Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program (Bangladesh)

This U.S. government-funded exchange program provides scholarships for Bangladeshi secondary students 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

• Be between the ages of 15 – 17 by the start of the program (August 15, 2024).  Have a date of birth between August 15, 2007, and August 15, 2009 on the 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.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy in Bangladesh.