Kennedy-Lugar YES Abroad

Türkiye participants have officially commenced their 2025-26 program! After a long journey, they were warmly welcomed by local volunteers and kicked-off their arrival orientation. Bravo!

The Jordan cohort recently invited their friends to a basketball activity to celebrate . They started by explaining the importance of basketball in American culture, led stretching exercises, and then played a game. Basketball has spread across the globe, but the history and cultural significance isn’t always known. Everyone had a great time and hopefully, learned something new!

What is a classic American dessert that people love to make and eat? If you ask Zuber, an American ‘24-‘25 participant in Bosnia and Herzegovina, he would say good old fashioned apple pie!

During his year abroad, Zuber took the opportunity to share one of his favorite desserts from back home, teaching his host family how to make it. Nothing is sweeter than spending time with family and making memories together- not even apple pie!


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All participants take part in an arrival orientation over the the first few weeks in their host country. In addition, to learning a new language, how to use public transportation, and all other ins and outs of being an exchange student in Indonesia. Recent arrivals, Hannah, Sela, and Phalha had the opportunity to dive into a popular Indonesian activity: pottery painting!

Now they will be ready when their host family and classmates invite them to go!

YES Abroad participants in Thailand have been enjoying their host schools, from teachers and classmates to the various activities and uniforms, too!

AFS Intercultural Programs Thailand - เอเอฟเอส ประเทศไทย
U.S. Embassy Bangkok

The Senegal 2025-2026 cohort landed in Dakar today, we wish them all the best on their YES Abroad program this year!


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During their program start activities in Kuala Lumpur, participants in Malaysia enjoyed visiting some cultural sights to learn more about Malaysia. Highlights included a visit to the Batu Caves- a limestone cave containing an important Hindu temple- and meeting Malaysian YES alumni!


Youth Exchange and Study (YES)
U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur
AFS Antarabudaya Malaysia

Several students in India recently celebrated Raksha Bandhan with their host families. Raksha Bandhan is a traditionally Hindu ceremony observing the significance of brothers and sisters, and involves the exchange of gifts and charm bracelets signifying protection, obligation, and care among siblings.

What better way to celebrate than with some wonderful host siblings!

During their program start activities Indonesia, participants enjoyed a performance of the Rayamana Ballet at the Prambanya Temple. The ballet is a Javanese dance-drama that tells the epic of Rama, one of the most important epics in Hinduism.

Presenting the commencement of the YES Abroad 2025-26 program with the arrival of six participants from across the United States in Bangkok —cheers to the year ahead!

And that marks the end of another successful PDO! 🎉Thank you to all the thoughtful, brave, and curious participants who took part and the generous alumni, as always, who gave of their time and experience to prepare the next year of cohorts. Best of luck to you all, and we can't wait to see you next summer!✈️

Several of the YES Abroad students in India recently volunteered at a Bhandara, a large-scale community kitchen serving free meals to the community. It was a great opportunity for both the students and the locals who came by to enjoy the food, and to recognize and practice acts of service. Well done! AFS India U.S. Embassy India