Are you a Bangladeshi secondary student interested in studying for one year in the United States? The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study program may be the right opportunity for you! Applications are now open until Monday, November 14, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time). This U.S. government-funded exchange program provides scholarships for Bangladeshi secondary students (between the ages of 15 to 17 years old) with an opportunity to study at an American High school, live with a host family, and serve as a youth ambassador for their country.
Program Components:
- Live and study in the United States: The YES program provides students with an opportunity to learn about American culture and society by living with a host family and attending a local high school for one U.S. academic year. Students have an opportunity to take a diverse array of courses and participate in extracurricular activities at their school such as robotics, debate, and art club.
- Develop leadership skills and build a global network: Bangladeshi students will have an opportunity to engage in community service projects that advance mutual understanding, respect for diversity, and become members of the global YES alumni community.
Eligibility Requirements (for more information, please visit the www.iearnbd.org):
- Be between the ages of 15 – 17 by the start of program (August 15, 2023). Have a date of birth between August 15, 2006 and August 15, 2008 on birth certificate.
- Be enrolled in a secondary school at the time of application. Private or coaching center students are not eligible.
- Be currently enrolled in grade 8, 9, 10, or 11 in Bangladeshi high schools or colleges. Bangladeshi citizens studying in foreign countries are not eligible to apply.
- Have the equivalent of a B average or better without failing grades.
- Must be able to provide transcripts from 2020, 2021, and 2022 academic years. Applicants cannot have a gap year or repeated year of study in the last three academic years.
- Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements (for instance, U.S. citizens are not eligible for J-1 visa).
- Not have spent a total of more than 90 days in the United States in the last five years.
- Be a resident and citizen of Bangladesh. Dual citizens or permanent residents of the U.S or any other country are not eligible.
- Demonstrate sufficient English language ability to speak and study in English.
- Applicants cannot have any or both parents currently employed by the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Mission.
Application Information and Deadline:
Apply Now for the YES program. For details click here.
Please note the deadline to apply for the 2023-2024 academic year is Monday, November 14, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time).
For further questions/inquiries, please reach out to [email protected] and/or the U.S. Embassy YES Program Manager, Mr. Mushfiq Hassan, at [email protected].