Kennedy-Lugar YES Study Program for Pakistani Students

Discover the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study YES Program, a remarkable opportunity for Pakistani students to embark on a fully funded educational journey in the United States. This program, sponsored by the U.S. government, offers Matric and O-Level students in Pakistan the chance to study at American high schools and experience life with American host families for an entire year. In this article, well delve into the details of this enriching program, including eligibility criteria, application process, and the benefits it offers. The students can get latest information of their Kennedy-Lugar YES Study Program for Pakistani Students.

Overview of the YES Program:

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study YES Program is a prestigious initiative aimed at promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding among secondary school students from 39 countries, including Pakistan. Since its inception in 2003, this program has awarded scholarships to 1,274 high school students across Pakistan, fostering cross-cultural connections and expanding horizons.

Application Deadline:

If youre interested in becoming part of this life-changing experience, mark your calendars. The application deadline for the YES USA Program is October 6, 2023. Dont miss your chance to be a part of this incredible opportunity.

Benefits of the YES Program:

The YES Program offers a comprehensive package of benefits that cover all major expenses, ensuring that students can focus on their academic and cultural experiences in the United States. Here are the key benefits:

Airfare:

The program covers the cost of your round-trip airfare to the United States.

US Visa Fee:

The YES Program takes care of the expenses related to obtaining a U.S. visa.

Boarding and Lodging:

Students will reside with American host families, providing them with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in American culture. All lodging and meals are included.

School Tuition:

YES scholars will be enrolled as full-time students in American high schools, with their tuition expenses fully covered.

Monthly Stipend:

Participants will receive a monthly stipend of $125 to assist with personal expenses during their stay.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the YES Program, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship:

You must be a Pakistani citizen residing in Pakistan.

Grade Level:

Applicants should be enrolled in the 9th or 10th grade, or they can be O Levels students. Note that 11th grade O Level students are not eligible.

Age Requirement:

You should be between the ages of 15 and 17 by the programs start date on August 15, 2024.

Academic Performance:

Maintain a minimum of 60% marks in all major/core subjects English, Mathematics, Sciences in your most recent examination, with an overall minimum average of 60% marks for the past three years.

English Proficiency:

Demonstrate proficiency in English, with a minimum of 60% marks in English exams over the past three years 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2022-23.

Travel History:

Applicants should not have traveled to the United States previously.

Additional Selection Criteria:

To increase your chances of being selected for the YES Program, consider the following factors:

Entry Test:

Successfully pass the Entry Test, which is part of the application process.

Cultural Awareness:

Display a strong understanding and practice of Pakistani culture and values, as you will be representing them in U.S. schools and communities.

Personal Qualities:

Showcase qualities such as maturity, flexibility, adaptability, good character, and scholastic aptitude.

Integration with Host Families:

Be willing to actively participate in the daily life of your American host family.

Health Requirements:

Maintain a record of all necessary immunizations, as outlined in the Final Student Application, before arriving in the U.S.

Commitment to Cross-Cultural Understanding:

Demonstrate a commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Academic Dedication:

Agree to attend classes as a full-time student and maintain at least a B grade average in American high school.

Compliance with Program Rules:

Willingly adhere to the YES Student Rules as outlined in the YES Final Application, as well as all other program rules and policies.

Visa Eligibility:

Meet the eligibility requirements for the U.S. J-1 visa.

How to Apply:

To embark on this incredible educational journey, follow these steps:

Step 1: Preliminary Application

If you meet the Selection Criteria and agree to the Parent Student Agreement and General Program Rules, download the Preliminary Application from online link.

Submit your application documents through the courier SIE office. Female students, those with physical disabilities, and students from non-elite and government schools who meet the criteria are strongly encouraged to apply.

If your school is not interested in forwarding the YES Preliminary Application, you can courier your application independently.

Step 2: Entry Test

After the initial Preliminary Application screening, short-listed applicants will receive notifications regarding the YES Orientation and Entry Test through letters and/or emails to their provided addresses.

Step 3: Interview and Group Activity

Students who pass the Entry Test will be invited for interviews and group activities.

Complete the YES Final Application and bring the required documents to the interviews.

Step 4: Standardized English Language Test

Short-listed students will be required to take a standardized English language test for international students.

Step 5: Final Evaluation

The final selection of students will be based on the Entry Test, Interviews, and the submission of a neatly filled YES Final Application with all required documents.

Finalists will be notified via a letter and a Scholarship Acceptance form from the YES program office.

Keep a close eye on the YES website or Facebook pages announcement section for updates and additional information about the program.

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study YES Program offers Pakistani students a unique opportunity to expand their horizons, experience American culture, and receive a world-class education in the United States. With fully funded scholarships and a rich array of benefits, this program is a stepping stone to a brighter future.

Kennedy-Lugar YES Study Program for Pakistani Students