Pre – Application

(YES) (Part 1)
AFS India
Format No.: AFS/SEN/PA/006a

The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program was

established by Congress in October, 2002 in response to the events of
September 11, 2001. The program is funded through the U.S. Department of
State and sponsored by the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs (ECA) to
provide scholarships for high school students (15-17 years) to spend up to one Please
academic year in the U.S. Students live with host families, attend high school, attach a recent,
engage in activities to learn about American society and values, acquire passport-sized
leadership skills, and help educate Americans about their countries and photo here
cultures.

Important Guidelines-
Please note you need to fulfil both age and criteria to fill this form:

✓ Age Criteria: You must be between the ages of 15-17.7 years (born between January 15, 2008 and January
15, 2010) by the start of the program (August 15, 2025).
✓ Be enrolled in the secondary school in 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grade at the time of Application
✓ Preference to High Academic Performance - 70% plus
✓ 4 Consecutive Academic Performances are required, i.e. 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25 which
will be taken into account
✓ NO Failing Grades during the 4 consecutive academic performances are allowed. The failing grade is
below 50%, as per the Scholarship requirement
✓ English of intermediate level is required
✓ Students with Disabilities (providing Disability Certificate) are also encouraged to apply.
✓ Be a Legal Resident and Citizen of India
✓ The annual income of both parents or legal guardians must be below Rs. 5 Lac
✓ Meet U.S. J-1 visa eligibility requirements
✓ Preference will be given to those who have not spent a total of more than 90 days in the U.S. in the
last five years or not have visited the US at all
✓ Commitment to cultural immersion in the United States through a home-stay experience
✓ Ability to meet cross-cultural challenges with maturity, humor, and an open mind
✓ Plans for sharing their U.S. experience with their home school and community upon return home
✓ Create your and your parents email ID’s
✓ Check your e-mail every week for updates
✓ One candidate can apply for only 1 scholarship. In case a student has applied for a full scholarship
earlier/ he/ she cannot re apply for the scholarship
✓ If you're a class 12th standard student, you aren't eligible for this program.
✓ Use a pen to fill up the form. Don't use a pencil.
✓ Please submit financials of your parents (ITR/ Form 16/ last 3 months salary slip/ Electricity bill/Income
Certificate). It is mandatory, else your application will not be accepted.
✓ Application must be complete, Incomplete application will automatically be rejected.
✓ Students with very high income are discouraged to apply in this program.
✓ Late application submission will not be accepted
 Pre – Application
(YES) (Part 1)
AFS India
Format No.: AFS/SEN/PA/006a

Stages of YES Program- Recruitment & Selection

Preliminary Application (this form) -It starts the process. It tells us that you want to participate in
the exchange experience. If you fulfil the eligibility criteria of the program, you will be informed about
next stage of the process. Application submission Deadline is 12th May 2024.

Discovery Day - Discovery Day is an important step in YES Application stage. It provides you a chance
to interact with the other participants who have applied for this program. This day will help you clearing
any queries about the program and meet the staff, volunteers, and alumni. June 2024

Main Application -It is essential step in application stage as this is a very detailed application which
helps us getting us to know minute details about your family, dietary requirements, your day-to-day
activities, schools’ recommendation etc. June-July 2024

Panel Interviews - Interview is a very important step in the process as a panel of Embassy/ Consulate
officials. AFS volunteers, staff will meet with you and interact with you. In this process you will be
traveling to nearest port for the process. (Dates will be announced closer / prior to the Event).

English test and In class Essay writing- The English test is a reading and listening test followed by
essay writing. (Dates will be announced closer / prior to the Event).

Home Interview - Home interview gives us the opportunity to learn more about you and your family by
visiting your home. (Dates will be announced closer / prior to the Event).

These individual interviews plus home visits or family interviews lead to a merit-based national ranking
of all applicants and to a selection of finalists that will be offered a chance to participate in an AFS
Program.

National Ranking- These individual interviews plus home visits or family interviews lead to a merit-based
national ranking of all applicants and to a selection of finalists that will be offered a chance to
participate in the YES program. (Dates will be announced closer / prior to the Event).
 .

Pre – Application (YES)

(Part 1)
St u d e n t Programs AFS India
Format No.: AFS/SEN/PA/006a
.

Name:

Date of Birth:

Current Residence:

Full Address:

Area: Rural/ Semi urban/ Urban:

Current Class/ Grade:

Contact Number Residence:

Mobile:

Email ID:

Religion:

Describe any special circumstances such as medical conditions, disabilities, etc

Do you have a passport? If yes, share details:

 .

Preliminary Application Form

AFS India

FAMILY DETAILS

Name of Father: Father’s Occupation:

Name of Mother: Mother’s Occupation:

Details of Siblings if any:

Name Date of Birth Name of the School

Have you or your sibling ever participated or applied in AFS scholarship? If yes share details.

Introduce yourself in 50 words

Do you have international exposure of traveling Abroad? If yes share details.

-

How did you come to know about YES Scholarship?

a) Relatives
b) School
c) Friends
d) Sibling
e) any other.
Share Details:
 .

Preliminary Application Form (Part 1)

AFS India

SCHOOL INFORMATION
Name of the School :

How long you have been studying in this School:

Marks of Past two years. Over all percentage/grade/CGPA which are applicable.

Class/Grade Marks in Percentage

8th

9th

10th

11th

Extra-Curricular Activities you have participated in:

 Preliminary Application Form (Part 1)
AFS India

Personal Achievements: Please mention your achievements in the following fields if any:
1. Academics 2. Sports 3. Dance 4. Singing 5. Art and Craft 6. Debates 7. Olympiads 8. Other

Local Level Regional level National level

Any International Achievements:

 Preliminary Application Form (Part 1)
AFS India

Essay Writing
Answer both the essays. Write in not more than 200 words. Use the space provided. Write in readable
and neat handwriting.

1. Living in a new country and culture will a big challenge. Which specific challenges do you
anticipate, and how do you plan to overcome them?
2. If you are selected for the program, you will be staying in a host family and studying in a high
school.What are the new things that you will like to know about their family and plan to share with
them?How do you plan to cope up with the academics of your home country?
 Preliminary Application Form (Part 1)
AFS India

Financial Summary:

Complete this section regarding combined net Income of your parent(s) or guardian(s) for the current year. Please
attach a copy of your and your parent’s most recent ITR/ Form 16/ 3 months’ Salary slip/Income Certificate. In
case these documents are not available please attach the electricity bill of 3 months.

Father’s Monthly Income:

Mother’s Monthly Income:

Income of any other immediate family member staying in the same household:

Assets in Indian Rupees Liabilities in Indian Rupees

Car

Home

Jewelry

Loans

Other (Give details)

I do state the above information is accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Signature of Applicant Signature of Parents Date

Preliminary Application Form (Part 1)
AFS India