, board and overall support and share their everyday lives and culture with the student. The families are carefully chosen and committed to making the exchange experience memorable for the student by organizing activities and events and including the student in all aspects of their lives.

Where do host families come from?

Host families represent the diversity of the United States and are from varied ethnic, religious, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Students should be prepared to be placed with host families from diverse cultural backgrounds.

How are the host families selected?

American Councils and other placement organizations make every effort to place students with families that will complement the student’s personalities and interests.

What is the student’s status in the host family?

The student will be a member of the host family. Students develop many relationships during the ten months on the YES Program; however, the relationship with the host family is at the heart of the cultural exchange and will likely to be the most important of the year. YES students need to possess a strong desire to be part of an American family and a willingness to accept responsibilities in their new home. These responsibilities will include (for both boys and girls) helping with household chores, keeping one's room clean, and abiding by all the host family rules, even if they differ from their Pakistani family's rules. YES students who expect to be treated like guests or given special consideration in their American families are unlikely to succeed in the program. General program policies and rules can be found on the website www.yesprogram.pk

Can I live with my relatives?

Students are not allowed to be hosted by their relatives in the United States, and they cannot request to be placed with relatives. Interference from relatives in the United States can affect the student’s adjustment negatively.

Can a student request to live with a Muslim or a Pakistani family?

A student cannot ask the Society for International Education (SIE) or the placement organizations to be placed with a Muslim or Pakistani family. The SIE office does not interfere in the placement of any student.

Are the students safe with the host families?

Students are safe with their host families. Host families undergo strict background checks.

SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS ISSUES:

Can YES students practice their religion while on the exchange in the United States?

YES students can practice their religion very easily. American families and schools can make the necessary accommodations. However, there may be limits. For example, students should not expect their hosts to prepare sehri or other traditional dishes. They can ask their host family if they can prepare it themselves.

Can female students wear a head scarf (hijab) while in the United States?

Female students can wear their headscarves while in the United States, and they may even see others wearing the hijab. Students can also wear traditional Pakistani clothes to school and when they go out. (Note: Girls will be exempted from all activities, sports, etc. that require them to wear clothes that are against Islamic and Pakistani values.)

Can students get halal food?

Halal meat can be purchased from the halal meat shops in the community or ordered for delivery. However, a student cannot demand host parents to serve them halal food. Students can buy halal meat from their own stipend and should be prepared to cook any additional or special meal they want to eat.

SCHOOL AND ACADEMICS:

Can students graduate from high school in the United States?

YES students cannot graduate from a U.S. high school, nor does participation in the YES Program provide the student with a high school diploma. The student will be enrolled in grades 10 or 11 and be given a mark sheet/transcript for the subjects they study and other achievement certificates and letters.YES students promote mutual understanding and form lasting relationships with their host families and communities. They also engage in community service and civic education activities that provide valuable life skills that can aid them in their future academic and professional experiences.

Do students miss a school year in Pakistan?

This will vary depending on the school system in which the student is enrolled. Students must discuss this with their schools in Pakistan before applying for the program. If it is not possible to get admission to the next higher classes upon their return to Pakistan, students must be prepared to lose one year of academic study in Pakistan.

Can students remain in the United States upon completing the YES program?

Students cannot remain in the United States after completing their program. Attempting to do so is illegal and in violation of program rules.

YES Program: Spring Semester 2027

YES Program: Spring Semester 2027

How to Apply ?

Apply now

YES Program: Spring Semester 2027

YES PROGRAM
Spring Semester 2027

APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED

Introduction

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

age Calculator

Select Date of Birth

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

PARENT STUDENT AGREEMENT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

yes
Program

Application status: CLOSED

yes
program

Application status: CLOSED

Eligibility Criteria

In addition to the above requirements, students who also meet the following criteria are more likely to be shortlisted for the final round of selection:

yes
program

Application status: CLOSED

Age Calculator

Select Date of Birth

yes
program

Application status: CLOSED

Application & Selection Process

yes
program

Application status: CLOSED

Parent Student Agreement

yes
program

Application status: CLOSED

faq,s

program application:

host families:

SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS ISSUES:

SCHOOL AND ACADEMICS:

YES Program: Spring Semester 2027

YES PROGRAM Spring Semester 2027

APPLICATION STATUS: CLOSED

Introduction

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

age Calculator

Select Date of Birth

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

PARENT STUDENT AGREEMENT

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

yes Program

Application status: CLOSED

yes program

Application status: CLOSED

Eligibility Criteria

In addition to the above requirements, students who also meet the following criteria are more likely to be shortlisted for the final round of selection:

yes program

Application status: CLOSED

Age Calculator

Select Date of Birth

yes program

Application status: CLOSED

Application & Selection Process

yes program

Application status: CLOSED

Parent Student Agreement

yes program

Application status: CLOSED

faq,s

program application:

host families:

SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS ISSUES:

SCHOOL AND ACADEMICS:

YES PROGRAM
Spring Semester 2027

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Program

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yes
program

yes
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