The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program of the U.S. Department of State offers high school students the chance to study abroad for a full academic year in the country while attending high school and residing with an American host family. Students attend courses and take part in extracurricular activities with their American classmates while enrolled for the entire academic year at different high schools in the US. In addition, YES students take part in extracurricular activities that help them learn more about American culture, such as youth leadership development programs, community service projects, and others. Additionally, students act as “cultural ambassadors” in their host towns, introducing Americans to Pakistan and showcasing their rich and vibrant culture.
Each year, the YES Program is put into action by the U.S. Department of State in partnership with American Councils for International Education and its local non-profit partners, with participants currently hailing from 37 different nations. The YES program is run in Pakistan in collaboration with iEARN-Pakistan and the Society for International Education. throughout 1,400 high school students from all throughout Pakistan have received scholarships through the YES Program since it began in 2003.