How to Apply

The 2025-2026 application is now available. The submission deadline is December 4, 2024 at 4pm ET. Click here to start a 2025-2026 program application or to access an application already in progress.

View a PDF of the 2025-2026 application HERE.

Want to learn more about YES Abroad?

YES Abroad has a number of videos to guide you through the program and the application process. Watch them on our YouTube channel!

Have questions about the YES Abroad application process?

Contact program staff Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm ET at [email protected] or call 1-800-380-6552.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

The below eligibility details are for the 2025-2026 program. To be eligible for YES Abroad you must:

Be a U.S. citizen.
Be enrolled in grades 9-12 (high school, including home school) at the time of application
Be born between December 30, 2006 - June 30, 2010.
Applicants of all grade-point averages and academic performance are encouraged to apply.

The YES Abroad program welcomes applications from all U.S. citizens regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, geographic location, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

For additional eligibility information, please see "Additional Eligibility Information" below.

Additional Eligibility Information

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) offers many opportunities for American youth to participate in international exchanges. ECA seeks to represent the diversity of America in these youth exchange programs and to make sure the selection process is fair and transparent.

Strong selection preference is given to those who have not previously participated in an in-person exchange program or lived abroad for six months or more during the past five years.

This eligibility policy applies to the following programs, which take place outside the United States:

• Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) Outbound

• Future Leaders Exchange Abroad Program (FLEX Abroad)

• Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad (YES Abroad)

• National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)

• Youth Ambassadors and Youth Leadership Programs

To be eligible, an individual must:

• Be a U.S. citizen

• Be enrolled in grades 9-12 (high school, including home school) at the time of application

• Meet age and GPA requirements specific to the program

• Not be in either of the two ineligibility categories described below

Current or Previous Participant in ECA Exchanges

U.S. citizens who are current or past participants in any of the above-mentioned programs are not eligible to participate if:

• The two programs take place in the same calendar year.

• The individual is currently participating, or has already participated, in an academic year program.

Current or past participants in a short-duration program of eight (8) weeks or less are not eligible for another short-duration program but are eligible for an academic year program.

The restrictions above apply only to in-person programs taking place outside the United States. Participation in a virtual program does not make the applicant ineligible for programs of any length.

An individual may not participate in more than two of the above-listed programs, unless one of the programs was completely virtual.

Family Member Employment

For a period ending one year following the termination of such employment, association, or service:

• Employees of the U.S. Department of State/U.S. Agency for International Development are ineligible. This provision includes all employees, paid or unpaid (including part-time or temporary employees, consultants, externs, interns, fellows and personal services contractors).

• Immediate family members (e.g., dependent children) of employees of the U.S. Department of State/U.S. Agency for International Development are ineligible. This provision includes all employees, paid or unpaid (including part time or temporary employees, consultants, externs, interns, fellows and personal services contractors). Self-supporting children who live apart from their parents are qualified to participate.

• Employees (and their immediate family members) of private and public agencies under contract or grant with the U.S. Department of State who perform services on behalf of ECA Youth exchange programs are ineligible.

Would you like to nominate another student to apply for YES Abroad? If so, please visit the nomination form here.

Testimonials

My YES Abroad experience has shaped the way I live my life in important yet perhaps more subtle ways. I recognize that the truth I see in the world is simply my truth, one amongst many. I think the differences between people and the lives they lead is far smaller and less important than our shared humanity which unites us.

Catherine C.

Morocco

This was the best decision I have made in my entire life. Any reason you can think of for not applying, it's not worth it. You'll make friends from every continent, of every religion, who speak more languages than you knew existed. It is scary, and it's so easy to say, "Not for me," but I am begging all high schoolers, including rising seniors, to apply. People are always saying, "I wish I could travel," and, "I wish I could do something extraordinary," but they never actually try to make it happen. I'm telling you, this is that thing. Let it change your life.

Annabelle D.

Thailand