FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Youth Exchange and Study Program (YES)?

In response to the events of September 11, 2001, the YES program was launched to build bridges of understanding between the US and countries of the Arab and Muslim world.  Funded by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs (ECA), the YES program provides high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations the opportunity to live in the US with a host family and attend school for an academic year.  The YES program is administered through grants to non-profit partners. 

What are YES student’s responsibilities?

YES students are selected for their commitment to community service, public diplomacy, and academic achievement.  While in the U.S. these students participate in leadership training, community service, a mentoring project, and a week long WashingtonDC civic education program.  Upon their return home, YES students continue to develop skills and apply their learning through alumni association.  YES students are eager to learn more about American values and ideals and serve as effective Ambassadors to bring stereotypical barriers crashing down in host communities across the country. 

How are FLEX students different from other exchange students?

The purpose of the Youth Exchange and Study Program is to increase tolerance among the US and countries of the Arab and Muslim world.  As a grantee organization for the Department of State, CCI is responsible for ensuring our YES students participate in community service and enhancement activities scheduled throughout the academic year, such as visits to state and local governments and leadership seminars conducted through our partnership with the Close-Up Foundation.  These activities are designed to teach students public diplomacy and provide the knowledge and skills they will need – as future ambassadors -- to bring about positive changes in their home countries.

What are the J-1 (Student) Visa Regulations?

Some YES students may wish to remain in the U.S.  At the conclusion of their program they may try to obtain a scholarship from an American university.  The U.S. Department of State, which issues student visas, requires that all YES participants return to their home country at the end of their academic year. Students and their parents understand this and have agreed to observe this rule as s a condition of their scholarship.  Students may apply for subsequent visas to enter the U.S. two years after returning to their home countries.

Religion

Your YES student may come from a religious background very different from your own.  State Department guidelines suggest it is not appropriate for students to formally join a church or to become baptized while here.  They may explore the tenets of a religion, or receive instruction, but they may not convert while here in the USA.  This is something they need to discuss with their family upon return.  While it is entirely appropriate to invite your student to attend religious services with your family, it would not be appropriate to pressure the student to do so.  Host families are also asked not to have dogs present during your student’s prayer time.  Should religion become an issue, we ask that you contact your CCI area representative for advice.