Click on the questions below to find the answers to the Frequently Asked Questions about the YES Program
How much does it cost?
Do I need a passport?
Is it safe to go overseas?
Can I organize my own placement?
During the program, will I be able to return to Kenya for matriculation?
What can I expect when I get to the United States?
Can I extend my stay in the United States after the YES program?
Is there anything I won’t be able to do while I am a YES participant?
How can I practice my religion when I’m in the U.S.?
Will I be placed in a big city or small village?
A: The U.S. Department of State sponsors all YES students to participate in this exchange program, and they pay all program fees to the exchange organization. This includes round-trip international travel, support once you are on your program, orientations before and during your program, and full health insurance. This also covers placement with a host family who will provide meals and housing during your program. In addition, as a participant in the YES program you will receive a monthly stipend of 125USD for you to use to cover individual daily costs.
A: Yes. If you do not already have a passport please apply for one as soon as possible, as you will need to then apply for a US Visa once you have been accepted as a participant in the YES Program.
A: AFS, PAX, AYA, and ACES—the high school exchange organizations responsible for hosting YES students from Kenya while in the United States—are all established and experienced organizations. Our primary operating value is concern for the welfare, safety, and security of our student participants. We provide 24-hour support for all students and families around the world.
Q: Can I organize my own placement?
A: No. The hosting organization will be responsible for arranging all host family placements.
Q: During the program, will I be able to return to Kenya for matriculation?
A: No, you are not allowed to return to Kenya for matriculation while on the YES program.
Q: What can I expect when I get to the United States?
A: When you first arrive you will participate in an orientation to help you get used to your new country, and to introduce you to other YES scholarship winners from around the world. You will then travel to your host-community where you will meet your local organization representatives as well as your host family, who will provide you with the same care they give their own children. Expect to go through some adjustments as you get used to a new family and new customs. You will have the support of local organizational volunteers and staff, especially while you are adjusting.
Q: Can I extend my stay in the United States after the YES program?
A: No. Upon completion of the YES program, all participants will attend the Pre-Departure Orientation in Washington DC before returning to Kenya. As a YES Scholarship recipient your responsibilities include attending all orientations.
Q: Is there anything I won’t be able to do while I am a YES participant?
A: Yes. There are three rules that all participants must agree to:
● No illegal drugs
● No driving
● No hitchhiking
All participants must be law-abiding in their host country. There are also limits to traveling independently. In a new environment, it is important to be more aware of safety issues than you might be at home. And remember: you are a student ambassador for Kenya.
Q: How can I practice my religion when I’m in the U.S.?
A: We encourage you to practice your religion while you are abroad. Please understand that sometimes your placement might not be convenient for you to have access to religious services (church, mosque, temple, etc). we expect students to be open-minded to the possibilities of different placements.
Q: Will I be placed in a big city or small village?
A: Most students are hosted in small- to medium-sized towns or villages. Families in big cities often live in small apartments, so they don’t have a lot of room. Also, outside the major cities you often get a better feel for what a country is really like.