The Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program for the fifth year in Israel, is seeking 22 Israeli Arab secondary school students to participate in a Study-in-the-USA initiative for high school students during the 2009-2010 school year.

YES Program scholarships, funded by the US Department of State and Bureau of Cultural Affairs give secondary school students in many countries an opportunity to study at American high schools and live with American host families for one academic year. The 15 Israeli Arab students of the fourth batch are successfully engaged in academic activities in various States of USA. We are now looking forward for a similar talented group of youth for the 2009-2010 of the YES exchange program.

Students will be enrolled in a full academic year of high school study in the United States, attending classes, labs and extra curricular programs with their American classmates. YES students will also participate in special enrichment activities, including community service, youth leadership training, a Civics education program and other activities that will develop a well-rounded understanding of American culture through interaction with diverse groups of Americans. Likewise, participating students will act as cultural ambassadors to their American host communities, becoming invaluable resources for Americans, whose contact with YES students will provide them with an opportunity to learn about the Arab culture. Through these substantive, personal encounters, YES students will be able to both teach and learn, while strengthening their English communication skills.

Students will be selected on the basis of applications, scores in the SLEP test (Secondary Level English Proficiency Test) and interviews.
The students will be placed in carefully chosen American host families by experienced youth exchange organizations, which will also monitor and advise the students throughout their stay in the United States. All expenses in connection with the study tour including airfare, room and board, pocket money and most other costs will be paid for by the YES Scholarship.
It is our pleasure to invite you to participate in the ‘Youth Exchange and Study’ Program (YES). The following are basic requirements for eligible applicants:

Students:

• Must be 15 years old, and must not be older than 17.6 years, by August 1,09
• Must have an Israeli passport.
• Should score 50 or higher on the SLEP -- Secondary Level English Proficiency test (equivalent to 480 or higher on the Institutional Testing Program--“Institutional TOEFL” exam)
• Should demonstrate flexibility and a commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding.
• Should have a minimum grade of 80 in all subjects for the past year; overall 80 average for the past 3 years.

 If you are interested in participating in the YES program please fill out the pre-application form and send it to the given e-mail or mail address in the form.
For further information and confirmation of the participation of your school in the YES Program, please contact the YES program coordinator:

Gladys Abu-Elezam                                                                     

Mobile Phone: 052- 3590932                               
E.mail:   yes_iearn@yahoo.com

We look forward to your participation in the Youth Exchange and Study Program.