Say YES!

What is YES?
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program was established in October, 2002 The program is funded by the U.S. Government The program allows high school students (15-17 years) to spend one academic year in the U.S.

 To promote a better understanding of American society, people, institutions, values and culture Encourage respect for diversity Develop leadership skills Enhance Americans understanding of foreign students countries and cultures

The goals of the program are:

 Young people learn about another country and culture in a unique way, by living as a member of a host family, not as a guest. The result over the years has been a global awareness of the positive impact of exchange Many of todays world leaders have participated in an exchange experience, and say that the

What does youth exchange achieve?

What does the scholarship provide? (from home to Round-trip international travel
the United States and back); Monthly allowance to help students participate in social activities and buy necessary personal supplies; Placement with a selected U.S. host family for one year; Enrollment in a U.S. secondary school; Program orientation activities including preprogram preparation and re-entry preparation; Program activities arranged in local U.S. communities;

What is NOT provided?

Acquisition of an international passport; Personal expenses not covered by the monthly stipend; Excess baggage costs; Telephone calls made from the U.S. to home or an e-mail account.

 Be currently enrolled in the first or second year of secondary school; Meet J-1 visa/SEVIS age requirements for high school students; Be born between 1 January 1995 and 15 July 1997 Have an academic standing of good or better; Have previous English language studies (applicants must demonstrate English language ability at the time of registration);

Eligible applicants must:

 S/he has stayed in the U.S. for three (3) months or more during the past (5) years; His/her family:

A student is ineligible to apply if:

has applied or is applying to emigrate to the United States has made plans to emigrate or has already emigrated to the United States

Students with Disabilities

The YES program can support students with disabilities and encourages their participation. Students with disabilities born between 15 March, 1994 and 15 July, 1997 and who have not yet graduated from secondary school are eligible to apply for YES.

 Independent panels of American professionals will select finalists and alternate candidates. Selection will be based on merit as evidenced in:
a comprehensive application, teacher references, demonstrated preparedness for a

How are students selected?

year-long exchange experience.

 Upon notification, finalists, alternates and their parents will receive orientation materials to prepare them for departure. They must officially notify American Councils that they accept the scholarship and provide any additional documentation requested. Students must begin the process of applying for an international passport and U.S. visa immediately upon acceptance to the program. From May through August, American Councils and its partner organizations will match finalists with qualified U.S. host

What happens after notification?

When and how can I apply? Students interested in applying for YES should

come to one of the following testings: Bitola, October 11th, 8.30 AM 1:00 PM at Amerikansko Katce - Amerikanski Obrazoven Centar O.U. Goce Delcev Skopje, October 13th, 8.30 AM 1:00 PM at Masinski Fakultet - nova zgrada (atest na vozila) Prostorija K3-9 Note: Applicants may participate at only ONE test center each fall. Applicants must bring to the testing center proof of eligibility (birth certificate, passport, licna karta, etc.)

 Round 1 All applicants will take a 15-minute, 16-quetion test of general English Round 2 Those who pass on to Round 2 will take a longer English language proficiency test and write a composition in English . Round 2 lasts about 3 hours. Candidates must successfully complete the first two rounds of the competition before they receive final

What do the rounds look like?

 From our websites: www.americancouncils.org www.americancouncilssee.org From the American Councils office in Skopje: Ul. "Karpos" 2 BB Nova zgrada na Masinski fakultet 3ti sprat 1000 Skopje Macedonia +389 2 30 99 474 skopje@americancouncilssee.org

Where can I get more information?