Applications are now open for Bangladeshi secondary school students interested in studying for one semester in the United States through the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) programme.

The YES programme features a rigorous, merit-based selection process. Selected participants will live with an American host family, attend a local US high school, build essential leadership skills, and engage in activities designed to demonstrate US excellence in governance, business, and innovation.

Programme highlights

• Live and study in the US: Experience life with a US host family while attending an American high school for one semester.
• Leadership and networking: Gain leadership skills, participate in community engagement, and build a lasting global network.

Eligibility criteria

• Age: Must be between 15 and 17 years old by the start of the programme (15 January 2027), with a birth date between 15 January 2010 and 15 January 2012 as stated on the birth certificate.
• Academic enrolment: Currently enrolled in Grades 8, 9, 10, or 11 in a recognised Bangladeshi high school or college. Students from private coaching centres or Bangladeshi citizens studying abroad are ineligible.
• Academic standing: Must maintain the equivalent of a B average or better without failing grades. Academic transcripts from the 2024, 2025, and 2026 academic years are required. Applicants must not have any gap years or repeated academic years within the last three years.
• Citizenship and residency: Must be a citizen and resident of Bangladesh. Dual citizens or permanent residents of the US or any other nation are not eligible.
• Visa requirements: Must meet US J-1 visa eligibility requirements. Applicants must not have spent more than 90 days in the US within the last five years.
• Language proficiency: Must demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency to study and communicate effectively.
• Restrictions: Applicants must not have a parent currently employed by the US Embassy or US Mission, nor have an active application for US immigration through family members.

Application deadline

• Wednesday (23 September) at 4:00 p.m. (BST)

How to apply and enquiries

• Official website: www.iearnbd.org
• Programme enquiries: [email protected]
• US Embassy contact: [email protected]