Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program in Pakistan

Deadline: 10-Nov-22

The Society for International Education (SIE) is now accepting applications for its Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program to provide high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations 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 of high school study in the U.S., 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.

Funding Information

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

Eligibility Criteria

Be between the ages of 15-17 by the start of program (August 15, 2023)
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 60% or more, must have a minimum 60% in all major/core subjects (English, Mathematics, Sciences) and no failing grades in the past three years (2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years).
Students who were promoted without taking annual examinations in 2019-20 academic year due to COVID-19, need to obtain subject wise performance document from their school. The document must be stamped and signed by an authorized school official. If they had any class test mark sheet (transcript) for the academic year 2019-20, they must also attach it with the YES application.
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 traveled to the United State
In addition to the requirements, students who also meet the following criteria are more likely to be short listed 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 Final Student 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 Student Rules’ as outlined in the YES Application and all other rules and policies during the program.