In the USA, the iEARN YES Exchange Program is a fully financed year-long exchange program. The Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the U.S. Department of State jointly fund the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program. It permits High School students to spend one full year in the United States, attend high school, and live with an American host family, spend time with them, experience the United States, and develop memories and friends. Almost 200 students from IEARN come to the United States every year. One of the well-known US exchange programs is this one. The YES Exchange Program 2025–2026 for Pakistani students will be the subject of this article. If you are not a citizen of Pakistan, find out whether the YES Program is appropriate for your nationality. More details are given below.

All You Need to Know about the iEARN YES Exchange Program 2025 in the USA

• Host Country: USA
• Duration: One Year
• Program For: High School Students
• Benefits: Fully Funded
• Deadline: 21st October 2024

What is the YES Exchange Program?

It is a Fully Funded Exchange program in USA for the High school students to spend one year in United States high schools, attend classes, and participate in extracurricular activities with their American classmates.

The YES students also participate in special enrichment activities, including community service, youth leadership training, and other activities that help them learn more about American culture.

Financial Benefits

Over 1,500 students from across Pakistan have had the opportunity to participate in the program. The YES Program covers:

• Full tuition fees: Students will attend a U.S. high school without worrying about tuition costs.
• Monthly stipend: Participants will receive a $200 monthly allowance to cover personal expenses.
• Visa processing: The program will fully cover the U.S. visa application fee.
• Accommodation and travel: Students will stay with a trusted host family and have their travel costs to and from the U.S. covered.

Eligibility Criteria for YES Exchange Program for Pakistan

• The Program is open to the Pakistani Nationals.
• The age should be in between 15-17 years by the start of the program.
• Be enrolled in a high school and be in 9^th or 10^th grade or ‘O’ Levels at the time of application.
• Note for O’ Level Students: Only O’ Level 9^th grade or O’ Level 10^th grade students are eligible to apply. O’ Level 11^th graders are not eligible.)
• Have a Grade or percentage of more than 60% from the last three years.
• Students who have taken a gap year or repeated a grade are not eligible.
• Participants must demonstrate a strong ability to communicate in English.
• Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements
• Siblings and children of YES Program alumni are not eligible to participate in the program.

How to Apply for the YES Exchange Program 2025?

There are 5 steps:

1. Submission of Online application
2. Online Interviews
3. Essays, and in-person selection interview
4. English Language Test for International Students (ELTIS)
5. Final Evaluation

The Official website of the YES Program for Pakistan is given below.