The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program is a revolutionary program that provides Bangladeshi high school students with an unparalleled chance to study in the US. This elite programme is an international exchange program that promotes cultural exchange, academic development and leadership; it is supported by the US Department of State. The YES Program has absorbed more than 300 Bangladeshi students to the United States and allowed them to see US culture for themselves in recent years. And if you are a high-school student in Bangladesh and you want to go to study abroad, this program may just be the ticket.
What is the YES Program?
YES is a merit-based scholarship program for high school students from Bangladesh to live with an American host family and go to a US high school for one year. The programme educates students on the US by making them a part of their culture. Apply by 27th October 2024, 6:00pm Bangladesh time for the academic session 2024-25.
Key Features and Benefits
Those students who are chosen to participate in the YES Program get the following:
1. Financial Coverage:
- Cheap airfare from Bangladesh to the United States Round-trip.
- U.S. visa fees.
- One $125 per month stipend to use for own needs.
- Full health insurance.
- Cost of school in the US high school.
Pre-departure orientation fees, placement in an American host family and other program expenses.
2. Cultural Immersion:
- Students go live with an American host family, which provides the chance to experience the life in the U.S.
- Community service, field trips, and extracurriculars.
- Personal Development:
- Fluency in English acquired by immersion.
- Gaining self-confidence, autonomy and internationalism.
Eligibility Criteria
- You must be: Meet the following criteria to apply for the YES Program:
- Criteria: Must be 15 to 17 years of age on 15 August 2025.
- Educational Qualification: Now attending high school, Bangladeshi class 8, 9, 10 or 11.
- Academic Performance: Always have at least “B” grade in the last 3 academic years.
- Residence: Permanent resident of Bangladesh is a must.
- Language Skills: Knowledge of English, both in spoken and written.
- Eligibility for Visa: Can apply for a U.S. J-1 visa.
- Travel Record: No stay in the U.S. more than 90 days in the last 5 years.
All applicants, especially people with disabilities, are welcome to apply as the program is inclusive.
Attributes That Enhance Selection Chances
Successful applicants often exhibit:
- A grown-up, mature, responsive individual.
- Proven ability to integrate into US high school and a host family.
- A willingness to share Bangladeshi culture in the US and do their country proud.
- Retention to go back to Bangladesh at the end of program to serve the community.
Application Process
The application process is straightforward yet competitive. Interested students should:
- Visit the official website for detailed instructions and eligibility guidelines: YES Program Bangladesh.
- Access the application form at U.S. Embassy YES Program Page.
- Submit academic transcripts from 2022, 2023, and 2024 alongside the application.
For further inquiries, applicants can email yesinfo@iearnbd.org or DhakaUSExchanges@State.gov.
A Life-Changing Experience
The YES Program isn’t just a scholarship, but a chance to develop as a scholar, in your community, and in yourself. It’s a place where students can broaden their vision, develop life-long friendships and explore world cultures. Yet, participants must strictly abide by the programme, which means coming back to Bangladesh after the project is over. If not, the court can deem you illegal and bar you from getting a future U.S. visa.
Final Thoughts
If you are a Bangladeshi high-school student who dreams big and is driven to succeed, then the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program is the place for you. It’s the most transformational thing you could ever do, teach you to look into the world, and get exposed to an endless variety of opportunities. So, don’t wait any longer to be part of this great adventure — apply today and start paving the way for a better future!
