Embassy of the United States

Educational Programs and Scholarships

The Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES)

This competition has been closed.

The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is pleased to offer the prestigious Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES) to Iraqi high school students. Sponsored and funded by the Department of State, the program provides a one-year unique opportunity for Iraqi students to study in American high schools. The program aims at improving cooperation, mutual friendship and understanding between Americans and the Iraqi people. The scholarship allows Iraqi students to experience the American academic system, improve their English skills, make new and lasting friendships and live with an American family.

To qualify for the program students must:

• Are able to obtain a G passport by March 1, 2008 if chosen
• Born between August 1, 1991 and August 1, 1993
• Must be enrolled in either the 9th or the 10th grade in the 2007-2008 school year in Iraq
• Have excellent record of academic achievement
• Are citizens of Iraq and currently living in the country
• Demonstrate flexibility and commitment to promoting cross cultural understanding
• Are nationals of Iraq currently living in Iraq
• Are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents, and were not born in the United States
• Meet minimum English proficiency requirement
• Have not previously participated in a U.S.-government sponsored exchange program
  

This program is administered through Amideast. Please visit their web site at www.Amideast.org to download the application and apply for the program.

Please note that the program covers airfare, room and board, health insurance, monthly stipend for expenses, and educational material.

Any questions regarding the YES Program can be addressed to:
Patrick Ventrell, Assistant Cultural Affairs Officer
U.S. Embassy- Baghdad, Iraq
Email: VentrellPH@state.gov